BB D4 FINAL: #2 Berlin Hiland 68, #1 Jackson Center 36

From ohsaa.org

COLUMBUS – Second-ranked Berlin Hiland got off to a fast start and never looked back to top No. 1 previously undefeated Jackson Center, 68-36, March 24 in the OHSAA Division IV boys basketball state championship at Ohio State’s Value City Arena in the Jerome Schottenstein Center.

The Hawks (27-1) led 15-5 after the first quarter and 36-16 at halftime thanks to a 57-percent shooting clip, including 6 of 9 from 3-point range.

In addition to their back-to-back titles, Hiland won a state championship in 1992. In their ninth trip to the state tournament, the Hawks are the second D4 team to win consecutive titles since the tournament expanded to four divisions in 1988 (Columbus Wehrle, 1988-90).

Senior Seger Bonifant keyed the Hawks’ hot start, going 6 for 8 from the field in the first half and converting all three of his shots from 3-point range. He ended with a game-high 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting and a 4-for-4 effort from long range.

Seniors Dylan Kaufman, Neil Gingerich, and Chaise Gerber added 17, 12, and eight points, respectively, for Hiland, which shot 54 percent for the game.

In its third trip to the state tournament and first since winning it all in 1985, Jackson Center (27-1) was held to a 24-percent shooting from the field. The 36-point offensive effort was their lowest of the season. Senior Andy Hoying led the Tigers with 15 points.