Basketball champions crowned on Saturday

Van Wert independent sports

COLUMBUS — Four champions were crowned on Saturday, as the 96th annual Boys Basketball State Tournament came to a close at the Jerome Schottenstein Center.

Division IV

The Midwest Athletic Conference claimed yet another state title, as the Marion Local Flyers (25-4) outlasted Willoughby Hills Cornerstone Christian (21-8) in double overtime, 52-51.

Nathan Bruns and Tyler Mescher each scored 18 for Marion Local, while Cornerstone Christian’s Michael Bothwell scored 23.

The game was close throughout, with six ties and 10 lead changes.

Attendance for the contest was 9,620.

Division III

Cincinnati Deer Park capped off an undefeated season (29-0) with a 67-57 title game win over Columbus Africentric (22-7).

The Wildcats, a public school with nine transfers on the roster, finished with four players in double figures – Steven Gentry Jr. (14), Damani McEntire (14), Jalen Rose (13) and Joseph Hocker (10). Africentric’s Tre Baumgartner led all scorers with 17.

OHSAA said attendance for the game was 8,705.

Division II

The Fighting Irish of Akron St. Vincent St. Mary’s (21-8) captured the school’s eighth state basketball championship with a 60-51 win over Trotwood-Madison (26-4). The eighth title set a new state record.

Lunden McDay led ASVSM with 19 points, while Myles Beyleu scored 20 for the Rams.

Attendance for the game was 9,096.

Division I

No. 2 Cincinnati Moeller (27-3) knocked off No. 1 Solon (27-2) 83-65 in the big school championship game.

Jeremiah Davenport led the Crusaders with 22 points, while Solon’s Sincere Carry led all scorers with 27.

No final attendance figure was provided by OHSAA.