Centerville’s Campbell sparks rout of Lebanon with season-high 15 points

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By Jeff Ermann , Contributing Writer 11:24 PM Tuesday, December 27, 2011

CENTERVILLE — At 7 feet tall, Jake Campbell is accustomed to being asked if he plays basketball. His height is both a gift — he’s verbally committed to play at Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C. — and a challenge.

Though most assume such size equates to hardwood dominance, he’s had to battle for playing time in a talent-laden Centerville High School frontcourt. If he continues to provide the spark he brought in the Elks’ 76-37 defeat of visiting Lebanon on Tuesday, he should earn more playing time.

Campbell scored a season-high 15 points in one half of play, coming off the bench to ignite a 29-0 Centerville run that turned a close game into a blowout. He entered midway through the second period with the Elks (4-4, 1-2 Greater Western Ohio Conference Central Division) leading by six, scored on three quick layups and helped turn a 33-27 lead into a whopping 62-27 advantage.

“I took my time, got to the basket and used pump fakes and scored,” Campbell said. “I haven’t been getting as much playing time as I wanted, so when I get in, I’ve got to take care of business.”

Sophomore center Eric Meininger scored a career-high 15 points, junior forward Adam DeVillbiss added eight and junior forward Jackson Replogle posted 13 points and 14 rebounds. It was the fourth consecutive double-double for Replogle, the youngest of four brothers who’ve played for Centerville. Last season the Elks featured forward Mike Replogle.

“We’ve had a Replogle on the team for nine years in a row,” said Elks coach Jim Staley. “This is the last one, unfortunately. Their mother stopped too soon.”

Lebanon (1-6, 0-3 GWOC South) fell behind 10-0, but fought back thanks mostly to the 3-point shooting of Zach Beckner (11 points).

Centerville, which had posted 10 straight seasons of 16 or more wins prior to winning 10 last season and 12 the previous season, appears to have rebounded from the loss of all-conference performer Will Hobby, likely out for the season with a broken foot.

“This team’s got great upside,” Staley said. “I don’t think we’re going to be an easy out for anybody.”

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