Warhawks block playoff path

Posted: Feb. 26, 2013

Last year, it was Sussex Hamilton that stunned Arrowhead in the regional final. This year, the tables turned.

Arrowhead took five offensive fouls in the second half, digging in defensively, and turned the tide in a performance that earned them a trip to the WIAA Division 1 sectional semifinal Feb. 28 against No. 1 ranked Germantown. With the 49-36 loss Feb. 23, Hamilton's landmark season came to an end at 21-3.

Arrowhead led 20-14 at the half in a grind-it-out defensive struggle in front of a packed house.

With 7:11 to play in the third quarter, Chargers enforcer Tony Gumina connected on a 3-point play to make the count 22-17. Brady Ellingson canned a 3-point field goal, then scored on one of the game's only breakaway layups, cutting Arrowhead's lead to 24-22 with 4:20 to play in the third quarter.

But Arrowhead's Jackson Abresch sank two free throws with 4:10 remaining in the third quarter, and DJ Escamilla found shooting room from the corner, drilling a 3-pointer to give Arrowhead a three possession lead 29-22 with 3:30 showing on the third quarter clock.

Thereafter, the Chargers were whistled for five offensive fouls in attempts to attack the basket, as Arrowhead stood its ground inside.

Kyle Keranen knocked down a 3-point field goal with 5:07 to play in the fourth quarter, giving Arrowhead a double-digit lead at 37-26.

Dominic Todarello guarded Ellingson and compelled the junior marksman to take his looks farther and farther from the basket.

"Obviously Brady is a great shooter," Todarello said. "I just tried to force him left and to dribble more then just spot up and shoot the three. I have to thank my teammates for helping me out on him. He's a great player."

Ellingson finished with 15 points for game-high honors on 6 for 19 shooting. He was 3 for 10 from long range.

Hamilton was also stingy, allowing Arrowhead to go 16 for 35 (35.6 percent) from the field. The Chargers ended up 14 for 43 (32.6 percent) for the night.

Todarello led Arrowhead with 13 points. Keranen and Finco each achieved double figures with 10 points and Billy Hirschfeld, exchanging body blows with Gumina most of the night, had 4 points, but more importantly 11 rebounds.

Gumina had 7 points and nine rebounds for the Chargers.

"We needed to make some shots, some plays, but to their credit, they got after us tonight defensively," Hamilton head coach Andy Cerroni said. "We battled and tried to get to the rim but they were there to take charges."

For Hamilton, it's a tough night, but no one in the Charger Nation will ever forget the Greater Metro Conference co-championship season.

"These kids are going to always remember this game. They earned the right to be here," Cerroni said. "I'm not disappointed. These guys have accomplished a lot this season."

All eight boys basketball teams in the GMC were eliminated in the WIAA regional level.