NEW PHILADELPHIA - Live and learn.

Chris Pack is hopeful his Barnesville Shamrocks take away something positive from an otherwise painful experience here Friday evening.

One victory from earning a memorable trip to the Division III regional next week at Athens, Barnesville never gave itself a chance against tournament-tested Garaway.

Before the Rocks knew what hit them, they were staring at a 16-3 deficit after one period of play. Unfortunately, things only got worse for the Green.

A well-schooled Pirates' ball club continued its domination over all four quarters, eventually prevailing 75-51.

While Coach Dave Shutt's Garaway quint move on to Ohio University's Convocation Center next week, Barnesville capped a 13-11 campaign.

"Had you told us (in November). we'd be playing in a district championship game, I think we would have been pleased," Pack stated.

"Having said that, we're disappointed with our showing (here tonight). Garaway obviously brought its 'A' game. Our 'C' game was not nearly good enough."

Garaway made a defensive statement early-on Friday. The Bucs' in-your-face man-to-man forced one poor Shamrock shot after another.

Only Rocks' junior Christian Bailey converted a first quarter field goal in eight shot attempts.

The Sugarcreek combine, meanwhile, was effective in solving Barnesville's 1-3-1 attack. Shutt's club came out and knocked down four three-point hoops.

"If I had to do it over, we probably would have played (man-to-man) from the opening tip," Pack described. "I was hoping Garaway might come out with a few jitters but that wasn't the case."

Down 13 points after one panel, the Shamrocks made no progress during an erratic second frame that had the Green facing a big-time 34-13 deficit at halftime.

"(In the lockerroom) we reminded the kids Shadyside was down 18 (vs. Hiland) and turned the game around. But give Garaway credit. They're a very well-rounded team," Pack advised.

Though the Rocks discovered a second half offensive rhythm, Garaway did not cool off, outpointing the Green, 41-38.

"I think Garaway came out and played with a sense of urgency from the opening tip and we weren't able to match that," Pack indicated.

"We had a young team out there on the floor and it showed much of the night."

With but one senior in his starting lineup, Pack is optimistic Friday's district test will pay dividends down the road.

"It hurts to lose, especially not playing your best game, but there are several things we can learn from this if we're able to get back here at some point," he observed.

Garaway produced good scoring balance with senior Brennan Mullet scoring a game-leading 19 points. Sophomore Ryan Troyer tossed in 17 counters and 6-8 junior Paul Honigford registered a double-double, collecting 11 points and 13 boards.

Barnesville received 11 markers apiece from Tyler Fitzpatrick and Zach Dornan. Brennan Delaney netted eight points. All three return next season.

Barnesville shot 18 of 52 from the floor. Bryson Stephen and Fitzpatrick nabbed eight and seven boards, respectively. The Rocks led in turnovers, 19-15.

BARNESVILLE (51) - MacMillan 0, 0-0 0; Lewis 0, 0-0 0; Finnical 0, 0-0 0; McBride 0, 0-0 0; Hunkler 0, 0-0 0; Bailey 1, 1-2 3; Stephen 2, 0-0 4; Smith 2, 2-3 7; Dornan, P, 3, 0-0 7; Delaney 2, 2-2 8; Dornan, Z. 4, 2-2 11; Fitzpatrick 4, 3-6 11. Totals - 18, 10-15. GARAWAY (75) - Troyer, D. 0, 0-0 0; Miller, J. 1, 0-0 2; Yoder 1, 0-0 3; Miller, S. 1, 1-1 3; Kopp 2, 0-0 5; Klein 3, 0-0 7; Shaw 1, 6-8 8; Honigford 3, 4-5 11; Troyer, R. 5, 4-6 17; Mullet 7, 4-6 19. Totals - 24, 19-26.

Three-point goals. Barnesville - Delaney (2), P. Dornan, Z. Dornan, Smith. Garaway - R. Troyer (3), Honigford, Klein, Kopp, Mullet, Yoder.

Gibson may be reached at rgibson@timesleaderonline.com