Pickerington Central falls in Play-by-play Classic
In the final game of six in the Ohio Play-by-play Classic Saturday at Nationwide Arena, Pickerington Central fell to Centerville boys basketball 6054.
The Tigers' Devin Royal scored a game-high 27 points, including a free throw that forced a second overtime, but reigning Mr. Basketball Gabe Cupps converted a steal into a layup to start that second overtime period and hit two free throws for a 54-50 lead. Central never got closer than four points again in falling to 5-2.
“It's probably the best game so far we've been a part of this season even though we didn't win it,” Tigers coach Eric Krueger said. “This will pay off down the line as long as we use this opportunity to learn. It's a process. We just have to continue to work. We saw flashes of some great things.”
—Dave Purpura
Akron St. Vincent-st. Mary 67, Sierra Canyon 61
In the end, there was nothing for Lebron James' two sons to do but watch.
Bronny James, a senior and team captain for Sierra Canyon, scored seven points and fouled out in the fourth quarter, while Bryce James, a sophomore, did not play as their father's alma mater triumphed 67-61.
The Fighting Irish led by as many as 10 points in the fourth quarter before holding off a late Sierra Canyon rally. —Josh Peter
Olentangy Orange 59, Cleveland Heights 50
Elias Lewis scored 13 of his 22 points in a decisive third quarter as the Pioneers started the second half on a 19-5 run and improved to 7-0.
Orange played without three-year starter Mike Mccollum, who suffered a hip injury in the final seconds of a 55-45 win at Dublin Jerome on Dec. 6. He is expected to return sometime in January.
“We play as a team and we haven't always had that in my four years here,” said Lewis, who was named the MVP for Orange in the contest. “We trust our role guys. We have a great time together.”
—Scott Hennen
Cleveland St. Ignatius 68, Africentric 60
A 9-0 run early in the fourth quarter broke a 47-all tie and powered the Wildcats past the Nubians in a matchup of two state semifinalists from a season ago, and Africentric coach Michael Bates took some of the blame upon himself.
St. Ignatius' run came immediately after a timeout with 7 minutes left, one the Wildcats called to narrowly avoid a 5-second violation.
“That was the momentum-shifter,” Bates said.
Dailyn Swain's game-high 20 points led a balanced effort for the Nubians, who fell to 4-2 and had their four-game winning streak snapped. Laron Fuller and Mekhi Johnson each added 13 points and Chris Cooper-patton finished with 10 off the bench.
—Dave Purpura