Behind Pluta’s career-high 16 points and Rigg’s 13, Springboro outmuscled visiting Xenia 61-54 in a key Greater Western Ohio Conference South Division game.
Boro extended its win streak to four and improved to 8-2 overall and 3-0 in the GWOC South. Xenia dropped to 7-3, 2-1.
“Justin and ‘Pickle’ (Pluta’s nickname) were fantastic,” Holweger said. “They got good position and worked hard for it. We knew coming in that we had a size advantage but that was kind of negated by Xenia’s athleticism. Justin and Pickle did a great job.”
Said Xenia coach Kent Anderson: “You look at a game like this and we may have lost it way back in June in the weightroom.”
Pluta and Rigg’s inside presence helped Springboro maintain a slim lead in a game that saw six lead changes in the first quarter.
The final lead change — which came off a Pluta basket with 5:55 to go in the second quarter — was part of a game-changing 19-7 run by the hosts.
Xenia led 17-12 before Boro’s breakout and trailed 31-24 at the break.
In the second half, the Buccaneers tied the game on freshman Samari Curtis’ four-point play. Xenia never got that close again.
A basket by Drew Holweger gave Boro a 39-37 edge and the Panthers’ lead never dipped below one again.
Xenia had opportunities, but a 9-for-18 performance from the free-throw line in the second half hindered comeback hopes.
Boro connected on 14 of 16 fourth-quarter free throws. Holweger was 10-for-10 and ended with 16 points to match Pluta for team highs.
Curtis scored a game-high 18 to pace Xenia. Ray James added 14 and Rocky James had 10.
The victory was big for Boro in the league standings. Seven of the last GWOC South Division titles have been won by the two schools. Xenia is the defending champion.
“My favorite part of this team is that we’re versatile,” Michael Holweger said. “We have 7-8 guys that can go for double figures and we’re at our best when we can display that depth. Nick’s performance didn’t surprise us.”
Said Anderson: “There’s a reason they’re 8-2 overall and 3-0 in the league. They have a good combination of guard and inside play. They’re bigger than we are. That’s no excuse. We just have to get better.”
About the Author