By Jeff Price/Sinclair CC Sports Information
Dayton, OH – Sinclair (2-1/0-0) men's basketball team knocked off The Ohio State University-Lima Barons Monday night 96-65 as the Pride honor all Veteran's with Military Appreciation Day.
The night started with Colonel Barlow - Installation Commander at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Colonel Gladney's 88th Air Base Wing and Chief Master Sgt. Mazza addressing the team in the locker room for pre-game. The base Honor Guard presented the colors as Airman Cassi Pittman sang the National Anthem to round out the pre-game festivities.
Sinclair claimed control of the game from the jump and never really looked back. The Barons were not able to handle the Pride pressure as Sinclair scored easy transition baskets to build a comfortable 1st half lead 51-17. The second half the visitors handled the Pride pressure a little better and matched buckets but was never able to put any kind of dent in the Sinclair lead.
The special event of the night came at halftime. The United State Air Force recruiters brought 12 Delayed Enlistment Personnel out to center court and presented them to Colonel Barlow for a swearing in ceremony. Sinclair normally returns to the locker room for halftime but tonight Coach Price kept his young men court side as they watched the recruits take an oath to protect and defend the country and the constitution. After the ceremony, Airman Cassi Pittman sang God Bless America as every member of the Pride said thank you and shook the hand of each newly swore in Airman.
Sophomore Point Guard Charlie Byers (5-11 FR/Cincinnati - Moeller H.S.) lead all scorers with 20 points and 5 assist. Mark Allen (6-3 SO/Cincinnati – Northwest H.S.) posted a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds and Sophomore Guard Gavin Schumann (6-1 FR/Cincinnati - Roger Bacon H.S.) also scored in double figures with 16 and 5 steals. Freshman Guard Corbin Bates (6-2 FR/Akron Firestone H.S.) also chipped in with 10 points.
Sinclair will travel to Middletown Wednesday to take on the Miami University-Middletown Thunderhawks, tip time 7:30pm.