PLAIN CITY, Ohio -- The game may have been low scoring, but there was high intensity for all 40 minutes Tuesday night as Jonathan Alder took down Bishop Hartley in double overtime by a score of 45-43. 

Jonathan Alder was led by senior standout Jackson Izzard, who finished the game with 30 points. Izzard put the team on his back from start to finish, scoring the opening six points for the Pioneers and making big plays late in the game to help his team win. 

Bishop Hartley was led by a trio of players including DJ Donnell, Will Myers, and Nico Thomas. The trio combined for 36 of their team’s 43 points in the loss. 

Hartley led for the majority of the first half and took a three point lead into halftime, 19-16. The third quarter saw many lead changes as the teams went back and forth.

Halfway through the fourth quarter, Alder grabbed a small lead that they held onto for a few minutes. They went up as much as five points through the play of Izzard and company.

The senior guard had a thunderous dunk in transition that gave his team some momentum late in the game. Despite holding that late lead, two clutch three-pointers from Myers and Donnell cut the Alder lead down to just two with only seconds remaining. 

After two missed free throws, Hartley came down and tied the game up on a tough bucket from Donnell. Izzard was unable to get a final shot up and the game went to overtime. 

In the first overtime period, Alder missed a field goal on their first possession, and the remaining time was dribbled out by Hartley. On Hartley’s final play, Alder guard Grant Welsch came up with a huge steal that gave his team a chance to win the game with 5.5 seconds remaining. The presuming shot did not fall and the game went on to double overtime.

In the second overtime period, Taber Headings found the bottom of the basket for Alder and Donnell responded for Hartley with a great drive and score. However, it was two free throws from junior forward Joey Walker that ended up being the difference for Alder. The final three point attempt from Hartley to win the game hit back iron as the buzzer sounded. 

Jonathan Alder (5-0) is back in action on Friday as they host Springfield Shawnee. Bishop Hartley (2-2) returns to the floor on Friday when they travel to Bishop Watterson.

Jackson Izzard (6’3 G / Jonathan Alder / 2021): Izzard was the best player on the floor Tuesday night, doing it all for his team while leading them to the win. The senior scored two-thirds of his team’s points and was directly involved in almost every other point. Izzard is a tough guard with an athletic frame that he uses well when going to the rim and defending. He didn’t shoot it well from deep however was very successful from midrange. He showcased his athleticism by throwing down a big dunk in transition. He struggled mightily from the free throw line tonight, but we don’t suspect that that is a common occurrence. Izzard played winning basketball throughout the entirety of the game and single handedly led his team to a victory.

DJ Donnell (6’0 G / Bishop Hartley / 2021): Donnell played a very well rounded game, knocking down a triple, hitting a few pull ups, making some tough finishes, and distributing the ball to his teammates. He looked very smooth and confident on the offensive end. He played well on the defensive end, being active with his hands and moving his feet while on the ball. One concern from Tuesday’s contest was taking care of the ball as he had a few bad turnovers, but outside of that Donnell put on an incredible showing.

Will Miller (6’4 F / Bishop Hartley / 2021): Miller is a player that will do everything he needs to do and nothing more. Takes care of the ball, hustles, sets good screens, rebounds, guards, finishes by the rim, etc. While he isn’t flashy or overly skilled offensively, he makes winning plays. The senior stepped out and shot the ball Tuesday, knocking down two big threes when his team needed it most. Miller played a great game and is going to be the heart of this team going forward, providing the energy and hustle they’ll need to be successful.