The Bulldogs hung in the game for the first half, but Richmond Heights came out of the break on fire, taking down Dalton 81-48 to punch their ticket to the State Semifinals in Dayton. Junior guard Jermey Wilson led the Spartans with 21 points, seven rebounds, and at least three big blocked shots.
Wilson scored ten of his 21 points in the first quarter, as the Richmond Heights defense kept the pressure on and took a 24-12 lead into the second. Dalton would hold the Spartans to their lowest scoring quarter of the game, 13 points, but Richmond Heights was able to extend their lead to 37-23 at the break.
Photo by Devin Lowe
Much like they did in their semifinal win over Cornerstone Christian, the Spartans came out of the halftime break on fire. In addition to holding Bulldogs star Braylon Wenger to just three points in the quarter, Richmond Heights ramped up the defense and got out in transition, taking a 58-31 lead into the final quarter.
Despite some lapses on defense late in the game, the Spartans outscored Dalton in the final frame 23-15, cruising to an 81-48 victory and a trip to Dayton for the State Semifinals. In addition to the big performance from Wilson, Richmond Heights also got big games out of Demarris Winters Jr. and Hosea Steele Jr. who both finished with 17 points. Leading the way for the Bulldogs was senior Braylon Wenger, who finished with 25 points and eight rebounds.
Photo by Devin Lowe
Looking to claim their second straight State Championship, Richmond Heights (27-0) will head to Dayton to take on Russia (20-3) next Friday night. Russia advanced to the State Semifinals with a 27-25 win over Jackson Center.
Top Performers
Dalton
Braylon Wenger: 25 points 8 rebounds 2 steals
Jack Steiner: 6 points 3 assists 2 rebounds
Richmond Heights
Jermey Wilson: 21 points 7 rebounds 5 blocks
Demarris Winters Jr.: 17 points 1 steal
Hosea Steele Jr.: 17 points 13 rebounds 2 steals
Photo by Devin Lowe
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | FINAL | |
| Dalton | 12 | 11 | 8 | 17 | 48 |
| Richmond Heights | 24 | 13 | 21 | 23 | 81 |
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