DAYTON, Ohio — Berlin Hiland is a team that has overcome its fair share of challenges in a successful state runner-up season.
Unfortunately for the Hawks, reigning back-to-back champion Richmond Heights was just too much to handle, as the Spartans captured their third straight title with a 62-35 win.
The first few minutes of regulation set the stage for what would be an offensive struggle for the duration of the first half.
Hiland was able to hold Richmond Heights scoreless for nearly three minutes to start the game to take a 5-0 lead. Soon after, Richmond Heights would explode for a quick 10-0 run to take the lead.
After a slow start, Hosea Steele and Richmond Heights turn defense into offense for a quick 10-0 run.
Spartans lead 10-5 with 3:34 to play in the first quarter.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/MBdGfHX0EP
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 24, 2024
Leading the early charge was Hosea Steele, who finished with 12 points in the first half, five of which came off of his own steals.
With both teams struggling from the field, Richmond Heights slowly built upon its lead. Holding Hiland to 6-of-23 shooting, the Spartans battled their way to a 25-14 halftime lead.
Division IV State Championship 🏆🏀
*Halftime*
Richmond Heights – 25
Berlin Hiland – 14Hiland did a good job at containing the Richmond Heights offense, but the Hawks shoot just 26% in the first half.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/SHDH2Q6wKa
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 24, 2024
Hiland had hoped that a buzzer beater by its leading scorer Nick Wigton would start a comeback, but Richmond Heights quickly put a stop to that.
Demarris Winters scored 10 points in the third quarter, propelling Richmond Heights to a 13-0 run.
Division IV State Championship 🏆🏀
*End of the 3rd*
Richmond Heights – 44
Berlin Hiland – 22Richmond Heights ends the quarter on a 9-0 run, holding Hiland scoreless for the final 4:32.
Demarris Winters scored 10 points in the frame.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/a4g6DN1Hb8
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 24, 2024
It was smooth sailing from that point forward, as Richmond Heights went on to win its third consecutive state title, 62-35.
Division IV State Championship 🏆🏀
*Final Score*
Richmond Heights – 62
Berlin Hiland – 35Make it a 3-peat for Richmond Heights!
The Spartans roll past Berlin Hiland to claim their third state title in as many seasons.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/qS9nEwwEQ3
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 24, 2024
Even without star transfer TJ Crumble, the Spartans were able to dominate the playoffs for a third straight season. With most of its core set to return next season, a fourth consecutive state title is definitely in the cards for this team.
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