News Summary

Columbus buzzed with excitement as the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s basketball championships kicked off, showcasing incredible performances from Purcell Marian and Winton Woods. The Purcell Marian Cavaliers secured their fourth consecutive state championship with a 72-44 victory over Avon Lake, while the Winton Woods Warriors celebrated their first-ever title after defeating Whitehouse Anthony Wayne 70-55. Both teams left their mark in history, making this year’s tournament an unforgettable celebration of talent and teamwork.

Exciting Times in Columbus: Ohio High School Basketball Championships Unfold!

The vibrant city of Columbus was alive with the spirit of competition as the highly anticipated Ohio High School Athletic Association’s basketball championships kicked off this past Friday afternoon. The buzz was palpable, with fans sporting their team colors and rallying behind their favorite players. There was plenty of action across different divisions, but two teams truly stole the spotlight!

Purcell Marian Shines Bright

First up, the Purcell Marian Cavaliers squared off against Avon Lake in the OHSAA Girls’ Division III State Championship. With an impressive season under their belt, the Cavaliers didn’t disappoint, scoring a stunning 72-44 victory. This marks an incredible milestone for Purcell Marian, as they’ve secured their fourth consecutive state championship. This achievement makes them only the fourth team in the history of OHSAA to pull off such a remarkable feat!

Under the guidance of coach Jamar Mosley, the Cavaliers concluded their season with an outstanding 106-10 record. Senior guard Dee Alexander showed her skills on the big stage by racking up 27 points in the championship match and being recognized as the 2025 Ohio Ms. Basketball. Talk about leaving a legacy!

Defensively, Purcell Marian was a force to be reckoned with. They forced a startling 7 turnovers from their opponents while holding Avon Lake to just 8 field goal attempts in the first half. Their strategy was clear: dominate the court and make the relentless pursuit of the win a reality!

Winton Woods Makes History

But that wasn’t all that Columbus had to celebrate! In another thrilling game, the Winton Woods Warriors faced off against Whitehouse Anthony Wayne in the OHSAA Girls’ Division II State Championship. Winton Woods crowned themselves as champions with a definitive 70-55 victory, marking their first-ever state championship title. What a moment for this exceptional team!

Finishing the season with a dazzling 27-0 record, the Warriors’ never-give-up attitude and teamwork truly paid off. Leading the charge in the championship game was freshman Strawberry Blankumsee, who delivered a stellar performance with 28 points. With four teammates in double figures, Winton Woods showcased not only individual talent but a well-rounded team effort that is sure to be remembered.

More Hoops Action Across the State

In addition to the exhilarating girls’ games, there were several boys’ semifinals taking place concurrently. Wyoming and Maysville, Marion Local and Colonel Crawford, as well as Monroe Central and Kirtland battled it out in Division IV and VI semifinals. It was a knockout round of games, showcasing the finest talent in high school basketball.

Meanwhile, Summit Country Day faced Columbus Academy in the boys’ Division V semifinal, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The undefeated Russia and Arlington also went head-to-head in the boys’ Division VII semifinal, adding even more excitement to this thrilling basketball weekend.

Looking Ahead: Awards on the Horizon

As the tournament winds down, basketball enthusiasts can eagerly await the announcement of the highly coveted Mr. Basketball and Ms. Basketball winners, with finalists already in place, including standout Devin Brown from Olentangy Orange. Whatever the outcomes, the spotlight remains firmly on the remarkable high school athletes who’ve made this basketball season unforgettable!

In sum, Columbus provided an incredible showcase of talent, teamwork, and spirit at the OHSAA basketball championships. With Purcell Marian and Winton Woods leaving their marks in history, fans can’t help but look forward to next season. Who will reign supreme in 2024? Only time will tell!

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