Throughout the duration of Maysville’s playoff run, no moment has been too big for Gator Nichols.
After scoring 29 points and making the game-winning shot in a state semifinal matchup with Wyoming, Nichols followed with 36 points in a 74-67 Division III State Championship victory over Glenville.
Back-and-Forth From The Very Beginning
Consistency and efficiency were key themes throughout this game, and it was evident early on.
After Maysville jumped out to an early lead, Glenville responded with a 12-3 run to take a 17-13 lead after the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the duel between Nichols and Glenville senior Xavier Vickerstaff intensified, as the two stars traded baskets en route to a 37-32 halftime score in favor of Glenville.
Despite 15 first half points from Nichols, Glenville was able to maintain the lead thanks to a balanced scoring effort led by Vickerstaff. Vickerstaff finished the half with 12 points and six rebounds, and went on to have a double-double in his final high school game.
Division IV State Championship 🏆
*Halftime*
Glenville – 37
Maysville – 32Xavier Vickerstaff (12 points) closes the half with back-to-back threes, as Glenville goes 7-for-11 from beyond-the-arc.
Gator Nichols has 15 points for Maysville.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/qjYjYucVpm
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 21, 2025
Maysville Comes Out Hot
Momentum shifted in Mayville’s favor coming out of the locker room, as the Panthers exploded for a 9-0 run to take a 41-37 lead early in the third quarter. The duo of Nichols and Jordyn Watson was instrumental to a big third quarter performance.
Maysville starts the third quarter on a 9-0 run to take a 41-37 lead over Glenville with 5:52 to play in the third quarter.
Gator Nichols now has a game-high 20 points for the Panthers.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/fqFlk8DDTk
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 21, 2025
However, Glenville was able to take the lead right back, going on an 8-3 run of its own to gain a 45-44 advantage.
The final sequence perfectly summed up the game to this point, as Landon Iden and Vickerstaff exchanged three-pointers. Each team was 8-for-14 from beyond-the-arc after this sequence, shooting a blistering 57.1% from long range.
Nichols Plays Hero In The Fourth
After falling behind 65-58 with just over five minutes to play in regulation, it was no surprise who Maysville turned to in order to make a late comeback.
Gator Nichols, the junior that won the state semifinal at the buzzer, scored 11 points down the stretch to lead Maysville on a game-clinching 16-2 run.
This run would put an end to Glenville’s season, as Maysville went on to win its first state title in school history by a score of 74-67.
Division IV State Championship 🏆
*Final Score*
Maysville – 74
Glenville – 67Maysville will bring home its first state title in program history after taking down Glenville in another thriller.
Gator Nichols led the Panthers with 36 points.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/1xCtqvDko4
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 21, 2025
Team Leaders
Maysville
Points – Gator Nichols (36)
Rebounds – Jordyn Watson (8)
Assists – Gator Nichols (4)
Glenville
Points – Xavier Vickerstaff (21)
Rebounds – Xavier Vickerstaff (13)
Assists – Theo Castro (5)
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