In a game where the clock moved fast and the offensive execution was extremely methodical by both teams Saturday night at The Orange Pit, it was the Olympians that prevailed over visiting Martinsville, 50-31, extending their winning streak to five games.
It was also a milestone victory for East coach Brent Chitty, who won his 300th career game. Chitty reluctantly talked about No. 300 as a coach.
“I tell people who bring it up two things — it’s a nice way of saying I’m old, and I’ve not made a shot, grabbed a rebound, or made a play in any of these wins. It’s the kids that I’ve been blessed to coach.”
Chitty was also quick to give credit those who have helped him in is career.
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“I played for a Hall of Fame coach in Bill Springer, and I coached with a Hall of Fame coach in Tom McKinney. I paid attention and I teach the game the way they taught me.”
The Olympians (10-10) took control early and were never threatened by the Artesians (6-17). East held the visitors to just one field goal and two free throws for a total of five points in the opening quarter. Meanwhile, it was Matthew Frost supplying the offense for the Olympians, scoring nine points in the quarter to help them to a 12-5 lead.
Unfortunately for Martinsville, its offensive output did not improve in the second quarter, and it was able to score only six points. Although East did not torch the nets itself, it was able to extend the lead to nine, going into the break with a 20-11 lead.
Frost again carried the offensive load, on his way to a game high 16 point effort, 13 of which were scored in the first half.
As the second half progressed and the clock ticked away, so did the Artesians’ hopes of a comeback. The Olympians’ defense made it difficult for Martinsville to get many scoring opportunities and the Artesians continued to struggle offensively.
“Madison exposed us a little bit (Friday) night,” Chitty said. “We talked about it today, learned from it, and made the adjustments on the defensive end. We are getting better, and that’s what you want to see.”
The Olympians pulled away in the final quarter, extending the lead to 18 points with 1:20 remaining on a Frost layin. That lead ultimately grew to 21 at 50-29 on a Bailey Harden three-point play before Martinsville scored the final two points to end the game.
