Boys Tourney (District & Sectional Finals): Meadowdale Rallies Late; Centerville Pounds Tecumseh; Fairmont, Alter, Wayne, Carroll, C-J Still Rollin

 After a wild week of District & Sectional Basketball, here are the top Headlines and Recap in the Boys Division of OHSAA Tournament 

DISTRICT FINALS RECAP:

D-1 - Dayton Boys Smack Cincinnati Schools as Centerville, Wayne and Fairmont all Advance.

The Dayton big schools saw how the  Cincinnati schools did the D-2 division (boys) and girls D-1 division and vowed to not be apart of that. 

And after a clean sweep of games, all won by GWOC schools nevertheless,  there will be 3 teams vying for that OHSAA D-1 Semifinal berth.

Here's the Recap of Each game

Centerville Destroys Opponent after 24-4 opening quarter.

The Centerville Elks put on a show in the final game of the night, as they easily defeated Lakota West at Fifth Third Arena. Tom House led the boys in scoring with 24 on the night to lead the Elks to their 3rd consecutive Regional Appearance and 47th straight win. The defending OHSAA D-1 champs will face Fairmont on Wednesday night.

Wayne Steamrolls Past Opp, Led By Rice, Mukes

The Wayne Warriors shook off the early season hate, used the under-the-radar approach and have played the best ball of the season lately to grab their first District title under the Martindale regime. 

Superstar junior PG Lawrent Rice and rising sophomore sharpshooter Juan Cranford has led the attack, and did it again with a 53-36 win against Turpin.

R.J. Mukes also did some damage as well, as he has picked it up in the 2nd part of the season.

With the win the Warriors will face a tough Fairfield squad, who boasts 4 legitimate D-1 prospects and beat the Warriors (by 1 point) earlier this season. Can the Wayne train rise to the challenge? 

Fairmont Handles Biz, Set For Third and Final Battle Against Centerville in Regionals 

The Fairmont Firebirds have been on a roll all season, and they took that energy to set off the GWOC sweep in motion with a convincing 60-43 win. Star F Dasan Doucet  and PG Anthony Taylor led the Firebirds to the win.

Can Fairmont figure out the juggernaut that is Centerville in the next round?

We will see, but until then, it has been a banner year for the Firebirds.  

D-2 Cincy Schools Stop Dayton Boys as  C-J &  Carroll fall.  

The State representative last year, Chaminade, lost to Woodward and one of the most prolific scorers in OHSAA history. 

Paul McMillan IV scored double figures, along with 3 other players, and the Woodward defense flustered the Eagles offfensive attack in the District Final. The different defenses was able to keep star sniper Johnathan Powell Jr at bay, and give Woodward the juice they needed to finish the job. 

#1 seed Alter blows by opponent, Ready for Regional Matchup vs Linden McKinley

The Alter Knights showed why they will be a force, after blowing by Batavia 75-50 to win the District Final. Jacob Conner, the Marshall commit, was dominant throughout the game, as Batavia had no answer for the dynamic 6'9 stud of a player. Add the intensity and elite skillset of the guard play, and the Knights look like a team headed for a OHSAA State Berth.

D-3 Meadowdale Stops CHCA, Reaches Regionals Behind Benson, Reaves, Caldwell 

The Meadowdale Lions were away from home, and it was starting to look like Christian Hills were gonna get the home win of sorts, as they held a lead midway through the 3rd quarter.

But the Lions would stop the turnovers that was forced in the 1st half, and Lee Benson would lead the Lions to a comback victory and the Lions first Disctict Title since the 90's.

The trio of Lee Benson III, Kalerrio Reaves and Sean Caldwell led the charge as the Lions showed why they have the pieces to get to a OHSAA State berth.

They will face a Georgetown squad who knocked off #1 Versailles, and is playing with a great deal of confidence. 

"This is truly a blessing and im so proud of the kids, the coaches, and the Lions organization," head coach Dwayne Chastain said on the court after the game. 

D-4 Tri-Village Continues the Dominance; Could They Be Headed for Huge Possble Matchup vs  Botkins? 

 Tri-Village has garnered plenty of success over the years, and they are back into the Regional after a convincing win over Fayetteville-Perry 64-29 to secure a D-4 District title. With Botkins winning as well, could we see a Botkins - Tri-Village Regional Championship? Surely looks like it. They will face a tough East Knox team who has had a great run as well. 

Botkins Handles Ripley Union Lewis Huntington 73-39 to grab another District Title and move to the Regionals where they will face Springfield Catholic Central, who was able to survive and cut the District nets down.

Centerville Pounds Tecumseh Early, Garners Lopsided Win

The Centerville Elks went crazy on Tecumseh, as they built a 27-2 lead in the 1st quarter and never looked back. The halftime score was 51-8. The defending D-1 champions will now travel to Cincinnati for tphe District Finals. 

Meadowdale Stops Shrout, Shawnee as Reaves, Benson Shine

The Lions was able to out scrap Preble Shawnee late to grab their first sectional title since 2011. The Lions were down 3 with under 2 minutes remaining, but Kalerrio Reaves and Lee Benson III hit some key baskets and free throws down the stretch and secured the deal. Mason Shrout, the star sophomore had a couple of attempts but wasn't able to hit, as the defense locked in on the elite talent, who dropped 27 in the loss.

Sophomore Sensation Juan Cranford Jr Leads Attack as Wayne Powers Past Franklin

Juan Cranford has watched Lawrent Rice be an absolute star all season and has had a few moments of his own as well during the season. But since the OHSAA tournament, he has stepped up his level, and with it the Wayne Warriors have elevated as well, after defeating Franklin on Friday night.

 Cranford would unleash a fury on the Wildcats in the 2nd quarter, hitting 5 bombs and literally pushing the lead from a 6-point advantage to a 15-point burst in the matter of a 5-minute stretch. The game was never in reach after that, as Lawrent Rice, R.J. Mukes and the rest of the squad would make sure of that in the double-digit win. 

Fairmont holds off Creek

Beavercreek fought and had a tight game against the Fairmont Firebirds, but key ball handling and great decision making by all-gwoc guards Anthony Johnson and Eli Marrero led the Firebirds to the victory. Coach Steve Pittman had the Beavers in the game, as all-gwoc forward was doing work. But when the chips were down, the Firebirds were at their best. 

C-J Stops Tipp, Readies for District Finals 

The Chaminade Eagles got a great test this week, and were able to pass both of the tests with flying colors, as they held off Dunbar earlier in the week, and then stopped Tippecanoe in the Sectional Final to grab their 2nd straight Sectional. Coach Szabo should be happy with the way his team has responded despite the adversity of losing the ultimate "Middle Man" of the program in Richard Kidd. Johnathon Powell and Luke Chandler has led the offensive attack with Evan Dickey running the show. 

Top Seed Alter Rolls 

The Alter Knights continued their great season with another Sectional title, after knocking off a tough Bellbrook squad 75-55. The #1 seed in the D-2 Region, the Knights were led by a balanced effort in the big win. These Knights are thinking State berth. 

Trotwood Falls to Carroll

The Trotwood Rams season came to an end this weekend as they took a loss to the Carroll Patriots in the Sectional Final. Carroll used hot shooting and a balanced scoring attack to knock off the Rams in the sectional final. 

Tri-Village, Botkins Still Active

Botkins, the D-4 Champion, are still in the hunt after a big win in the sectional final. Tri-Village, a favorite as well, won too, so expect to see these two teams clash for a chance at a OHSAA State berth somewhere down the line.

Middies Cinderella Run Falls Short in OT

The Middletown Middies almost pulled off the upset of the OHSAA tourney, but wasn't able to finish the deal in a heartbreaking 61-58 OT loss in the sectional final. Under the new coaching staff, led by Moss, showed why they could be a force come next season. 

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District Finals Tonight at UD Arena; Weekend Recap: Trotwood cruises; Dunbar rallies; Ponitz falls; Northmont pushes on; Stars of the Weekend

Here the recap on Saturday and Sunday games in Southwest Ohio in the Miami Valley:

Star Player Devon Baker led Wolverines with 29 in win vs.  C-J

Dunbar rallies, outlasts C-J 
 In a emotional roller coaster of a game, Dunbar used a gritty 4th quarter and some clutch play to rally past C-J and win the Sectional.

  Early in the game, Dunbar dictated the flow, and held a lead in the first half. But Eagles star G Christian Montague  got going, and once he did? The entire Eagles offense followed suit as they went on a 26-10 and took a commanding lead (56-49) into the 4th off a half court shot by P'Hariz Watkins.

Dunbar then used the 4th quarter, at full strength, to battle back, then a Chris Jackson bomb gave the Wolverines a lead late in the 4th they would never relinquish.

Star G Devon Baker led the Wolverines with 29 as he clearly was the dominant player on the court.
Up next for Dunbar?
 Cincy Wyoming

C-J P'Hariz Watkins takes on Dunbar Devon Baker in Sectional Final

Trotwood handles business, stops Valley View
 The Rams jumped out on Valley View and never looked back as they shut down the Spartans to single digits in the 1st 2 quarters of the game to roll to a 83-40 win. While the game wasn't flashy, it was all substance for the #1 State Ranked Rams as they won the Sectional Final at UD Arena.

 The Rams were led by Sophomore Star G Amari Davis, (20pts) who has vowed to do work this season at the Arena after his tough ending last season. Also big man Justin Stephens did damage on the defense, with 4 big blocks, and holding down the paint, shutting down the Spartans interior plans.
 The Rams stifling D was the main reason for the lopsided score.
Up next? Urbana for the District Final tonight.



Northmont wins Sectionals, stops Boro'
Northmont continued it's great play with a emphatic win over Sprinboro.
The inside outside duo of Vinson Walker & Christian Wilson was too much for the Boro to handle as the Bolts won 63-50. Wilson had 18 to lead the troops, while Walker dropped a double double (12 pts, 17reb) to help the cause.
 With the win it puts the Bolts in position to win a District title this week.
While they won't be the favorite,  it does show that  
they have came a long way this season, and they are not a fluke. With all the tools to make a state run, can Northmont continue to roll in the District Finals?
Up next: Mason


Carroll squeaks past Ponitz  
Ponitz had a chance late in the game to grab the victory, but a couple tough plays and a Star performance by F Stafford Stevens (25pts, 7 rbs) moved the Patriots over the Panthers 45-43.

    In a game that featured great defense, timely FT  shooting, and a lot of drama, Carroll defeated another City league opponent for a Sectional Title in back to back years.

  While the game was tight late, the Patriots experience and a couple key plays was the difference.
 Carroll didn't make a 3-ptr in the entire game, but they hit 19 FTs, which helped them tremendously; they will take on Taft tonight;
  The Panthers coaching staff was upset about the loss, but knows they had a good first season.

Ponitz big man Eric Sealey Jr. led the Panthers with his gritty play, similar to a Dennis Rodman style presence that Coach Pittman had talked about.

The 6-3 junior F had a season high 16 rebounds; but it was his defense, his intensity and leadership which kept Ponitz in the game in the 1st half when shots weren't falling. Ponitz only scored 14 points in the 1st half.



Taft defeats Hughes  
Cincy Taft delivered a huge w with a gutty performance over top seeded Hughes. Hughes has had a very good season, beating Taft twice;
But Taft showed why they could be a force to be reckoned with as they fought, grabbed a late lead, and was able to hold on for a Sectional Title.
Up next? Carroll



Wyoming stops Woodward in 2 OTs
 Top seeded Cincy Wyoming was able to overcome 2 OTs in order to put down Woodward.
While it looked like Woodward was about to stun Wyomng, they were able to force OT, and outlast Woodward.
Wyoming will now travel to UD Arena to face Dunbar tonight.



Brookville continues to roll 
 Brookville garnered another Sectional title with a easy win last week.
 Can they grab another District title this week?
With a good coaching staff and a couple stars on display, could Brookville reach the Regionals? They will have to defeat #1 seed Summit County Day.




Key Games Tonight
District Finals 

5:30    Trotwood  vs  Urbana    
Can Urbana continue its great run? Or will they be overwhelmed by the highest scoring & scariest team in the OHSAA Tournament?
Trotwood is averaging 104 points a game. Can Urbana match that offensive firepower, or shift the game in their favor?


7:30    Carroll   vs  Cincy  Taft 
Can Carroll continue to play their way, led by Star F Stafford Stevens? Or will talented and well coached Taft win the District Finals again in UD Arena just like last year?
In a game that will feature 2 different styles, who will win the huge matchup?


9:30    Dunbar   vs  Cincy Wyoming 
 Can Dunbar knock off the #1 seed in the bracket?  They will have the home game, but Wyoming is up for the challenge, as they were tested in the last game, a 2 OT thriller over Woodward. Dunbar is playing at a very high level. With both teams having great talent, should be a heck of a game.


Stars of the Sectional Weekend 

Here's the top players from the Sectional  Weekend  

Amari Davis, Trotwood  - Davis dropped 20 to lead Rams to easy W, and added a vicious dunk to match

Keegan Saben, Centerville  - Saben was unstoppable in halting Wayne Train; inside, outside, and at the line for a game high 25 points

Mike McKay,  Springfield  -McKays big basket helped lead the Wildcats over Xenia and a Sectional title

Devon Baker, Dunbar  - Baker clutch play and 29 points help propel the Wolverines

Stafford Stevens, Carroll  - Stevens grinded his way to a tough 27 & 7 and a Sectional win

Christian Wilson, Northmont  - Wilson led the Bolts with 18 in a Sectional win

Vinson Walker, Northmont  - Walker worked hard for 17 monstrous boards to go with 12 points in a huge double double performance to help lead Northmont to a win

Christian  Montague, C-J  In a loss, Montague was spectacular against State Ranked Dunbar,  dropping 27 & 6 reb

Chris Jackson, Dunbar  -The clutch sharpshooter delivered when it counted hitting the go ahead 3, and added 17 & 7 Reb to get Dunbar the Sectional title

Milton Gage, C-J  - Gage was downright nasty as well, pouring in 23 on a variety of moves in a loss

Justin Stephens, Trotwood  - The big man completely dominated the paint against Valley View, with 4 blocks

Eric Sealey Jr, Ponitz - Sealey, who could be the next great rebounder who is unknown, hauled in 16 boards, played shutdown defense, and kept the Panthers in the game






Next Article: Top  20 Players from Flyin to the Hoop

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Friday Recap: Springfield survives in OT; Wayne falls to Elks; Huge Games Today

Heres the recap on the Sectional games from Friday night.

Springfield wakes up in time to squeak past Xenia in OT
Heading into the fourth quarter, the Xenia Bucs had played a nearly flawless game, and seemed headed to a huge upset of the #1 seed.
Until the Springfield Wildcats unleashed a late flurry starting early in the 4th to send it into OT, then outlasted Xenia to win and move on to the District finals by a score of 73-72.
 Led by Leonard Taylor, Danny Davis and Mike McKay, the Wildcats will head to the finals for the first time in 4 years. They will face the winner of the #3 Oak Hills vs #12 Wilmington matchup.

Coach Carson and the Cats fans were very relieved after it looked as if Springfield would be the first #1 seed to go down in the OHSAA Bracket.

Centerville knocks off Wayne
The Centerville Elks used hot shooting, patient offense, and a Senior leader in Keegan Saben to shut down Wayne 74-58 on Friday night.
Wayne hit the first bucket of the game, a 3-pointer, and after that, it seemed like a struggle to get the ball in the hoop, as they shot poorly from the perimeter. While Centerville seemed comfortable in the game plan, the Wayne Train couldn't get on track, aside from Star F L'Christian "Blue" Smith, as Smith hit 3 3-pointers to keep Wayne in the game.
Ultimately, it was too much Saben and the Elks.
Centerville had 4 guys in double figures, led by Sabens 25, and will move on to play either #6 Lakota East or #4 Mason.

Keegan Saben delivers in the clutch for Centerville 

Saben was unstoppable, using screens, the baseline, back door moves and his own dribble moves to get his game off. Sam Lash (14) and G Donnie Shelton (10, 6rbs, 5ass, 4 steals) helped in a overall team effort.

Blue Smith (15) and Deshawn Parker (10) led the Warriors in scoring.



TODAYS GAMES:
D-1 NORTHMONT    vs  SPRINGBORO     @ Centerville (7:30)
 Can Northmont continue to play lights out like they have this season? Or will Springboro continue to find a way to win when it counts?
  This GWOC matchup could come down to the wire.



D-2 
#7 VALLEY VIEW    vs  #1 TROTWOOD   (5 pm)
Can Valley View compete with the best team in the State according to the OHSAA Final HS State Poll? While Valley View has had a good season, it will take a monumental effort to pull off the upset today as the Rams look to reach the District Finals. The Rams are averaging a whopping 115 points a game in the tournament.


#10 CARROLL        vs     #6  PONITZ    (6:30) 
In a game featuring a Carroll team who defeated Thurgood last season in this exact round, can they do it again against the higher seed? While Ponitz has been playing well, this Carroll team will be ready for the challenge. Former Flyer and current Ponitz head Coach Steve Pittman has had a very good first year. Can he grab a sectional title?



#5 CHAMINADE-JULIENNE      vs   #2 DUNBAR   (8pm)
In the game of the Day, can C-J and their dynamic backcourt somehow pull off the major upset of the Wolverines? Dunbar's offense has been nothing but high octane as they scored 100 in the last game. Can Chaminade play their game, slow the tempo down and keep the game in the 50's like they want it? Or will one of the Top teams in the State show that they are too much to handle?


CINCY Bracket
#2 HUGHES               vs         #3  TAFT 
Can Cincy Hughes get the big win over Taft?  While TAFT was a shot away from State last season, they will be hard pressed to stop Hughes and their marksmanship. Not to mention HUGHES winning the games this season as well. Can Taft find what it will take to pull off the big W?


#1 WYOMING            vs        #4 WOODWARD
Can WYOMING continue its great season? Or will perennial WOODWARD pull off the minor upset? Woodward has the pieces to do it, but Wyoming has been nearly unstoppable all season.