Dragons qualify for state semifinals

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The Fayette County Dragons have qualified to play in the Special Olympics state tournament semifinals.

The Dragons basketball squad was in competition the past two weekends and the team won both games. On Feb. 21, the Dragons played against Delaware Silver, beating them 55-35. Tyler Wallace led all scorers with 17 and William Curnutte had 15.

“We were able to get out of there with a win, though the attitudes and effort were not where I would like to see them,” said Brandon Runk, head coach of the Dragons. “A few times our guys got frustrated, but they were able to press on, get the win and advance to the next round.”

The Dragons returned to action on Feb. 28 to compete against Licking County. After a very slow start with over a minute coming off the board, Licking County made the first bucket of the game. The Dragons would find themselves down 6-4 until they hit a tie scoring shot. The momentum completely shifted when Wallace stayed in the lane and drew a charge. After that point, the Dragons never looked back.

“That was the best game I have seen the guys play all year,” Coach Runk said. “The attitude and effort displayed were phenomenal. The (Feb. 28) victory was a complete team effort. We had six players in double figures….I don’t think that has ever happened in the history of the Dragons program.”

Wallace led all scorers with 14 points. Curnutte, Ethan Hubbell, and Anthony Harvel each scored 12 points, Levi Runk added 11 points of his own, and Miguel Molina finished the game with 10 points.

“The real challenge begins now,” said Runk. “Nobody practices harder than we do. Our goal is that state championship, and now we are just two wins away from being the Division II state champs.”

The Dragons will take on the Hamilton Ballers on March 18 at 6 p.m. at Hilliard Davidson High School.

Additionally, the Fayette County Board of DD (FCBDD) will hold the Dwight Turner Memorial Spaghetti Dinner this week. The dinner will be held on Friday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Fayette Progressive Industries at 1330 Robinson Road in Washington Court House. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $6, at the door for $7 and children 10 and under eat for $3. All proceeds remain local and benefit the Fayette County Special Olympics program and athletes.

“The community supports us very well year round and we usually have some of the best attendance of any Special Olympics team from our hometown,” Tim Stewart, Special Olympics coordinator for Fayette Progressive Industries, said recently. “All of the money raised goes towards helping pay for entry fees, uniforms, travel expenses and more as we continue to serve these residents. I encourage the community to consider coming out to enjoy this special dinner as a thank you for supporting our many programs.”

Dwight Turner was an avid advocate and follower of Special Olympics. He valued the programs and athletes involved, and volunteered his time to help raise awareness and funds for the programs associated with FCBDD. This year marks the fifth-annual Dwight Turner Memorial Spaghetti Dinner.

For more information on programs or events, contact Fayette Progressive Industries at (740) 335-7453.

The Fayette County Dragons qualified to play in the state semifinals after defeating Licking County on Feb. 28. The Dragons will play on March 18 at 6 p.m. at Hilliard Davidson High School. This photo was taken the evening of the victory versus Licking County. Pictured (L to R) back row: Coach Brandon Runk, Levi Runk (21), Tyler Wallace (3), William Curnutte (13), Ethan Hubbell (23), Charles Cadamy (11), Miguel Molina (24), Anthony Harvel (12), Coach Bryan Anthony, Coach Tim Stewart; front row: Josh Darden (10), team manager Aaron Hubbell and Ronnie Morris (2).
http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2016/03/web1_Dragons-Win.jpgThe Fayette County Dragons qualified to play in the state semifinals after defeating Licking County on Feb. 28. The Dragons will play on March 18 at 6 p.m. at Hilliard Davidson High School. This photo was taken the evening of the victory versus Licking County. Pictured (L to R) back row: Coach Brandon Runk, Levi Runk (21), Tyler Wallace (3), William Curnutte (13), Ethan Hubbell (23), Charles Cadamy (11), Miguel Molina (24), Anthony Harvel (12), Coach Bryan Anthony, Coach Tim Stewart; front row: Josh Darden (10), team manager Aaron Hubbell and Ronnie Morris (2).

By Martin Graham

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Reach Martin Graham at (740) 313-0351 or on Twitter @MartiTheNewsGuy

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