HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL Wayne wins first Division 1 title
Inspired by brother’s NCAA run, Trice scores 19 to lead the Warriors.
Wayne fulfilled its self-proclaimed and predetermined destiny late Saturday night by winning a boys high school basketball Division I state championship.
The Warriors were at their best in taking out Westerville South 65-57 at Ohio State University’s Schottenstein Center before 10,664 spectators.
It was a strong season-ending statement by a team that initially looked unbeatable, then wobbled as the postseason neared. Instead, Wayne (26-4) becomes the first Greater Western Ohio Conference boys team to win a state basketball title.
The contest was guaranteed to produce a first-time championship winner because neither had ever advanced to the final four, let alone the title game.
D’Mitrik Trice initially seemed inspired by older brother Travis, who’s led Michigan State in scoring during its final eight run. Usually looking for the open man, Trice instead looked to score. He had 12 points by halftime and 19 total, including a trio of threes.
“Hitting shots and coming out strong really helped our confidence,” said Trice after Wayne seized an early lead and kept it.
Wayne coach Travis Trice was justly proud of his son.
“He told his team ‘I got you,’ “Travis said. “He just carried them on his shoulders.”
Rodrick Caldwell continued his hot hand by scoring 14 second-half points after being