Olentangy Orange 62, Olentangy Liberty 48
Pioneers continue to roll as they win their sixth straight
Written by 270 Hoops staff writer Greg Glasser
POWELL, OH - If you found yourself basking in Olentangy Orange’s slow start to the season, which saw the defending Division I state champions open with a 1-4 record, it’s safe to declare the hater’s holiday is over.
And if you felt that the Pioneers would eventually turn into form and bought stock at their low point, then you’ll be pleased with your portfolio especially after Olentangy Orange traveled west on Friday and defeated district rival Olentangy Liberty 62-48 to earn their sixth straight victory that also served as a pivotal league win in the competitive OCC-Central.
Outside of a third quarter in which Liberty outscored Orange 16-7, the Pioneers won the other three periods 55-32 and were in firm control as they had four players score in double digits. A team total of 18 assists is reflective of past Orange teams, who has arguably been Central Ohio’s best and most consistent program over the last three years.
“We talked at halftime and said ‘scared money don’t make money’ and we were too conservative [in the third quarter],” Olentangy Orange head coach Anthony Calo said after the game. “It’s a growing process. We have one core returner and guys that I believe in, but the reality is they are going through pressure for the first time together. It’s good to get a learning experience in a win and not a loss and there’s a lot to clean up, but it’s progress.”
That one core returner is Treyton Schroeder, a decorated two-sport star that earned a state championship as a two-way starter in football just eight and a half months after winning a ring with Orange in basketball. A 5’10 guard and three-year starter, Schroeder was one of three players to score 14 points, but his seven rebounds and five assists rounded out his elite performance.
“He is our rock, no doubt,” Calo said. “His steadiness is incredible. He doesn’t get rattled, which is huge for our team because we have a couple of guys that get too emotional, but he stays so steady.”
