Unsung heroes of State Final games
These guys weren’t the big names on their teams, but in the state final games, they made enormous contributions to their teams.
Oh, and just to bring you up to date here were the winners of those state titles.
Marion Local knocked off Cornerstone Christian 52-51 in double overtime to take home the Division IV title; Deer Park finished off a 29-0 season with a 67-57 win over Columbus Africentric in Division III; Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary downed Trotwood Madison 60-51 in Division II and Cincinnati Moeller blasted Solon 83-65 in the Division I state title game.
Ricky Adams (2019), 5’9” G, Cornerstone Christian
A pure shooter who came off the bench to score 8 points in 27 minutes. Connected on a cold-blooded 3-pointer from the deep corner to give his team a brief 51-50 lead with 27 seconds left in second overtime, that didn’t hold up.
Tyler Prenger (2018), 6’0” G, Marion Local
Scored 10 points, grabbed five rebounds and had a steal and a block.
Cali Davis (2020), 6’1” G, Columbus Africentric
Scored 7 points and grabbed three rebounds during the first half as his team built a 36-27 lead.
Dorian Holloway (2019), 6’4” F, Columbus Africentric
Football may be his best sport, but he was all over the floor for much of the state final as he scored 9 points and hauled in 10 rebounds and came away with two steals. Was especially effective in the first half when he scored 8 and grabbed six rebounds and the Nubians built the nine-point lead.
Joseph Hocker (2019), 6’6” P, Deer Park
Went into beast mode in the second half rebounding, scoring and defending at a high level. Finished the game with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks.
His offensive rebound and stick back at third-quarter buzzer gave Deer Park the lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Keyshawn Jones (2019), 6’5” P, St. Vincent-St. Mary
Finished the game with 10 points and six rebounds, which eclipsed his season averages of 2.4 points per game and 3.8 rebounds. Also chipped in with four assists and two blocks.
Miles McBride (2019), 6’2” G, Moeller
Playing in just his second game of the season, he scored 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting and two rebounds and two assists.
Ryan Bergen (2018), 6’2” G, Solon
Provided some needed offense when the game was close and no one other than Sincere Carry could score for the Comets. Connected on 2-of-2 3-pointers and finished the night with 10 points.