Student body supports Medina Unified basketball team in home opener

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Andrew Owens drives to the basket during this afternoon’s home opener for the Mustangs Unified basketball team against Hutch-Tech before a student body filled gym.

A full house was on hand including a pep band and cheerleaders as the Medina Unified basketball team opened the home portion of its season this afternoon with an student body assembly program contest against Hutch-Tech.

And the student body was treated to a close, entertaining contest with Hutch-Tech emerging with a narrow 38-36 win.

Medina’s Steven Secore (10) drives the ball up court escorted by Tom Biaselli (23).

“Getting to play basketball is a great opportunity for these kids and this game is the highlight of the year for them,” said Medina Coach Cal Tuohey. “To play before their peers with a full gym is great.  I hope it helps spread the interest in Unified basketball.”

“Our unified basketball program is in its third year of existence, and it has been an amazing experience for many of our student athletes,” said Medina Athletic Director Eric Valley.

All eight of the Mustang players contributed to the point production as Lincoln Pace and David Wiley each  scored 8, Tom Biaselli 5, Andrew Owens and Jackson Tuohey 4, Steven Secore 3 and Josh Calus and Bobby Vidovich 2 each.

Trailing 10-9 after one period, 24-16 at the half an 30-24 after three quarters, Medina made the finish exciting as the Mustangs rallied back into a 36-36 tie late after a pair of baskets by Wiley.

However, the comeback bid fell just short as Hutch-Tech earned the win on two free throws by Anthony Carmichael with 19 seconds to go.

The Mustangs rebounded quickly though besting a faculty team 16-11 in a brief contest to close out the program.

Earlier in the week the Mustangs opened their season at Niagara Falls dropping a close 46-42 decision. Wiley scored 14, Tuohey and Owens 8, Vidovich  5, Calus 4 and Secore 3.

The Medina Unified team receives vocal support from their classmates including members of the Mustangs boys varsity team as Tyler Chinn and Izaiah Rhim here stand to root them on.

The music of the pep band, shown here playing the national anthem, kept the contest lively. 

The Medina team stands at attention for the national anthem.

David Wiley drives to the basket for the Mustangs.

Medina Coach Cal Tuohey and student manager Leah Sones (21) applauds a Mustangs basket.

Lincoln Pace puts up a shot for the Mustangs.

A portion of the large student body crowd.

Tom Biaselli on a drive to the basket for Medina.

Hutch-Tech’s Zaviah Williams, left, led the Engineers scoring. At right, Jackson Tuohey advances the ball up court for Medina.