Year in Review for Men’s Basketball 2008
The men’s basketball team completed another successful season this past winter, finishing the year with a record of 15-9. The Royals started the season with an inexperienced crew including only three players with varsity minutes. After the first eight games of the season, the Royals held a record of three wins and five losses. However, with great leadership and play from seniors C.J. Holmes, Isaac Smith, and Derek Rine, the Royal Hoopsters were able to finish very strongly, winning 12 of the last 16 games as the players defined themselves with great team basketball and tremendous defense throughout that stretch. CVCA’s fans enjoyed cheering on one of the most enjoyable teams to watch due to great teamwork, artful passing, and persistent toughness.
The Royals entered the Elyria District Tournament as the number-five seeded, drawing number-three seeded Clearview Clippers in the first game. The Royals were able to prevail against a gritty opponent, 59-53, earning the right to play number-two-seeded Woodridge in the District Semi-final. CVCA won that game, 50-41, avenging an earlier season loss to the Bulldogs. The Royals then faced number-one-ranked Lutheran West in the District final. Once again, CVCA gave a great effort and to beat the Longhorns, 76-65, winning a third District Championship in five years and a chance to play in the Regional Tournament at Bowling Green State University.
The season came to an end with a loss to 13th-state-ranked (and eventual Division III state champion) Ottawa-Glandorf in the Regional Semi-final. With a caravan of charter buses following the team to Bowling Green, the Royals were unable to overcome the Titans and lost, 58-47.
A balanced attack and great defense characterized the Royals throughout the year. Junior Mark O’Brien (13 points per game), senior Isaac Smith (11 ppg), junior Eric Worthey (10.6 ppg), and senior C.J.Holmes (10 ppg) led the team in scoring. Several players received post-season honors: Isaac Smith, First Team PAC-7, Second Team All-District, and Honorable Mention All-State; Mark O’Brien, First Team PAC-7, Honorable Mention All-District; and C.J. Homes, Honorable Mention PAC-7, Honorable Mention All-District.  Congratulations to the Royals on a season of perseverance and success!