Think a mouthguard is overrated? Maybe you only need them for sports like football or if you're playing in the post.

Not true.

Two Friday's ago, Firelands senior guard Justin Morell lost three teeth in the Falcons' 53-52 loss at Clearview. He lost them when Clearview forward James Washington made a key block late in the fourth quarter. Morell, without hesitation, went after the loose ball after Washington's block and crashed to the floor chasing after it. So did Clearview's Kyle Baughman, whose knee crashed into the back of Morell's head and smacked it into the floor, creating a lesson for Morell and his teammates.

Firelands coach Steve Lias said mouthguards were offered before the season began. It was something they went over because a player lost a few teeth during practice last season. Morell, a first-year senior, wasn't around for that one and didn't take a mouthguard before the season.

Now, he will. And so will a few of his teammates.

Lias estimated only four players between varsity and J.V. used mouthguards before Morell's teeth came out. Now, half the players on varsity and J.V. are using them.

Every dive to the floor for Morell or any other Firelands player may not come without the thought of Morell's teeth. The hustle did earn him some glory and three new pearly whites, but at least the mouthguard will take away any hesitation -- and not the respect that comes with such hustle.