A pair of CVC champions met to conclude the regular season Feb. 21 when Geneva traveled to Harvey. The Eagles took the lead early and led for most of the first half.
But a late second-quarter run, primarily in transition, pushed the Red Raiders ahead for good. They took home a 68-60 victory.
Harvey finishes the regular season 15-7, while Geneva fell to 13-9.
Nate Csiszar got things started for Geneva, connecting on a pair of 3-pointers. Armani Hall answered for Harvey, creating a 5-0 run of his own.
A Caden Proy layup in the final minute made it a 13-9 Eagles lead through one. The biggest issue for the Red Raiders was ball control, with six turnovers in the opening frame.
Harvey coach Eric Monty said the Red Raiders prepared for Geneva’s on-ball pressure, but the trap game created early issues.
“We were expecting them to speed us up,” Monty said. “We saw a lot of that on film with their 1-2-2 one that they went to later. Some of the turnovers were uncharacteristic for us, some errant passes we’ve been trying to avoid. We’re going to clean that up before the postseason.”
Chase Goines started the second quarter with a layup and an and-one opportunity, followed by a Deontae Ware putback a few possessions later.
That was the spark Harvey needed. Goines added a steal and dish to Hall that got the Red Raiders the lead.
Harvey has several players who can work inside or out and run the offense. Not having a designated label as a player has allowed the offense to work freely.
“It goes to the coaches having confidence in us,” Ware said. “We can shoot the ball, people know I can drive. But the coaches put that confidence in me. We do drills every day. And it’s that repetition.”
The Red Raiders closed the half on an 8-2 run and led, 31-22.
They controlled the second half as well, the lead only shrinking to single digits in the final minute. But the Red Raiders did it without Hall, their leading scorer, after Hall suffered a hand injury.
The senior-laden team, with nine on the roster, was prepared to make the needed adjustments. The players knew how to handle the situation and the offense didn’t miss a step.
“We’ve been playing together for so long that we all just believe in each other,” Ware said. “With Armani out and Neiman (Booker) out with an injury, I felt like I had to step up and be a leader. My teammates believed in me, and we went out there and did it.”
Ware led the way with 19 points, six rebounds and a pair of assists. Snyder (12) and Goines (11) also finished in double figures.
Harvey also saw contributions inside from Eryck McClain and outside from Xavier Roe.
Monty said depth would be a strength for the Red Raiders this season and has seen the confidence in the rotation grow.
“We’ve preached next man up all season, you never know when you’re number is going to be called,” Monty said. “Could be 30 seconds or 30 minutes. We’ve tied to prepare them as best as we can. Xavier getting in there and knocking down 3-pointers, he’s done that all season on JV and a few times at the varsity level. It’s a testament to the work ethic of the guys and being prepared.”
Geneva was led by Proy with 17 while Csiszar had 16 and Bryce Peet with 14.
Both teams now prepare for the Division III postseason and the Northeast 1 bracket. Geneva hosts Roosevelt, while Harvey welcomes Howland, both games on Feb. 27.