Hartville Eagles’ season ends in state sectionals

Just three days after knocking off rival and state-ranked Norwood (No. 3) to win a district championship, the No. 2 state-ranked Hartville Eagles drew Eugene, the top team in Class 2, for a state sectionals rematch from a year ago.
This time; however, Hartville traveled to Eugene for a match-up of the top two teams in the state.
Both teams exchanged leads throughout regulation when Harmon Johns picked up a steal and Hartville called timeout with 6.5 seconds left in the fourth quarter of a 42-42 game.
After Eugene had a foul to give, taking the clock down to 1.5 seconds, Mason Cogdill’s shot was off the mark and Payton Cogdill’s rebound and tough shot did not fall.
Eugene’s loud home court fan base helped their team from there as Hartville was outscored, 16-7, in overtime and the defending state champions fell, 58-49.
Hartville finished their season with a 22-6 overall record. They also won tournaments in Clever and Mountain Grove along with winning their third straight district crown and 12th in the last 14 years.
“I am extremely proud of this group as we were one play away from winning the sectional game at Eugene as we lost in overtime,” said Hartville head coach Brett Reed. “Our three seniors epitomized what it means to be a Hartville Eagle. Jackson Ward, Payton Cogdill and Harmon Johns were tremendous leaders this year and will be missed, but not forgotten for their contributions to this team and our program.”
In sectionals, Payton Cogdill had a big first quarter, hitting a 3-pointer and converting a 3-point play for seven of his team’s 10 points.
Unfortunately, foul trouble hurt Hartville as Payton picked up two fouls and so did Jackson Ward before the quarter ended.
Midway through the second quarter, Boone Garrison picked up a second foul. Gus Sinning though came in off the bench and provided a needed spark with a 3-point play for a 17-15 lead.
Harmon Johns added a 3-pointer as Hartville trailed 21-20 at the break.
Three early third quarter turnovers hurt Hartville early before Mason Cogdill’s 3-point play during a 5-0 run gave them back the lead.
Garrison added four late free throws as the game entered the fourth tied at 33-33.
Garrison hit an early 3-pointer in the fourth quarter for a one-point edge.
With one minute left, Ward assisted Johns on a game-tying basket.
In overtime, Eugene went on a quick 6-0 run while Hartville only had one shot from the field when the clock hit 2:34 left in the final session.
Eugene would pull away on the free throw line to win the game by nine. Mason Cogdill finished the game with 14 points, three rebounds and one steal; Payton Cogdill tallied 11 points, four rebounds, one block and one steal; Sinning had seven points, two rebounds and one assist; Garrison added six points, six rebounds, six assists and one steal; Johns had six points, two assists and one steal; while Ward added four points, five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal.