By Aaron Tuck
Ada High School grad Konnor Baker is currently the leading scorer for the Ohio Northern men’s basketball team this season, averaging 11.0 points per game.
Konnor, a sophomore education major, is the son of Kent and Kathy Baker. He graduated from Ada high School in 2013 and was a member of the school’s basketball program.
After spending his freshman season at the University of Findlay, Baker returned to Ada to play for the Polar Bears.
“I chose to play at ONU because I knew some of the guys on the team, and I wanted to be close to home so my friends and family could watch me play,” he said. Baker became a starter midway through the season, earning 12 starts under head coach Kevin Byrne.
Coach Byrne is happy with Baker’s performance this season. “He’s done very well this year since coming back from injury. He fits in well with the team and he’s played some good games for us,” Byrne said.
ONU vs. Marietta
Sophomore Konnor Bakerscores a team-high 14 as men's basketball falls to Marietta 74-65 Saturday afternoon at the Ban Johnson Arena to close out the regular season.
Ohio Northern finishes the regular season 12-13, 7-11 Ohio Athletic Conference, while Marietta finishes 23-2, 16-2.
The Polar Bears opened the contest strong as senior Isaiah Roux was able to lead an early 7-0 run that resulted in a 12-7 lead with just over 15 minutes remaining in the first half.
Marietta's Raneal Ewing, responded as he netted eight straight points to put the Pioneers on top 21-17 with 8:10 to play until half.
A layup by Baker finished the half as ONU was able to pull back within 31-28.
Ohio Northern out scored Marietta 9-4 in the final five minutes of the half.
Senior Lucas Pennington dominated the second half early as the two teams exchanged points for several minutes before a layup and free throw from the senior but the Polar Bears on top 37-34.
Baker proved clutch once again as he was able to find a layup and knot the score at 50 with 10 minutes remaining in regulation.
Following a Marietta three point play, sophomore Devon Allen hit a three to once again tie the score at 55.
The Pioneers proved to much to handle as they responded with an 11-0 run, led by Ewing, in route to its 74-65 victory.
Roux chipped in 12 for Ohio Northern and freshman Travis Feitshans added 10.
Ohio Northern shot an impressive 92.3% (12-13) from the foul line, while Marietta was just 68.2% (15-22).
The Polar Bears are next in action Tuesday as they travel to Mount Union to take on the Purple Raiders in the OAC Tournament quarterfinals, tip off is set for 7:30pm.
