O’Bradovich reaches 1,000 points, sets record

by Peter Jakey-Managing Editor

It was a night to celebrate great basketball accomplishments.

First off, the Onaway boys’ basketball team won its second to last regular season home game over Rogers City, 83-59. It gave the Cards (15-4) their 15th regular season victory.

Joe O'Bradovich lays in it for two points.

 

It also was a night of milestones and records, and done in dramatic fashion.

Senior Joe O’Bradovich reached the 1,000-point scoring plateau with a buzzer-beating three-pointer. He also claimed the single-game scoring record with a dunk.

O’Bradovich finished with 48 points and surpassed the record previously held by Marty Mix, Onaway High School’s current principal/athletic director. The old record was 44.

“You could not ask for it to happen in a better way than with a buzzer-beater against Rogers City at halftime,” said coach Eddy Szymoniak. “The best part was he had no idea that he was that close. It shows how humble he is. He just plays the game and doesn’t worry about stats or records. He had never talked about it or asked, but it was a pretty special moment for what that kid has gone through.” He battled injuries his freshman and sophomore years, but worked hard in the gym to improve and get back on the court.

The single-game scoring record snuck up on the coach. Szymoniak did not realize Joe was that close until the final few minutes of the game.

He tied the record with a three-pointer and stole the ball on the next possession and broke the record with a dunk. “You could not ask for a better finish on the night,” said Szymoniak.

The halftime score was 36-28. The Cards pulled away as the game progressed into the second half. Carlos Bautista had a remarkable night with 19 points and 18 rebounds.

Thursday, past press time, Onaway hosted undefeated Bellaire (19-0) for a shot at second place in the Ski Valley Conference. A win would give them a share of second with Mancelona. It was the last home game of the season.

The Cardinals open the state playoffs with Wolverine Monday at 6 p.m. in Hillman, looking

for a rematch with Posen, who has a bye, two nights later. Posen knocked the boys out of the tournament last year and denied them a chance to play Hillman in the district championship game.

On Monday, Onaway defeated Pellston, 73-51.

“We played a good offensive game,” said Szymoniak. “One area we struggled at was, we let them have the outside shots. Other than that, when it got to crunch time, we put them away just like we did Rogers City. When the fourth quarter comes, we turn up the heat.”

O’Bradovich finished with 30 points in that game.