Division II at Springfield H.S.
Winner to 8 p.m. Thu., March 14 state semifinals at OSU Schottenstein Center, vs. Millersburg West Holmes/Lancaster Fairfield Union winner.
Chaminade Julienne (18-9)
vs. Carroll (22-5)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Notable: It's fitting both these Dayton-anchored GGCL Grey North rivals should be paired with a final four trip at stake. CJ has won nine straight and hasn't lost since recovering from a midseason slump in which the Eagles lost five straight. Tripped Col. Eastmoor 54-36 in the regional semi. Carroll has won seven straight. Patriots also swept the regular-season series, 52-35 and 58-45. Winner plays at 8 p.m. on Thursday in state semifinals at OSU Schottenstein Center vs. the Millersburg West Holmes/Lancaster Fairfield Union winner of the Zanesville Regional.
BOYS DISTRICT FINALS BASKETBALL
FRIDAY’S GAMES
Division II at UD Arena
Winners to Thursday’s regional semis at Fairmont Trent Arena
Trotwood-Madison (22-3)
vs. Cin. Hughes (20-5)
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Notable: A breakout season for Trotwood coach Rocky Rockhold in just his second year after taking over for Mark Baker. Rams have won seven straight, not losing since a stunning 84-68 meltdown at Alter. Senior JaMar Hammonds (22.8 ppg) and junior Dezhontae Bennett (22.2) have been unstoppable. Hughes comes out of the Cincinnati Metro Conference, the equivalent of the Dayton City League. Mini Angel Rivera, 5-8, leads four double-digit scorers (16.6).
Alter (18-5)
vs. Wilmington (19-5)
Time: 7:15 p.m.
Notable: All Alter did was KO No. 1 state-ranked Thurgood Marshall 62-58 to advance. How unlikely was that? The Knights listed at 2-3 to end the regular season. Alter's on a mission to send Joe Petrocelli out a winner. The storied program's only head coach, Alter has won 24 of 26 district championships under Petro. If Alter adds another, it'll be because of the jacked-up play of senior guard Jaaron Simmons (23.0 ppg) during the postseason. The Hurricane is led by cousins and sophomore Jaevin Cumberland (16.0) and freshman Jarron Cumberland (17.7).
Spg. Shawnee (23-2)
vs. Dunbar (19-6)
Time: 9 p.m.
Notable: Shawnee blew through its Springfield sectional against rival Central Buckeye Conference members. But its postseason ante is ramped up at this level against the defending state champions. Jaelin Williams, a 6-5 senior, is as good as billed (20.0 ppg, 8.4 rpg.) Dunbar derailed Franklin 66-63 in an instant classic to squeak get out of the sectional. Sophomore 5-9 guard Amos "AJ" Harris (14.4 ppg) gets all the recruiting pub, but junior William Green is the "heart and soul" of the Wolverines, according to coach Pete Pullen.
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