Scorekeepers play important role in high school basketball games

When it comes to being the official scorekeeper, Linda Bray knows what's important. "Of course, the most important job is to have my candy well-stocked," she said. Mrs. Bray is the mother of Amherst coach Pat Bray. "I keep talking the whole time to the opposing team's scorer about who scores and who fouls," she said. "I have to be sure the clock operator has the correct score on the scoreboard." Paul Jancsura, who has kept the boys book for many years at Elyria Catholic said, "At the end of the day, if we do our job correctly, no one knows we were even there." True. Most scorekeepers have the same routine on game day. "All three of my coaches have their player names in the book and I make sure they have the starting five players marked," said Bray of her gameday routine. "I keep track of the five timeouts and the time it was called, whether it was a full or a 30 (second) and keep track of the possession arrow." Jancsura's routine is similar. He tries to get the varsity book from the head coach before the start of the junior varsity game. "It allows me to begin filling in the players' names and numbers in between quarters of the JV game," he said. "Getting the scorebook is easier said than done. I've been around a few coaches over the years for both EC boys and girls and each has their own way of handling things. Some give me the book not filled out at all and that's actually my preference. Others want to fill it in themselves. I'm sure all scorekeepers want the players entered in numerical order. It just makes it easier." The opposing team's scorekeeper shares his book to allow Jancsura to copy the names and numbers while the teams warm up. Jancsura knows communication with the officials and the opposing team's scorekeeper is important. "If a basket is scored, we'll say two points for No. 23 to be sure we both have it correct in the book and also to tell the scoreboard operator," said Jancsura. "Any discrepancies between the three are resolved immediately rather than wait for a break in action. There's benefits to being the team's scorekeeper. "Although I am focused and concentrating on the game, I am fortunate to do what I do because I have a great seat to watch the game," said Jancsura. "Over the years, I've seen countless great games, individual performances and talented players that I might not have seen otherwise. "Scoring the state semifinal game for Coach (Eric) Rothgery in 2018 is one of my highlights. Aside from my daughter (Meghan) being on the team and being able to experience a Final Four appearance, I was able to be at the scorer's table for a game all the kids would like to be a part of." There is also interaction with the referees. "The referee is responsible to go over and talk to the table at about 10 or 12 minutes (left before tip-off)," said Larry Reardon, a former official who spent nearly three decades calling games. "The book has to be completed by 10 minutes so there's no issue with starters being changed or not having all the people in the book. What I used to do is count the numbers on the lines and underneath the last name. I'd put 10, 11, 12, depending on how many players were in the book. "We both agree on that with both books (home and away teams). We try to do it so there's no delay, like No. 14 is not in the book or it's 14 in one book and 13 in the other. We don't want to have an embarrassment or delay or have the coach get mad at their scorekeeper or mad at the official." Wrong information in the scorebook could result in a technical foul being charged. Reardon doesn't want to see that happen and he said he depends on both scorekeepers to help if there is a question about which number committed the foul or which number should be shooting. "If they both agree to it, I'm going to live with that," he said. "That gets them a little more involved in the game. You try to get a good rapport with them." Last call Longtime referee, Robert "Bob" Owens Jr. will retire following tonight's game at Clearview. Owens began his career in 1994 and has called girls and boys games. Through his 30-plus years, he's had the privilege to call several state tournament games. He's a familiar face in Lorain County. He's also actively engaged in training and mentoring new officials. He retired in 2012 from his fulltime job as the appraisal manager with the Cuyahoga County Auditor's office. Owens and his wife Regina have three children and five grandchildren. He's looking forward to honing his golf game this year and will continue cycling. Owens is a member of the LEBOA Basketball Officials Association Hall of Fame. Contact Tim Gebhardt at 329-7135 or timothygeb@msn.com.