Fulton County Ohio Media

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The championship game of the Bob Fisher Holiday Classic lived up to its hype as the Swanton Bulldogs outlasted the Maumee Panthers 49-45 in overtime.  Luc Borojevich hit a big three-pointer in OT to put the Bulldogs up 43-42 and, with 17.6 seconds left on the clock, sank two crucial free throws in a one-and-one situation to give Swanton a little cushion at 47-43.  “I was like so nervous because I haven’t been shooting to well from the line this whole tournament,” said Borojevich who led all players in the game with 23 points.  “I took five deep breaths and trusted the shot.” 

The Panthers quickly scored inside to pull within 47-45 and then fouled Cole Mitchey, hoping he would miss at least one of his foul shot attempts.  Mitchey went to the line looking calm, cool and collected and drained both shots to seal the win and bring home the Fisher Classic trophy.

The Bulldogs did not have a good shooting night in the first half, but were still in good shape as they trailed only by four points at the break.  “We’re a lot better defensively than we are offensively.  I think that’s pretty evident,” commented Swanton head coach Bruce Smith.  “When you can go 2 for 10 from the arc and 3 for 8 from the free throw line and be down just four points at the half, you’re doing something right.  But we got a lot of clean-up to do.”

Maumee, out of the basketball-strong Northern Lakes League, defeated the Maumee Valley Country Day School Hawks 49-34 to advance to the finals.  “They’re a quality team,” said Coach Smith.  “I’ve watched them.  I’ve seen them on tape.  I knew they were bigger than us, I knew they were stronger than us, I knew they were faster than us.  Other than that, we were fine.”

The Bulldog victory moves their record on the season to 9-0.  They begin league play this Thursday when they travel to Patrick Henry to take on the pre-season favorite Patriots.

Photo: Swanton Bulldogs – 2022 Bob Fisher Holiday Classic Champions

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