By Bill Herr

The greatest basketball game I ever witnessed on the Pirates newer court was against Crestview on December 14, 2018. The Knights were undefeated and ranked high in Ohio. They were led by All-State center Javen Etzler and his younger brother Kalen who is now on basketball scholarship at Ohio State University. The Pirates had a young, talented team. Coach Todd Boblitt said of the team, "We were a really skilled group in 2018-2019. Our guys had good basketball IQ and were able to adapt to in game adjustments. This group was able to control and dictate tempo with their skill and IQ."

Coach Boblitt said their strategy was to focus on stopping Crestview's three best shooters and leave the other two alone. One of the Pirate starters, Baylor Garmatter, who was quick on his feet, was given the assignment on defense of keeping between the center and whoever had the ball for Crestview. The strategy worked and a packed gym watched a close, exciting game that came down to the last minute. The tall Etzler in desperation took two long jump shots that failed to connect and Bluffton won the game 43-41. The Pirate fans exploded in joy.

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It was Crestview's only loss of the season as they ended up winning the state tournament. Coach Boblitt gave a description of the six that played in this game and the points they scored.

Luke Denecker (JR)-- Tremendously skilled guard, great shooter, only the 2nd player to get 1,000 (actually 1,094) points in school history. Luke finished with 19 points (4 made 3's) 8 rebounds.

Mason Soper (JR)--Extremely athletic wing that was capable of playing any position on the floor, was capable of guarding any position on the floor as well. Mason finished with 6 points (2 made 3's) 6 rebounds.

Jared Piercefield (JR)--Quick and explosive guard, great passer and distributor, sneaky quick and skilled with the ball. Jared finished with 11 points (1 made 3) 6 rebounds.

Baylor Garmatter (JR)--Tough, hard nosed competitor, Glue Guy, made all the little plays, would take the charge, get on the floor, guarded with tenacity. Baylor had 2 points.

Levi Hohenbrink (SO)--Skilled shooter, spent countless hours honing his craft, was a floor stretcher with his ability to shoot it. Levi had 3 points (1 made 3).

McCormick Ault (JR)-off the bench, role player, good basketball IQ, understood position and how to make plays for other guys. McCormick had 2 points (Made a circus shot that gave us the lead 9-8 after the 1st quarter).