Jan 19, 2003 By Kevin Harrison For The 5 min read

PERRYOPOLIS – The Geibel-Frazier boys rematch was just as thrilling as the first, but the result was still the same with Geibel Catholic winning another close, hard-fought contest, 63-58. “This was a typical Geibel-Frazier game. Both teams came in ready to play,” Geibel coach Ken Misiak said. “Tonight I think the kids kept their composure. I also thought we did a real good job of rebounding tonight. They listened tonight on what we wanted them to do.”

Though no longer a section game, it was important, not only because of the rivalry but both teams were looking to have a solid game to prepare for the second half of their respective sections to make a run at a possible playoff berth.

“We played extremely hard in the first half, but Geibel made shots when they had to to keep the game close,” Frazier’s P.J. Malloy said. “We gave ourselves an opportunity to win, but right now, we’re not making the plays in the end to win a game.”

The Gators (11-5, 6-0) and the Commodores (4-9, 2-5) battled to a 14-all tie in the first period.

Geibel took a 5-1 lead on a basket by John Bokat and a three-pointer by Rob Ramsey, before the ‘Dores got a three from Steve Erdley and a basket and a free throw from Riely Tidholm to take a 7-5 lead.

The Gators regained the lead at 10-7 on a trey from Jordan White and a bucket from Dale Speggen. Frazier charged back with a score from T.J. Martinak and five points from Ryan Keebler on a trey and a field goal to take a 14-10 lead. Geibel tied the game before the end of the quarter on baskets by Ramsey, and Bokat.

Frazier took control of the game in the second quarter outscoring the Gators 17-12. The Commodores opened with a 6-0 run on scores from Tidholm and Martinak, plus two from the line from Erdley.

Geibel answered on a three-point play by Zack Leonard, and two from the line from Ramsey to make the score 20-19.

Will Bronson gave Frazier a 22-19 lead with a basket, before White tied the game for the Gators with a three. Bronson and Jared Russell then hit consecutive baskets to give Frazier a 26-22 lead.

Ramsey hit two from the line, and then Travis Welc followed with a score to allow the Gators to tie the game at 26. Martinak came back with a basket for the ‘Dores, and Erdley drained a three to give Frazier a 31-26 lead at the half.

“We had four guys in double figures tonight, and we did a good job of distributing the ball and being unselfish,” Malloy said. “We did a good job of taking care of the ball, but what hurt us tonight was defensive rebounding.”

Frazier continued to control the game through the third quarter, getting three-pointers from Bronson and Keebler, plus field goals from Tidholm and Russell to hold a 41-37 lead after three.

In that third quarter, Geibel got a three from White, while Welc and Ramsey score four apiece for the Gators.

“Through the first part of the season we relied a lot on our guards but now our big people are starting to contribute,” Misiak said.

The Gators got great board play from Welc, Bokat and Leonard, as they outscored Frazier 26-17 in the final period. A three by White, and a basket from Welc gave the Gators a 42-41 lead to open the quarter. Frazier regained the lead 45-42 on consecutive baskets from Tidholm. Welc scored to pull the Gators back to within one. Keebler was fouled and made one of two from the line for Frazier, then Bokat scored for Geibel to tie the game, at 46.

The Gators got a field goal and two from the line from Welc to take a 50-46 lead, before Erdley’s basket brought Frazier to within two. Leonard hit two foul shots to give the Gators a 53-48 lead, before Bronson tied the game for the Commodores with a trey and a field goal.

Ramsey and Tidholm traded scores to leave the game tied at 55. Geibel took the lead for good, on scores from White and Leonard plus two free throws from Speggen to open up a 61-55 lead.

Keebler hit a three for Frazier’s final score, and Geibel closed out the night, hitting two of four from the line to take the win.

“I told my kids it was tough to lose this one,” Malloy said. “If we give the same type of effort for the rest of the season, like we had tonight, we have a chance at that third playoff spot in Section 3-A.”

Tidholm and Bronson led Frazier with 13 apiece.. Russell finished with 12 and Erdley had 10.

Geibel was led by Ramsey with game-high 16. He was backed by White with 15 and Welc with 14.

“The kids are playing good ball right now,” Misiak said. “This is where I expected them to be at this point of the season. We were a little slow getting there, but I’m pleased where we’re at right now.”