News Summary

The Garfield Heights Bulldogs have triumphed over the Archbishop Hoban Knights with a score of 58-45 in the OHSAA Division III regional semifinal. Displaying skill and determination, standout player Marcus Johnson led the Bulldogs with 26 points, leading his team to their first state semifinal appearance since 2016. Despite a competitive effort from the Knights, including strong performances from Sam Greer and Kenny Scott, Garfield Heights took control in the second half, showcasing their strength as they prepare for the next stage of the tournament.

Garfield Heights Bulldogs Roar Into State Semifinals with Victory Over Archbishop Hoban

In an electrifying night for high school basketball, the Garfield Heights Bulldogs showcased their talent and tenacity by defeating the Archbishop Hoban Knights 58-45 in the OHSAA Division III regional semifinal at Medina High School. The game tipped off sharply at 7 p.m., and it did not disappoint!

A Familiar Foe

This matchup held familiar territory for both schools, as Garfield Heights took down Hoban in a close contest last year too, winning 52-43 during a Division I regional semifinal at the University of Akron. With the Ohio High School Athletic Association expanding divisions from four to seven this season, both teams found themselves in Division III, setting the stage for a gripping rematch.

Bulldogs Show Their Strength

At the heart of the Bulldogs’ emphatic victory was none other than Marcus Johnson, who dazzled on the court, rallying an impressive 26 points alongside five rebounds, four assists, five steals, and one block. It’s safe to say he was the driving force behind Garfield Heights’ dominant performance.

Teammates also shone brightly, with Nasir Hines delivering a stellar performance, contributing eight points, seven rebounds, and an incredible seven blocks. Add in DeVaughn Jackson‘s eight points and five rebounds, and the Bulldogs had a well-rounded evening.

Even the supporting cast was impressive, as Braylin Sullivan and Ari Jones each added seven points to the scoreboard, ultimately pushing the Bulldogs ahead when it mattered most.

Knights Put Up a Fight

While the Bulldogs were on fire, the Knights also showed great skill. The top scorer for Hoban was Sam Greer, who notched 18 points and secured nine rebounds—doing his best to keep his team competitive throughout the match. Kenny Scott contributed a solid 15 points as well, complemented by four assists and four steals.

Despite Hoban’s efforts, which included valuable contributions from James McCarthy and John Johnson, the team fell short against a surging Bulldogs squad.

A Game Filled with Momentum Changes

The game progressed with its fair share of nail-biting moments. At halftime, Hoban led a tight contest, edging out with a score of 26-25. But the second half belonged to Garfield Heights. They took control of the game by outscoring their opponents 16-8 in the third quarter—a game-changing period that left them leading 41-34 going into the final stretch.

The Bulldogs flew out of the gate in the third quarter, establishing a substantial 14-2 run, which made the difference. Johnson’s sensational two-hand slam dunk in the second quarter was a pivotal moment that served to energize the crowd and his team alike.

As the clock ticked down to just 40.9 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs held a solid 56-45 lead, looking ever more certain of their victory. With Johnson scoring 22 points and Hines executing a powerful layup, Garfield Heights maintained their lead and never looked back.

A Bright Future Ahead

With this impressive win, Garfield Heights improved their season record to an astounding 24-2, while Archbishop Hoban saw their campaign come to a close with a record of 21-6. Remarkably, this victory brings the Bulldogs to the state semifinals for the first time since 2016, igniting hope and excitement among fans and players alike.

As the weekend approaches, all eyes will be on OHSAA, which is expected to announce the site for the upcoming state semifinals. One thing’s for sure: these Garfield Heights Bulldogs have proven they’re a force to be reckoned with!

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