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12/30/05

Late NCH run buries Lancers
La Salle kept the game close through first half

crowd of more than 8,600 packed Fifth Third Arena on Thursday to see North College Hill juniors O.J. Mayo, Bill Walker and Keenan Ellis dazzle and dunk on the La Salle Lancers.

The Trojans, who collected six dunks in the game, didn't disappoint the crowd.

Neither did the Lancers, who provided NCH with a stiff challenge for three quarters.

The Trojans, ranked No. 1 in the Enquirer Divisions II-VI area poll and No. 5 nationally by USA Today, got 23 points from Mayo and defeated La Salle, 78-61, in the second game of the Hoops on the Hill doubleheader played at Fifth Third Arena.

Walker added 14 points and 8 rebounds for NCH, which improved to 9-0.

La Salle (6-3), ranked fourth in the Enquirer Division I poll, was led by Bobby Austin, who scored 23 points. Tony Schmidt added 13 points for La Salle.
The Lancers out-rebounded the Trojans 38-37.

"We didn't come to play," said NCH head coach Jamie Mahaffey. "I think it's a matter of us not being focused. But, I thought La Salle played well. They gave a championship effort."

LaSalle, which trailed by only five points at halftime, sent a message to the Trojans early when Daniel McElroy blocked Walker's shot just seconds into the game.

The Lancers managed to stay close but the Trojans' superior size and quickness helped them pull away late in the second half.

"La Salle gave a great effort," said Mayo. "But, obviously we gave a very marginal effort. We definitely can play better."

La Salle's only losses this season have been to Lakota West and St. Xavier, the top two teams in the Enquirer Division I area poll.

"I couldn't be more proud," said Lancers head coach Dan Fleming. "Obviously (NCH) is a very talented team. But, our kids gave every ounce of effort."

North College Hill (9-0) - Davis 7 3 17, Walker 4 5 14, Butler 4 0 8, Mayo 9 4 23, Evans 2 0 4, Ellis 5 0 10, Glover 1 0 2. Totals: 32 12 78.
La Salle (6-3) - Schmidt 5 0 13, Posey 1 0 2, McElroy 4 0 8, Austin 10 2 23, Jones 3 0 8, Hennessy 1 2 5, Martin 1 02. Totals: 25 4 61.

North College Hill17182023-78La Salle12181615-61
3-pointers: NCH 2 (Walker 1, Mayo 1); L 7 (Jones 2, Schmidt 3, Hennessey 1, Austin 1).