Elyria’s Cinderella Run Ends in Heartbreaking Regional Final Loss
The Elyria Pioneers’ remarkable postseason journey reached its dramatic conclusion on March 14, falling just short in a nail-biting 53-50 Division I regional final against St. Edward at the University of Akron. This marked the program’s first regional final appearance since 1977, a testament to the team’s resilience and unexpected surge through the tournament. Despite facing multiple double-digit deficits throughout the game, the Pioneers (19-7) showcased their grit on the grand stage, battling back with unwavering determination. Ultimately, two crucial possessions in the dying seconds proved to be the difference, as Elyria came up empty on attempts to tie or take the lead.
“That’s what they’ve done this whole tournament,” said Elyria coach Brett Larrick, reflecting on his team’s tenacious spirit. “I just told them this should hurt. It hurts more because of how special the group was and how special the moment was. The further you get, it hurts a little bit more. I’m so unbelievably proud.”
The game began with an early stumble for Elyria. After securing a brief 2-0 lead, the Pioneers struggled offensively, converting just 2 of 11 field goal attempts, including an 0-of-8 mark from beyond the arc, in the first quarter. This shooting slump allowed St. Edward (22-4) to build a 12-5 advantage, fueled by Zymir Knox’s 10 first-half points.
The Eagles extended their lead to double digits early in the second quarter, with contributions from their bench players, Kaleb Gettis and Dustin Hess. However, Elyria refused to fold. A quick 8-0 run, ignited by Rondell Grimmett and Tink Shelton’s first two three-pointers of the game and capped by Kendyll Compton’s pair of free throws, narrowed the deficit to 19-17 in just 1:24. St. Edward responded swiftly, closing out the half with a 9-2 run to regain control.
“I thought we all came out and played hard today,” Elyria senior Cam Bell commented. “Obviously, Ed’s is a good basketball team. I thought we played hard for the most part. I’m proud of the effort today and we were right there.”
A Tale of Runs and Resilience
The third quarter saw St. Edward seemingly seize command, establishing their largest lead of the game at 37-25 midway through the period. However, Elyria’s Rondell Grimmett had other plans. The senior forward orchestrated a pivotal 10-0 run, draining all four of his attempts in the quarter, including three three-pointers.
“That felt great for the last game,” Grimmett shared, who finished with a game-high 16 points. “The past couple games, it’s been a little rough for me. It definitely felt good to knock a couple down tonight.”
Holding a 42-37 advantage heading into the final quarter, St. Edward recaptured momentum with consecutive baskets from J.T. Kelsheimer, extending their lead to nine. Despite early turnover issues and persistent shooting struggles, Elyria remained competitive, demonstrating their ability to rally.
Final Seconds and Missed Opportunities
The Pioneers mounted one last charge in the closing minutes. Freshman Micah Jackson provided a crucial spark with a timely three-pointer, pulling Elyria within six. Following an extended absence due to foul trouble, Kendyll Compton returned to the game and immediately hit a three-pointer, his first field goal of the night, further narrowing the gap.
With the score at 50-47 and trailing, Cam Bell drove to the basket, drew a foul, and converted an and-one. His subsequent free throw tied the game at 50 with just 2:05 remaining. However, Ian Murray of St. Edward answered on the ensuing possession with what would prove to be the game-winning basket.
Elyria’s first attempt to reclaim the lead resulted in a turnover. After a pair of missed free throws by St. Edward, the Pioneers regained possession but committed another costly turnover with less than 15 seconds left on the clock.
Murray then split a pair of free throws with 8.6 seconds remaining, setting the stage for Elyria’s final opportunity. The ball found its way to Grimmett, who had heated up considerably in the second half, for an open corner three-pointer. The shot, however, rimmed out, sealing St. Edward’s first regional title in four years and ending Elyria’s dream season.
Key Performers:
- Elyria:
- Rondell Grimmett: 16 points
- Jermiah Daniels: 11 points
- Cam Bell: 9 points, 10 rebounds
- St. Edward:
- J.T. Kelsheimer: 12 points
- Zymir Knox: 12 points
“We love each other. We all love each as a team, as brothers,” said Daniels, reflecting on the team’s bond. “We know no matter what the score is, we’re still going to give it our all until the clock runs out.”
Elyria’s Kendyll Compton pulls up for a jump shot against St. Edward on March 14. (Randy Meyers – For The Morning Journal)
