By DEAN JACKSON
WZBD.com
Don’t Stop Believin’ Hold On, Journey, 1981
WOODBURN – Kyle Sovine said it so much this season that he might have to pay royalties.
It’s more than just a cliche or catchphrase.
For Heritage, it has become a mission.
With their effort in a 56-52 comeback win over Woodlan in the Allen County Athletic Conference tournament on Tuesday, they might just make their music video.
Landon Lybarger finished with 18 points for Heritage. D’Vontaye Washington added eleven points. Kobe Meyer had seven points, four rebounds, and four assists.
“We preach it every day. Just keep competing; keep fighting,” Sovine said. “When things get tough, you either pout and stop playing or you can play harder and get through it.”
He added, “That’s what we’re trying to build here. Just keep fighting through that adversity, and every day gets better. Come in and work hard.”
The Patriots (4-6) will host Bluffton in the Friday semi-final. The Tigers (6-5) advanced in a 47-20 win over Southern Wells.
After taking control in the first half, the Warriors (6-6) built their largest lead at 12 points. That’s when Braden Smith nailed a three-pointer to make it 37-25 with 7:11 in the third quarter. It was his second straight bucket. It looked like Woodlan was about to cruise to a blowout.
Instead, it gave Heritage a gut check.
The persistent Patriots instead held their own before going on a 12-3 rally to start the final period when Washington scored on a tip-in to make it 48-46 with 2:55 to go.
“Washington got that lay-up, and it sparked that momentum. And then you carry all that momentum back on defense. I think that our strong point this year has been our defense,” Sovine reasoned.
The Warriors hit just two field goals in the final six minutes of the game.
“We amped up the pressure on Trey Yoder and Smith. Smith got away in the first three quarters, getting wide-open threes. We had to make some adjustments.”
Woodlan clung tight, hitting 4-of-4 free throws late, including a pair of shots from Smith that trimmed the Heritage advantage to 51-50 with 22.5 remaining.
That’s when Meyer answered the call, finishing 5-for-6 at the line—all in the final 20 seconds—to preserve the win.
Meyer was aware of the situation, but he didn’t overthink it.
“I just settled in and took my time, and we practiced free throws all the while doing what I usually do.”
Meyer finished with seven points; five of them were right in the clutch.
In the other boy’s semi, Jay County is at Adams Central. The Jets rolled 62-35 over South Adams. Jay County drew a first-round bye.
In the girls tournament, Woodlan (11-7) advanced with a 49-21 victory over Heritage.
The score isn’t a priority for Heritage.
The Patriots (1-15) understand It’s all part of the process of building a program. Growing is hard.
The Patriots are young. They have six freshmen and three sophomores; there’s a lot to take in.
“You can’t shortcut experience; you can’t shortcut the learning process,” Heritage coach Nicole Sisson reasoned. “I’ve said this a lot, but it’s the truth. You’re going to make mistakes. Development can be hard, and development can be ugly.”
Trinitee Brown led Heritage with seven points.
The effort isn’t a question, and they have had the right attitude—a hallmark of the team, Sisson said.
“No matter what, the scoreboard says, we’re going to play a certain way. We are going to control and learn from the lumps and move forward.”
“I mean, I am proud of them.”
It won’t always be this way if they keep putting the work in, Sisson explained.
“They are going to grow. They are going to learn for a couple of years. They’re going to be different players.”
Woodlan now plays Bluffton on Friday at Heritage.