With his veteran Golden Bears squad watching on, Shelbyville boys basketball head coach John Hartnett produced a visual goal for his squad at halftime of its season opener Wednesday against Rushville.
Shelbyville, with much of its roster from its 18-win season intact, already built a 36-15 lead over the Lions then watched as the 2005-2006 Golden Bears squad was honored at halftime. The 20-year anniversary of the only Shelbyville squad to produce an undefeated regular season (21-0) brought out a large crowd Wednesday to William L. Garrett Gymnasium.
Most seasons, setting a goal of going unblemished during the regular season is a far-fetched goal. It is not without reason to add those expectations to this year’s squad that finished 18-7 a year ago.
On Wednesday, Shelbyville showed off its offensive balance early and its improved roster depth late in a 64-36 victory over Rushville – its 11th straight in the series.
“That was the biggest question talking to the staff before the game because we were wanting to speed the game up with our press. We were worried about getting our first five in foul trouble,” said Harnett. “Mar (Nicholson) picked up a couple quick (fouls) and Caden (Claxton) had a couple too. We have to be able to play defense without fouling. We have to find ways to speed teams up and play as aggressive as we want to play without fouling. I thought we got off to a good start and coasted the rest of the way.”
Brody Runnebohm (photo) hit two three-pointers in the first quarter and finished with a game-high 15 points. The senior also had five rebounds, one assist and one steal.
“There are going to be a lot of teams coming out focusing on Caden and Mar since they were our leading scorers last year,” said Hartnett. “Brody has one of the best jump shots around and he has to use it.”
Gavin Reed (13 points, five rebounds), Mar Nicholson (12 points, three rebounds) and Caden Claxton (11 points, seven rebounds, five assists) – all seniors -- also scored in double digits.
The fifth senior in the starting lineup, Cole Schene, had one rebound, one assist and one steal while limiting Rushville’s effectiveness in the low post.
An Owen Zachary layin cut the Shelbyville lead to 9-7 just past the midway point of the opening quarter but it was all Golden Bears from there.
Shelbyville, who will start five seniors much of the year and has seven seniors on the varsity roster, closed the quarter on an 11-0 run that created a 20-7 lead.
Freshman Camden Thoman (photo) debuted in the second quarter and immediately had an impact. He drained a 3 on his first shot attempt, dished out two assists, blocked a shot and made his final shot of the quarter to get the Golden Bears their 21-point halftime lead.
Shelbyville outscored Rushville 21-10 in the third quarter and there was little left for the starters to do. Hartnett turned to seniors Nick Fischer and Gavin Hall to close out the game with junior Cooper Thoman, sophomore Cayde Farmer and Camden Thoman.
Zy Adams led Rushville with 12 points and four rebounds. Malaki Knight finished with seven.
Shelbyville won the junior varsity game, 49-16. Cooper Thoman led the Golden Bears with 17 points. Eli Davis finished with 12.
Shelbyville is at Triton Central (1-0) Saturday. The Golden Bears have won two straight over the Tigers.
“Triton Central is a tough team to play every single year,” said Hartnett. “Eli Sego is a heck of a player and he has given us problems each and every single year. We are going to try and find ways to stop him and contain him a little bit. It will not be easy on his home floor where he shoots very well and gets his points. With this team I have, I am very excited to go in there Saturday and see what we can do.”
Notes: Triton Central head coach Mark James (33-17 in his third year in Fairland) has the third most career wins (632) among active coaches. … Eli Sego is fourth on Triton Central’s career scoring list with 1,124 points. He is chasing Wyatt Felling’s record of 1,553 points set in 2019. … Caden Claxton and Mar Nicholson are both chasing the 1,000-career point milestone this season. After Wednesday’s performances, Claxton now has 910 points while Nicholson is at 682.
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