Boys HS Hoops: Keystone Outlasts Buckeye 81-68, Advance To Sectional Finals

LAGRANGE, OHIO – Coming into Tuesday night’s opening round playoff game, Keystone hadn’t eclipsed the 80 point mark all season.

It took a little intentional foul help down the stretch, but Keystone broke that barrier for a season high point total in their 81-68 win over Buckeye.

Keystone was clicking on all cylinders from the opening tip, something they weren’t able to do in their 53-51 regular season loss to Buckeye.

Here we go! Starting off the game with a three from Keystone’s Ryan Walsh. @KHSathletics @BHSAthDep pic.twitter.com/325qRf83Z4

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsAthletics) February 26, 2020

Freshman point guard Ryan Walsh and Kollin Rodick combined for 11 in the first quarter (49 points for the game) to lead the Wildcats to a 20-14 lead.

The duo would continue their strong performance for the second quarter as well, but it wasn’t without a little bit of a scare.

Danny Flood and Pat Midea led a charge that pulled Buckeye within a point midway through the second. Keystone was able to respond with a 12-3 run to end the half, capped off with a buzzer beater from Sean Saterlee to Bryan Sayers.

Nice step back bucket here by Danny Flood, Keystone still leads Buckeye 27-25 halfway through the 2nd. @BHSAthDep @KHSathletics pic.twitter.com/Gl2VGRN8cx

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsAthletics) February 26, 2020

Division II, North Ridgeville District
Boys Sectional Semifinal 🏀

*Halftime*
(6) Keystone Wildcats – 39
(11) Buckeye Bucks – 29

Keystone ends the 2nd on a 12-3 run, capped off by this BUZZER BEATER by Bryan Sayers.@KHSathletics @BHSAthDep @MayorNEOPrep @zeusisfat pic.twitter.com/9QUn7Ldjgu

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsAthletics) February 26, 2020

Coming out of the locker room with a 39-29 lead, Keystone continued a steady output of offense. Buckeye kept the game competitive in the second half, but they struggled to contain the dynamic duo of Walsh and Rodick.

Keystone extended their lead up to 15 in the third, but Buckeye was able to get it down to 53-41 heading into the fourth quarter.

Keystone got the lead up to 15, but a 7-2 run for Buckeye has made the score 49-39. 4:04 in the 3rd.@KHSathletics @BHSAthDep pic.twitter.com/RvRGjQY30B

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsAthletics) February 26, 2020

It was desperation time for the Bucks, and that’s when Flood delivered the quarter of a lifetime to try and keep his team alive.

Flood scored a masterful 18 points in the frame, en route to a game high 32 points. He hit four shots from beyond the arc and was perfect from the line, leading Buckeye to 27 points on the quarter.

Huge night for sophomore Danny Flood. Finished with 32 points for Buckeye.

Lots of young talent on both of these teams. Can see them make a big jump next season. pic.twitter.com/5St2lT3DdH

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsAthletics) February 26, 2020

Flood continued to connect on big shots to keep the Bucks in the game, but Keystone’s free throw shooting down the stretch sealed the deal.

The Wildcats went 10-for-12 at the line down the stretch to seal the 81-68 sectional semifinal victory over their local rival.

Buckeye played the intentional foul game until the bitter end, but the Wildcats success at the free throw line foiled any kind of comeback.

Division II, North Ridgeville District
Boys Sectional Semifinal 🏀

*Final Score*
(6) Keystone Wildcats – 81
(11) Buckeye Bucks – 68

Keystone advances to play Rocky River in the sectional final on Friday.@KHSathletics @BHSAthDep @MayorNEOPrep @zeusisfat pic.twitter.com/0DtKMu6pzb

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsAthletics) February 26, 2020

Keystone (#6, 12-11) will travel to Rocky River (#3, 13-9) to face the Pirates in the North Ridgeville sectional finals this Friday.

Buckeye, who came into the tournament as the 11th seed, finish their season 6-16. The Bucks have a bright future ahead, as they will build off of a successful sophomore season by guard Danny Flood.

Box Score

(6) Keystone 20 19 14 28 81

(11) Buckeye 13 16 12 27 68

Keystone Wildcats (81)
Kollin Rodick: 24 Pts
Ryan Walsh: 23 Pts
Bryan Sayers: 13 Pts
Sean Saterlee: 11 Pts
Christian Pataky: 5 Pts
Konner Rodick: 3 Pts
Jacob Shackleford: 2 Pts

Buckeye Bucks (68)
Danny Flood: 32 Pts
Nick Miller: 15 Pts
Pat Midea: 8 Pts
Caden Hudak: 6 Pts
Clay Gunkelman: 5 Pts
Shane Bambrick: 2 Pts