On Nov. 16, 2009, Ashland University's men's basketball team rallied from an early 15-0 deficit to defeat Ohio Dominican at home, 66-61.
That was the first win for
John Ellenwood as the Eagles' head coach – a victory that would come to symbolize the type of gritty, never-say-die teams Ellenwood has had ever since.
On Wednesday (Nov. 22) afternoon, Ellenwood's No. 18-ranked Eagles defeated Kent State-Tuscarawas, 98-76, for his 247
th win at Ashland – setting a new program record in the process. The previous mark was 246 wins by
Roger Lyons (1986-89, 1996-2009).
"I'm not really a guy who looks at that or focuses on that stuff," said Ellenwood. "I think when you reach milestones, it's always something you can look back on and be grateful and thankful for. My wife (
Abbi) is probably the biggest blessing in my life. I couldn't do it without her. And, obviously, the players are the ones who get the wins. To me, it's their win, it's their victory. I've been blessed with great coaches, no matter where I've been, but especially here. I'm very thankful for my coaching staff, as well.
"And then the guys who gave me a chance here – the Presidents, President
(Carlos) Campo has stuck by our program since he's gotten here, and
Al King has been a wonderful A.D.. (Former Director of Athletics)
Bill Goldring for giving me a chance and hiring me. I'm grateful for everybody, all the support staff, everybody that makes this place special. Wins are great, but winning at Ashland is just a little bit more."
The Eagles improve to 4-0 on the young 2023-24 season, while the Golden Eagles move to 3-3.
Leading 23-20 halfway through the first half, Ashland began to pull away as halftime approached. The Eagles led a high-scoring first half by a 48-40 count, and sophomore forward
Maceo Williams had 19 points on 9-of-10 shooting from the field.
Ashland took a 20-point lead at 70-50, and went on to the victory from there.
POST-GAME NUGGETS
- Williams finished with a game-high-tying 26 points on 12-of-13 shooting from the field, and recorded a double-double, as well (10 rebounds). Both the point and rebound totals tied Williams' career high.
- "I'm proud of him," Ellenwood said. "We challenged him, and he's got that extra level, and he brought it out today. It's tough to stop a kid that's got his abilities."
- Four Eagles ended in double-digit scoring – Williams, senior center Victor Searls (14 points), junior guard Trevell Adams (13 points), and sophomore guard Simon Wheeler (12 points).
- Consistent shooting from the field allowed Ashland to end at 62.7 percent from the floor, while the Eagles also turned 16 Golden Eagle turnovers into 22 points.
- Freshman guard Jordan Edwards, making his collegiate debut, posted seven points, six assists and three steals in 24 minutes off the bench.
- "Trevell, he played great for us on both ends," said Ellenwood. "Jordan was outstanding. Jordan's going to be a great player for us."
JOHN ELLENWOOD MILESTONE WINS
No. 1 – Nov. 16, 2009 at home vs. Ohio Dominican (66-61)
No. 100 – Jan. 30, 2016 at home vs. Tiffin (70-51)
No. 200 – March 4, 2021 vs. Ferris State at Hammond, Ind. (100-85)
First NCAA Division II postseason win – March 13, 2021 vs. Wayne State in Evansville, Ind. (76-61)
No. 247 – Nov. 22, 2023 vs. Kent State-Tuscarawas (98-76)
UP NEXT
The start of Great Midwest Athletic Conference play on Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at home vs. Malone.
