Coach Mix reflects on the incredible late-season run of the OHS basketball team

It was the best week of girls? basketball in Onaway in more than three decades.

From the nail-biting win in the district opener against Vanderbilt to the emotion-filled district title clincher against perennial Class D favorite, Gaylord St. Mary. And of course there was the program?s first regional game in 33 years.

It was an incredible seven days.

It went by in the blink of an eye, said head coach Marty Mix, who with his enthusiasm and love of the game, along with the dedication of a hard-working group of student-athletes, has resurrected the girls? program from routine losing seasons to a new level.

The Cardinal players won a record 19 games, claimed both sets of league crowns, and earned a high, Class D honorable mention in the Associated Press girls? basketball polls.

The night after their 31-point loss to Cedarville, Mix shared some post-season thoughts.

Q. What happened in the Cedarville game? Were they that much better?

Mix: I think that Cedarville was an excellent ball club. They had some of the best post players we have seen all year, as well as some of the best shooting guards we played as well. We got off to a good start but their pressure and inside game took control. Both teams played very hard, but they were very tough to stop. It took a very good team to end our season, and I wish them the best of luck.

Q. What does this successful post season run mean for the Cardinal girls? basketball program?

Mix: For our program, this is a huge step forward. Winning the way we did this year, as a complete team unit, was awesome. The girls came together and battled every night. They stepped up throughout the season and had a never give up attitude. Seasons like this help you push forward and look to getting back there again. Taking both sets of conference titles was something special, but winning that district was an amazing feat to do.

Q. What was the entire experience like, and what type of support do you receive from the community?

Mix: It was awesome for all of us. The kids got to be a part of something special for the community, and because of the hard work they put in, they could be rewarded. Our support, not only at home, but at away games, was incredible. I don’t remember a game we played this year when we didn’t have a larger crowd than our opponent. Being able to have that type of support was incredible for the girls and was something exciting to be a part of. The community and school made this season so enjoyable.

Q. What lasting image will you take from the district tournament?

Mix: The moment I will remember most about the tournament was a timeout in the St. Mary’s game when I looked at the girls and told them to never forget this exact moment. All the sand hills, all the hard work, it just earned you a district championship. The look in their eyes was something so unique and special. I have never felt so happy for those kids. They earned it.

Q. Where does the program go now?

Mix:

Obviously, with the end of the season, you always lose, regardless of the outcome. Not having this crew of seniors back will be very tough for us. Every game they have played in high school I have been fortunate enough to see, and to watch who they became, was an experience coach (John) George and myself were privileged to be a part of. The seniors? leadership was awesome. They truly are a special group of ladies and I am so proud of all of the players.

Coming back, I will return three All-Conference Players, a solid group of incoming seniors, as well as some really talented players from the JV team.

From the team we ended this season with, we will lose seven, and have six returners. We look forward to getting back to right where we left off.