The Sports Informant

By Scott Levin
Sports Informant Contributing Writer

In the pinnacle of championship Saturday at Arco Arena, the No. 6 Sheldon Huskies continued their Cinderella run, knocking off the No. 1 Franklin Wildcats, 78-72, in the Boys Division-I section title game.

Sheldon used its unmatched size-athleticism combo to bully its way past the Wildcats. No player epitomized that skill set more than Huskies star Darius Nelson. Nelson, the brother of former area standout DeMarcus, used his listed 6-foot-6-inch, 225-pound frame – perhaps a bit modest – to carve out any spot on the court he desired.

Darius Nelson goes over two Franklin defenders in the Division I section championship Saturday. (Photo courtesy Tom Paniagua)

The junior posted 29 points, with 21 coming in the second half. The fact that he’s still rehabbing an injury and wouldn’t call himself 100 percent made the effort more impressive.

“I just came out and played my heart out,” Nelson said. “And we got the job done. I dedicated my body for the team.”

Franklin fell behind early and had to fight to keep up with Sheldon’s quick play. Down by as much as 11 in the second half, the Wildcats slowly inched closer, bringing the deficit to 71-68 with 1:50 left.

But Sheldon again flashed its brilliant athleticism, turning up the defensive pressure on Franklin. Sheldon coach Joey Rollings knew his team’s size would be a factor, as it has been all season.

“We’re one of the bigger teams around, which helps,” he said. “I think they (Franklin) were kind of intimidated at the end.”

After a jumper from Michael Rosaroso of Franklin, the Wildcats pressured Nelson into a turnover and converted a lay-up to make the score 73-72 in favor of Sheldon with under a minute to play. But as Nelson had done the previous play, the Huskies ignored their coach’s plea to slow down.

This time, the result was positive, as Nelson’s cousin and teammate, Ramon Eaton, hit a short bank shot and was fouled. His made free throw pushed the lead to four with 30.9 seconds left.

Sheldon then blocked two shots in the final seconds to hold on to victory.

Eaton, at 6 feet 8 inches tall in the mold of Tyrus Thomas, showed the versatility that has made him successful this season. The junior scored 13 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, added three blocks and handled point guard duties at times in the final quarter.

Coach Rollings now looks to prepare his team for some Bay Area competition he figures to see in the next round of playoffs. He is well aware of his team’s strengths.

“We’re a transition team,” he said. “We’ve got about six or seven guys who can dunk. We want to get it going.”

Nelson, who grew up in the Bay Area, also showed no fear at the prospect of playing new teams.

“As long we play our game, everything is going to take care of itself.”

Sheldon vs. Franklin slideshow