GREENVILLE – Mike Bashore was very happy with the effort his team showed against the state’s top ranked team on Saturday.
Even though the Greenville boys basketball team played hard, the Green Wave simply were over-matched against undefeated Wayne in a 96-61 loss.
“Overall I thought we played really hard,” Bashore said. “I don’t think they missed too many shots from the outside. We just had a hard time guarding them with all they can do offensively. I thought for the most part our kids battled.”
Wayne, who is ranked No. 1 in Division I in the Associated Press’ state rankings, had five players in double-digit scoring on Saturday. The Warriors made 13 3-pointers in the game.
While Greenville had trouble slowing down Wayne’s high-powered offense, the Green Wave did other things well.
“We didn’t give up very many rebounds and we didn’t really turn it over against their press,” Bashore said. “When you’re playing the best team in the state and you can do that, you’ve got to just tip your hat to them for being the better team.”
Wayne showed why it’s the top ranked team in the state from the opening tip. The Warriors averaged four points a minute in the first quarter with five 3-pointers helping them outscore the Wave 32-13.
But Greenville didn’t roll over. The Wave started the second quarter on a 12-4 run to reduce Wayne’s lead to nine points, 36-25.
“After last night to come back when we knew we were really up against it tonight … I was really pleased with the effort overall,” Bashore said, referencing a 66-45 loss to Piqua on Friday.
Wayne got back on track midway through the second quarter and went into halftime up 53-32.
Clay Guillozet, who had a game-high 33 points, scored all 12 of Greenville’s third quarter points as Wayne extended its lead to 76-44 in the period.
“I thought it was a nice bounce-back game for Clay after last night only having nine and come back with 33 I think it was tonight,” Bashore said. “He really focused and just really went after it.”
The fourth quarter was the lowest scoring period for Wayne as the Warriors added 20 points to win 96-61.
Playing against an opponent like Wayne will be beneficial for Greenville as it looks to end the season strong, Bashore said.
“I think that’s going to pay benefits for us down the stretch,” he said. “We’re not going to see anybody like that again and if we do then we made it pretty far in the tournament.”
Guillozet led Greenville with his game-high 33 points. Also for the Green Wave, Isaiah Gable scored 12 points, Aaron Rich scored eight, Peter Pandey scored three, Trae Wood scored three, and Devin Hendrix scored two.
“You know I thought Devin Hendrix showed signs of improvement tonight, too,” Bashore said. “Overall I’m disappointed how we lost, but I’m happy with the effort.”
Trey Landers and Demond Parker led Wayne with 17 points each. Also for the Warriors, L’Christian Smith scored 15 points, Scott Lute scored 13 points, Rodrick Caldwell scored 10, Isaiah Trice scored six, Chandler Fointno scored five, Deshon Parker scored five, Scott Lute scored three, Kenny Couch scored three, and Davaughn Alexander scored two.
Greenville fell to 11-8 with the loss while Wayne improved to 20-0.
Greenville will play its final home game of the season on Tuesday when it plays host to Greater Western Ohio Conference North Division foe Trotwood-Madison.
