The Ohio High School Boys State Basketball Tournament, held at the University of Dayton, featured the Division I and II state semifinal games on Saturday. Each of the games, as originally reported by the Ohio High School Athletic Association, will be closely examined below.
In the first Division II state semifinal at University of Dayton Arena, Kettering Archbishop Alter exhibited an impressive shooting performance, with a 62.2% field goal percentage, including 9-of-19 from beyond the arc, leading to a 73-37 victory over Youngstown Ursuline. Alter, after taking a 20-4 lead in the first quarter, maintained a significant lead throughout the game, securing a place in Sunday’s 5:15 p.m. state championship game. Standout player R.J. Greer scored 24 points, shooting 9-of-11 from the field. This marks Ursuline’s first appearance in the state tournament since its Division III state title win in 1994.
In the second Division II semifinal, Zanesville Maysville claimed a 68-65 victory over second-ranked Shelby at the University of Dayton Arena, securing a place in their first state championship game after 22 consecutive wins. The game was tightly contested, with neither team leading by more than five points, and the lead changed hands 10 times. Maysville’s Jordyn Watson, Alex Bobb, and Gator Nicholas scored an impressive 66 of Maysville’s 68 points.
Shifting to Division I, Cleveland St. Ignatius emerged victorious with a 54-53 win over Delaware Hayes in the first state semifinal at University of Dayton Arena. This win advances Cleveland St. Ignatius, a previous state title winner in 2001 and runner-up in 1998, to its third state championship game. In the final Division I semifinal, Centerville secured a spot in the state championship game after defeating Toledo Whitmer with a 58-39 victory at University of Dayton Arena. Centerville boasts a strong track record in championship games, having been the 2021 Division I state champion and 2022 runner-up.
These exhilarating games have highlighted the exceptional talent, dedication, and sportsmanship of the competing teams. We extend our congratulations to the advancing teams and commend all participating schools for their outstanding performances.
Source: Ohio High School Athletic Association