The Centerville boys’ basketball team has secured a spot in the OHSAA Division I state championship game following a dominant 58-39 victory over Toledo Whitmer in the state semifinal. The Elks, who previously claimed the title in 2021 but fell short in 2022, have consistently reached the state tournament semifinals for the past four seasons.
Eli Greenberg emerged as the standout performer, delivering an impressive display with a game-high 19 points, including two successful 3-pointers. Centerville, boasting a 20-8 record, demonstrated their authority on the court, embarking on a 10-0 run into the second quarter and maintaining a lead of up to nine points in the first half. Greenberg’s exceptional performance significantly contributed to the team’s success, notching a solid 10 points.
Despite Toledo Whitmer’s efforts to narrow the gap with a jump shot from Antione West Jr., the Elks elevated their game in the third period with a 7-0 run. This pivotal run, featuring standout plays from Xavier commit Jonathan Powell, enabled Centerville to uphold their lead. Powell and Jamar Montgomery showcased their skills, tallying 10 and 14 points respectively, underscoring the team’s impressive 54% shooting accuracy from the field and 56% from 3-point range.
Toledo Whitmer, in their fifth state semifinal appearance and first since 2012, exhibited commendable effort throughout the game. West, the standout player for the Panthers, led his team with 16 points but unfortunately fouled out with 2:16 left to play. Despite their best efforts, Toledo Whitmer fell short in their shooting accuracy, resulting in a tough loss for the team.
Looking forward, Centerville is preparing to challenge Cleveland St. Ignatius in the Division I final on Sunday at 8:30 p.m. The team has demonstrated exceptional teamwork and determination, with head coach Brook Cupps emphasizing the hard work, challenges, and adversity that have ultimately led them to this tremendous opportunity.
As Centerville readies itself for the championship game, the entire team remains optimistic and focused on delivering another remarkable performance. The upcoming final is expected to be an intense and thrilling showdown, as Centerville aims to reclaim the state title and add another exceptional achievement to their impressive basketball legacy.