I don't think we've ever beaten them. They're very athletic and will present a huge challenge.

We played the best 29 minutes of basketball we played all season collectively, then we did everything wrong collectively in the last three minutes. We missed free throws, had quite a few turnovers. It was bad. But we were happy to respond so well against Pickerington North. The kids bounced back and showed some poise.

It was the exact opposite of the way we finished against South. We stay poised and confident. If we had played that way in the fourth quarter against South and the last four minutes against Mount Vernon (58-54 loss Jan. 20), we'd be in first place. I think as low as we were after South, we needed a comeback win like this to prove to ourselves we could close out games.

For most of three quarters, we showed what we're capable of doing when we execute and play smart. We led one of the best teams in the district by 20 points. I doubt anyone has led them by 20 this season. But then we got away from the things we were doing, had calls go against us and things started to snowball. Then, just like that, the lights went out for our kids.

We've played some teams in the past couple weeks that really like to slow the tempo. While they've dictated tempo, what I've been pleased with is our ability to be patient. Our shot selection has been good, and that's important when you have fewer possessions. I tell the guys all the time that teams may dictate tempo, but defenses can't dictate shot selection.

We're not out of it by any means, but we don't have total control now like we would have if we had beaten Mount Vernon. For all practical purposes, if we lose another, it's over. We've got to take care of business and hope the chips fall in our favor now.