By HUNTER O. LYLE
lyleoleanstar@gmail.com
If you’ve paid attention to high school basketball in the Twin Tiers, you’ve undoubtedly heard of the Otto-Eldred boys basketball team and their propensity to run teams off the court. Year after year, the Terrors have been a familiar face in the District 9 circuits and beyond.
Known for their ability to both bury teams with an avalanche of 3-pointers and a constricting full-court-press, O-E has built up quite a reputation. Their resume includes numerous Big 30 All-Star selections, North Tier League championships, undefeated seasons and an array of individual accolades. However, come postseason, they’ve hit a few bumpy roads.
In 2022, when their core of Landon Franics, Manning Splain and Shene Thomas were sophomores, O-E charged through the District 9 playoffs and into the championship game. Once there, they faltered, losing to Clarion-Limestone by double digits. Making it to the PIAA tournament Final Four, they ran into Aliquippa and were dispatched by their worst loss all season.
The following year, 2023-2024, the Terrors were equally as impressive in the regular season but once again were sent home in the postseason without a title. That year it came by way of a heartbreaking last second layup in the D9 semifinals before they were defeated in the state tournament first round, again by Aliquippa.
Watching the Terrors over the past two years, part of their playoff problems actually came in the regular season. Unfortunately for them, their league does not rise to their standards. None of the other eight teams come close to touching O-E in any of the past few years. Due to the natural athleticism and basketball talents their roster has, even a mediocre game against an NTL opponent would produce a win.
There arises the problem. They have not been tested. Of course, O-E does fill in their non-league slots with teams that do appear challenging, however, none have been able to notch a win against the blue and gold thus far.
Landon Francis strips a pass and sparks a fast break during their win over the Hubbers in the opening day of the Randy Stebbins Memorial Tournament. | Photo by Hunter O. Lyle
This year, things may change, starting with Friday.
In their first game on the road this year, O-E travels across the border to the Empire State to play perennial powerhouse Randolph. As a team that could be considered the New York version of the Terrors, the Cardinals have finished the past three seasons nearly unblemished, collecting a combined record of 63-9. While the two teams have found similar successes in the regular season, Randolph has been able to climb to the mountain top, claiming back-to-back Sectional championships the past two seasons.
If the Terrors wanted a test, they got a tough one coming tomorrow night.
However, Randolph’s only red flag may be their depth, or lack thereof, in point creation. A season ago, the Cardinals were led by Drew Hind who could be counted on for 21 points a night. Other than him, the next highest point scorer was Kevin McElwain, who averaged 11 points a game and has since graduated.
The Terrors faced a similar situation in the championship of their home tournament last weekend against Eisenhower. Austin Hanson scored 42 points against Bradford on Friday but against O-E the following night, ended with just 12. With their size, speed and cohesion, the Terrors can easily counter a one-man led attack.
It will also be interesting to see how Randolph’s defense fares against the potent shooting of the Terrors. Last year, the Cardinals allowed an average of 43.7 points a night and to do that against O-E, they will need to cut nearly 30 points off the top – through three games, the Terrors are averaging 75.6 points, albeit against lack-luster opponents.
While O-E may be tested by Clarion-Limestone and Moniteau later on in the season, undoubtedly their largest challenge comes tomorrow, especially in hostile territory for Randolph’s home opener. Tip off is at 7 p.m.
