BB D3 FINAL: #3 Summit Country Day defeats #6 Portsmouth, 53-37

From ohsaa.org

COLUMBUS – Third-ranked Cincinnati Summit Country Day used a balanced, patient offensive effort and stingy defense to top sixth-ranked Portsmouth, 53-37, in the OHSAA Division III state championship game March 24 at Ohio State’s Value City Arena in the Jerome Schottenstein Center.

It marks the Silver Knights’ first state championship in their third trip to the state tournament (1979-80). Six players scored for Summit Country Day (26-1), but none more than 11.

The Silver Knights’ 11-2 scoring advantage in the first quarter and an 18-10 edge in the fourth quarter were too much for Portsmouth (24-3) to overcome. Summit Country Day entered the tournament allowing only 34.7 points per game and held Portsmouth to its lowest scoring output of the season.

Junior Kevin Johnson led Summit Country Day with 11 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. Sophomore Mike Barwick added 11 points.

Portsmouth was making its 15th appearance at the state tournament, which is second all-time to only Canton McKinley’s 28 appearances. Senior Zaide Whitley led the Spartans with 16 points, while senior Dion McKinley added 13 points and six rebounds.