KNIGHTSTOWN, Ind. (Dec. 20, 2023) -- The Rocky River Pirates traveled all the way to Knightstown, Ind. -- and, in a way, all the way back to 1954 -- but they could not run from one of the top teams in Northeast Ohio. On Wednesday in a special contest that was played at neither school but was certainly old-school in look and feel, the Buccaneers lost to the Strongsville Mustangs 74-41.

In a contest played at the Hoosiers Gym, the site of home games played by the "Hickory Huskers" in the 1986 feature film Hoosiers, Strongsville remained unbeaten by filing a big 41-point first half and by holding the Pirates to 10 points or less in three of four periods.

Despite the set against the top-shelf Mustangs (5-1), coach Mike Murray said the River Five will gain valuable experience, on and off the court, from the trip to Knightstown and a scheduled Thursday visit to historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. "Hats off to that opponent," said Murray. "Strongsville has a great team. But I know our guys will get back at it, and we'll grow from this experience."

Wednesday's leading scorers for the Pirates (3-2) were seniors Julian Patti and Jaden Charney, with 12 and nine points, respectively. [Full stats unavailable at time of publication.] Both ends of the final score marked season-worsts for the Maroon & White. River's 41 points marked its fewest in a single game since Jan. 31 (35 vs. Avon).

The Sons of Blackbeard are slated to return to action Dec. 27-28 with home games in the Rocky River Holiday Classic.
 

by Skip Snow

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