DAYTON, Ohio — Hoban’s second quarter run of 12 straight points opened a comfortable cushion on the way to a 49-36 win over Toledo St. John’s in the Ohio High School Athletic Association boys’ basketball Division I state semifinal.
The Knights doubled up the Titans (28 to 14) in the first 16 minutes. Hoban (25-3) didn’t let up in the third, either, leading 42-19.
Hoban’s high scorer was Jonas Nichols, who scored 14 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. Will Scott, Jr. added 12. Freshman Sam Greer, showing agility and great footwork his with 6’8” frame, tallied 12 points and 12 rebounds, to go with four blocks.
Joseph Taylor scored 10 of St. John’s (19-10) 14 points in that first half. He had 11 for the game, and CJ Hornbeak added ten.
Hoban is hoping for a second state championship, and first in 34 years, Sunday against Pickerington Central in the Division I championship at 8:30 p.m.
One interesting side note for tomorrow’s game, it will feature Ohio’s reigning Mr. Football against Mr. Basketball. Hoban’s Lamar Sperling won the pigskin version last season, and is headed to Buffalo to play running back. The Knights lost 28-21 to Toledo Central Catholic this past December in the Division II football championship game.
On the Mr. Basketball front, Pickerington Central’s Devin Royal earned the honor this week, and was presented his award before the Tigers’ semifinal victory over Centerville.
All four finals are on Spectrum News 1, with OHSAA Championship Gameday starting 15 minutes prior and returning after each contest to wrap things up.
10:45 a.m. – Division II Championship: Akron Buchtel vs. Lutheran West
2 p.m. – Division IV Championship: Richmond Heights vs. Convoy Crestview
5:15 p.m. – Division III Championship: Lutheran East vs. Ottawa-Glandorf
8:30 p.m. – Division I Championship: Hoban vs. Pickerington Central
