COLUMBUS, Ohio — It’s one last stroll down memory lane for three long-time friends and Bishop Ready seniors, Charlie Russell, Luke Ruth and Kaleb Schaffer.
“Spend a lot of time with each other outside of school, so I think that kind of builds that camaraderie,” said Bishop Ready Senior forward & center, Charlie Russell.
The three have had a state championship on their minds since third grade.
“Something we’ve always dreamed about since we were young. So, to finally be going to Dayton, playing the state tournament, it’s kind of surreal,” says Russell.
Also surreal is what Schaffer describes as telepathy between the trio.
“When I’m dribbling and driving, like I know in the back of my head that I can think that I know where Luke and Charlie are going to be. Because I know where to shoot from or where they like to get the ball from,” said Schaffer. “Also helps us push each other because it’s better when you hear criticism coming from another player sometimes.”
“The trio, as everyone around here calls them, are definitely our leaders,” said Head Boys Basketball coach Tony Bisutti.
Bisutti has spent the past five years at Bishop Ready and 34 years coaching overall.
He said watching the trio in and out of the classroom over the past four years has been special.
“A strong friendship bond and strong chemistry. You know I say those three have one heartbeat between them. It’s just kind of uncanny,” said Bisutti.
For Russell, Schaffer and Ruth, a perfect record and capturing the CCL isn’t enough.
Although the trio’s last curtain call may be bittersweet, they know two more victories will cement their legacy among other great teams in Silver Knights’ history.
“Won districts, regionals, and finally states, so we’ve got all our goals so far, so hopefully we get the last,” said Ruth.
Luke Ruth is committed to play at Ohio Dominican next year, and Kaleb Schaffer plans to play at the next level as well—and will soon decide on a college.
