Caissons Stun Flames

   The # 3 ranked Flames collided with a freight train last Thursday night, February 21, in the VIC semi-final match in Waynesboro. The cadets were out in full force packing the corner of the crackerbox gym at Fishburne Military School. The noise of boot stomping and pole banging on the bleachers was deafening. Both teams seemed excited for the contest to begin.
   However, the #2 ranked Caissons freight train was not to be derailed tonight. They put 37 points on the board in the first quarter while EMHS struggled to get shots to fall and mustered only 8 points. Going into the locker room at half time EMHS had put up 24 points and earned only one trip to the free throw line. That 30 point deficit would remain for most of the game despite the efforts of the Flames. In the second half the Flames outshot the Caissons by 1 point. This was a small victory in the face of the season ending 97- 61 loss.
   There were several records that fell in the gym that night. The Caissons scoring 37 points in the first quarter was the first record. Michael Barrett finished the game with a career high 43 points and contributed 27 of those points in the first half. EMHS had no answer for how to stop Barrett’s hot shooting hand outside or his slash and drive to the basket.
    The one bright spot for the Flames was when Mitchell Leap received a pass off a steal and drove in for a lay up, only to have it blocked against the backboard.  However, goaltending was called by the official. That pushed Mitchell over the career mark to join only 8 other EMHS players that have scored over 1,000 points in their career. Scott Eberly tops the career scoring chart with 2046 points. Mitchell eclipsed Nathan Hartzler and settled into the 7th spot on the career scoring list with 1012 points. The fans rose to their feet in appreciation of the moment. After the game Mitchell received the game ball from coach Bechler to honor the moment.
    The Flames crowd erupted as each of the seniors exited the game for the final time. It was a sign of the fan’s appreciation for all of the hard work and effort that these seniors have given to the EMHS basketball program. The emotions of those moments were very evident as the players hugged coach Bechler.

- Special Correspondent Kendal Bauman