The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

Brunswick comes up big for Mohawks

Taft next challenge for 24-0 Madison in regional semifinal on Wednesday.

Defense inspires Falcons’ OT win against Rams
New 5 min. ago
Crusaders hand Eagles 1st home loss
New 10 min. ago
Franklin rolls past Oakwood to go 18-0
New 29 min. ago
Spartans’ victory clinches SWBL Buckeye crown
1:26 a.m.
Fairborn senior scores big on No. 1 Springboro
1:19 a.m.
> More sports headlines

By Rick Cassano, Staff Writer Updated 2:27 PM Friday, March 12, 2010

DAYTON — In a balanced group of heroes, Madison High School senior Justin Brunswick was right in the middle of everything Thursday night, March 11.

Again.

The 6-foot-9 center was his typically disruptive self against Shroder Paideia, helping the unbeaten Mohawks boys basketball team capture a Division III district title with a 74-62 victory at the University of Dayton Arena.

“This is a very emotional night for us,” said Brunswick, who totaled 13 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and a blocked shot. “I just pride myself on playing defense. If I could contest every shot, I’d do it. But I think I’ve learned when to go get it and when to be smart.”

His basket started Madison’s decisive 13-2 run in the fourth quarter. That surge expanded the Mohawks’ lead to 68-55 with 2:22 remaining.

Madison coach Jeff Smith said he’s proud of Brunswick, a player who’s heard more than his share of stern language from the coach.

“Nobody has probably yelled at one human being more than I’ve yelled at him,” Smith said. “He’s been working so hard. A lot of shots that are missed by the other team are simply because of him.”

Brunswick said he knew the squad would stay strong, even when the game got close down the stretch.

Indeed, this is a group that’s dealt with the pressure of a perfect record all season.

“It motivates us even more,” Brunswick said. “We’ve wanted that pressure since the beginning of the season. We wanted to go straight through the season without losing.

“We have such a great group of guys,” he continued. “Nobody cares who gets the numbers. We all love each other.”

Another test looms

The Mohawks are 24-0, but they’ve heard the talk that the next game is their last stop.

Taft will be their regional semifinal opponent Wednesday night at Kettering Fairmont, and the Senators have a couple big-time players.

Adolphus Washington, a 6-foot-6 sophomore, collected 25 points and 10 rebounds Thursday as Taft (22-2) defeated Tipp City Bethel 68-60.

“The jaws of the beast await us,” Smith said with a smile. “Our kids are not intimidated by that. We’re going to go right at them. We feel we can compete with Taft.”

Said Brunswick, “If they’re better than us, then that’s the way it is. I know we will come to play.”

Share this article