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 senior 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 blanked in the opening half. Xeyrius Williams, the 6-foot-8 senior bound for the University of Dayton, also had another outstanding game with 12 points and six rebounds. Finally, Trey Landers, a junior who has verbally committed to UD, added 10 points and nine rebounds.
South was powered by sophomore Kaleb Wesson, a 6-8 force around the basketball. Appropriately tagged “Baby Shaq,” he went for 15 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. That’s why UD is among the many programs that are recruiting him and his 6-6 junior brother Andre Wesson.
Afterward the family loaded up and headed to Syracuse, N.Y., to watch oldest son Travis play Louisville today. That’s been protocol for the Trice family after the sectional, district and regional final weekend wins.
Wayne became one of the rare Division I teams to play in both a football and basketball state championship in the same school year. Wayne was beaten by Lakewood St. Edward in last December’s state title football game. Wayne earned a measure of revenge by defeating St. Ed 57-51 in overtime in Friday’s state semis.
“This means everything,” Travis Trice said. “We’re playing for these fans, the community and most importantly our guys are playing for each other.”
It was the fourth and final state championship played on Saturday. Other winners were Defiance (D-II), Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph (D-III) and unbeaten Tri-Village (D-IV).
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