by Scott Sacry
The boys and girls varsity basketball and wrestling teams from Hamilton hosted Corvallis on Thursday, January 16 in a “tripleheader.” This has become an annual event for the two neighboring schools to battle it out on the same night.
The girls basketball teams played first and Hamilton won 36-33. The wrestling teams then dualed, with Corvallis winning 59-22. Finally, the boys basketball teams played last and Hamilton won 66-37.
This year’s tripleheader had extra special meaning as both schools used the event to honor the spirit of Robert Leonardi and the Play it Like Robert Foundation (see story below).
Hamilton 36, Corvallis 33
The girls started off the night. Both the Corvallis and Hamilton girls teams have young squads this year – Corvallis has two seniors while Hamilton only has one. Corvallis came into the game with a 3-4 record, while Hamilton came into the game having lost seven straight games, although they had been competitive in those losses.
The two teams were equally matched and the game was close throughout. Hamilton jumped out to a quick lead, then Corvallis fought back and Hamilton led 16-12 at halftime. In the third quarter, the Broncs built a 23-14 lead only to see Corvallis come back to take a 25-24 lead early in the 4th quarter. From then on it was back and forth, but Hamilton made the plays they needed to at the end and got their first win of the season, winning 36-33.
For Hamilton, Ashlynn McKern led with 16 points, Ella Griffin had a solid game and scored 11 points, Mariah Domingo and Loretta Hanson each added 3, Kennidi Cooper had 2, and Nellie Dickemore added 1.
Corvallis 59, Hamilton 22
After the girls game concluded, the wrestling mats were rolled out and the two teams squared up. Corvallis won the dual 59-22. The Blue Devils won many of the matches by forfeit as Hamilton didn’t have wrestlers in all the weight divisions. The following were the match results.
At 103, Wesley Hunt of Hamilton pinned (1:12) Corvallis’s wrestler.
At 132, Hamilton’s Cole Yocom pinned (2:18) Corvallis’s Shane Spencer.
At 138, Corvallis’s Byron Stoker pinned (1:36) Hamliton’s Cameron Beall.
At 144, Hamilton’s Torean Carroll defeated Corvallis’s Rogan Sutherland 8-0.
At 165, Corvallis’s Kade Bowles defeated Hamilton’s Caleb Clairmont 17-2.
At 190, Hamilton’s Noah Guisinger pinned (1:39) Corvallis’s Maurice Craun.
At Heavyweight, Hamilton’s Jesse James pinned (1:20) Corvallis’s Blaine Wallace.
Hamilton 66, Corvallis 37
After the wrestling mats were rolled off the court, the two boys teams took center stage for the nightcap. Both schools had a rowdy student section and the gym was filled with fans from both communities.
A play at the start of the game helped ignite the crowd. Hamilton’s Canaan Magness stole the ball, headed down the court, and tossed an alley-oop to a streaking Tyler Jette who caught the ball and threw down a two-handed slam.
This set the tone for the night and Hamilton controlled the game from there. The Broncs led 19-8 after the 1st quarter and 28-15 at half. The second half was more of the same as the Broncs rolled to a 29-point victory.
Hamilton’s Canaan Magness led his team to the promised land with 22 points, 9 assists, and 3 rebounds. Tyler Jette had 17 points and 10 rebounds. Landen Wetzel got hot from behind the arc, making 5 three-pointers and scoring 17 points. Kaden Gum had 3 points and 6 rebounds. Jake McCarthy had 3 points and 2 steals, and Cartier Ferguson and Cash Lockhart each added 2 points.
For Corvallis, Aydan Mayn had 10 points and 9 rebounds, Dylan Wirt had 9 points and 8 rebounds, Ledge Conner had 7 points, Drew Lewis had 4 points and 8 rebounds, Tanner Sorensen had 4 points, and Domenic Piccolo added 3 points.
Play Like Robert Foundation celebration
Hamilton and Corvallis used the January 16 tripleheader as a way for both communities to celebrate the spirit of Robert Leonardi and the Play Like Robert Foundation.
Robert Leonardi, son of Phil and Alyce Leonardi, and brother of Meryn Leonardi (Hamilton’s guard on the basketball team), was tragically killed by a hit and run driver in July of 2019 when crossing Golf Course Road near his home. From this tragedy sprung the Play Like Robert Foundation.
The Leonardis are long time teachers, student advisors, club leaders, activity directors and coaches at Corvallis High School. Mark and Joy Yoakam, Robert’s grandparents, have been educators and coaches in both the Hamilton and Corvallis school districts. Mark currently serves on the Hamilton School Board.
Because of all these connections, Hamilton decided that this year’s Corvallis/Hamilton matchup would be a perfect opportunity to demonstrate Robert’s spirit by bringing the two communities together.
During the games there were numerous activities and events celebrating Robert and the Foundation. Both schools wore t-shirts during warmups that read “Play Like Robert.” All the proceeds from the 50/50 raffle went toward the Play Like Robert Foundation. The concession stand sold clear Lotus drinks with blue glitter – blue was Robert’s favorite color. Also at the concession stand, the Hamilton Booster Club sold a “Robert’s Meal” which was a hot dog and a drink – Robert loved hot dogs. Students and spectators were encouraged to wear sports jerseys, as this was a favorite thing Robert liked to do. Finally, there was a paper airplane contest. Robert had won two of these contests in 2019 and loved the competition.
