Polar Bears’ season halted by Colonel Crawford

Doing homework on an opponent usually pays off. Colonel Crawford did their homework.

The Eagles (22-1) targeted Dylan Bailey—Margaretta’s top-scoring senior—and mostly kept him in check, defeating the Polar Bears 44-32 in Friday’s Division III boys sectional final at Shelby.

“They did a great job finding help on Dylan,” Margaretta head coach Steve Keller said.

Bailey finished his final game with nine points. Troy Smetzer and Tristan Scott—also seniors—added eight points apiece for the Polar Bears.

Margaretta (11-13) led 14-10 after the opening quarter, but put up a two-spot in the second frame. The Polar Bears’ defense almost matched the Eagle’s intensity by allowing just six points in the same quarter.

“We did a nice job on the defensive end,” Keller said. “But we struggled offensively. It’s tough when you’re held to two points in a quarter.”

Despite scoring just six points in the third quarter, Margaretta found themselves within three points of tying the game with 5:30 left in the fourth. That was as close as they’d get.

“I just want to thank our seniors for all the commitment and hard work they put in this year,” Keller said. “As coaches, we’re blessed and thankful for all the sacrifices they made all year long.”

Toby Miller, Caleb Weidenfeft, Mason Dye, Adrian Protzman and Chris Cheek are also seniors.