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McDONALD -- The more things change, the more they stay the same.
The McDonald Blue Devils weren't sure what to expect this season. After four historic seasons, the second all-time leading scorer in Ohio high school basketball history, Zach Rasile, graduated last year.
His father, Jeff Rasile, is also gone after stepping down as head coach.
Yet, the Blue Devils (18-0, 12-0) still have a high-powered offense that gets up a lot of 3-pointers. And, also just like when the Rasiles were there, the undefeated record has earned them a No. 1 seed in the upcoming tournament.
"When you set up goals at the beginning of the year, obviously, going undefeated wasn't one of them," first-year McDonald coach Jimmy Franceschelli said. "To be 18-0, at this point in the year, means we really have a special group of guys here. To get that No. 1 seed is big for us, especially in a COVID year. You can play a district championship game at home, if you get there."
The Devils had a tune-up for the tournament at home on Tuesday against Sebring and dismantled the Trojans, 79-53. Six players scored in double-figures for McDonald. Michael Porter had 10 points at the half, and McDonald had a 47-28 lead.
Sebring scored the first eight points of the third quarter, but Miles Culp (team-high 16 points) drilled one from downtown to stop the run. Then, Eli Street (11 points) nailed a pair from the corner to extend the advantage.
"Coming into the season, no one really knew what we were going to do," Street said. " We lost Zach (Rasile). We wanted to prove that we were something. I think we have so far. I'm proud of everyone. We have the biggest game of the year coming up against Springfield (11-3, 8-1) on Friday. If we win that, we win the league."
McDonald beat Springfield, 65-62, on Jan. 12. The first meeting came down to a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Culp for the win. The Blue Devils can clinch the Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Scarlet Tier with a victory.
"We know Friday night is a big game for us," Franceschelli said. "Springfield knows it is. It has a lot of importance. Non-COVID year, it would be sold out Friday night in Springfield. We can lock up the league."
First, McDonald finished off Sebring. Frankie Lozoya (game-high 18 points) hit one from behind the arc for the Trojans, but senior Kaden Crown made a 3-pointer just before the third quarter ended, and McDonald was up 64-46 heading to the fourth.
"McDonald has great shooters," Sebring coach Brian Clark said. "They were a little off on Monday. They rebounded, and shot lights out against us. This is one of McDonald's better teams."
The Devils got past Lowellville on Monday, 60-55, despite a poor shooting performance.
"We shot the ball, not very well, for the first time this year," Franceschelli said. "For us to be able to gut one out there was huge. There's a lot more to accomplish. This is a special place to coach. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be here."