Hoban Rolls Past Toledo St. John’s, Reaches First State Title Game Since 1989

Photo by Billy Kosco

When Archbishop Hoban defeated North College Hill in the 1989 title game, T.K. Griffith was a senior celebrating with his teammates.

Fast forward 34 years, and Griffith will coach in his first state championship game, with his son Andrew in the starting lineup.

However, to reach this moment, Hoban had to take care of business against the tournament’s “Cinderella” team, St. John’s Jesuit.

They were able to do just that, picking up a 49-36 win behind double-doubles from both Sam Greer and Jonas Nichols.

Starting Off Strong

It was all Hoban early, as a pair of buckets from Jonas Nichols and a Sam Greer three propelled the Knights to a 12-2 lead.

St. John’s fought back to cut their deficit to four at the end of the quarter, but that was as close as the Titans would get for the remainder of the game.

Hoban comes out red hot, jumping out to a 12-2 first quarter lead!

Freshman Sam Greer knocks down this triple to force a St. John’s timeout. ⬇️ @NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/JMrh9QVBmo

— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 19, 2023

Stifling Defense and Shooting Struggles

6-foot-8 freshman center Sam Greer has been a driving force during this Hoban tournament run. With four blocks and countless contests during the game, St. John’s had a tough time getting anything inside.

The Titans shot 6-for-20 in the first half, missing all six of their attempts from beyond-the-arc. Things continued to deteriorate in the third quarter, as a 2-for-13 stretch allowed Hoban to take complete control.

Division I State Semifinal 🏀

*Halftime*
Archbishop Hoban – 28
St. John’s Jesuit – 14

Hoban holds SJJ to 30% shooting in the first half to double their point total!

Sam Greer has 9 points, 5 rebounds, and a block. The 6’8 freshman has been a force!@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/k0SQMFPdfz

— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 19, 2023

Hoban Builds A Big Lead, Finishes The Job

With nothing falling for St. John’s, Hoban was able to extend their lead to a game-high 23 points by the end of the third quarter.

Hoban has taken a 34-17 lead over SJJ with 3:43 to play in the third!

Here is a sweet move by Jonas Nichols, who now has nine points. ⬇️@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/WQXuyzud5J

— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 19, 2023

Division I State Semifinal 🏀

*End of the 3rd*
Archbishop Hoban – 42
St. John’s Jesuit – 19

Hoban is putting on an absolute clinic tonight!

Nichols, Scott, and Greer have combined for 32 of the Knights’ 40 points.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/iOEGePBD8C

— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 19, 2023

If there was ever a sliver of doubt Hoban securing this win, it would have been right around the five minute mark, when St. John’s cut the lead to 44-31 on a three by CJ Hornbeak.

However, this run would quickly come to an end, as the Knights went on to pick up the 49-36 victory.

Division I State Semifinal 🏀

*Final Score*
Archbishop Hoban – 49
St. John’s Jesuit – 36#KnightTime ⚔️

Hoban is set to play for their first title in 34 years!

The Knights backcourt combined for 26 points, while Sam Greer had a double-double with 4 blocks.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/ILYDFN07V0

— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 19, 2023

 

What’s Next?

With Saturday’s win, Archbishop Hoban claimed the final spot left for “Championship Sunday”.

They will face 2023 Mr. Basketball winner Devin Royal and reigning state champions Pickerington Central at 8:30 pm in Dayton.

 

Team Leaders

Archbishop Hoban

Points – J. Nichols (14)

Rebounds – S. Greer (12)

Assists – W. Scott, A. Griffith (3)

Blocks – S. Greer (4)

Steals – J. Nichols, L. Vowels, A. Griffith (1)

 

St. John’s Jesuit

Points – J. Taylor (11)

Rebounds – J. Taylor, M. Michalak (8)

Assists – Four Players Tied (1)

Blocks – J. Taylor (1)

Steals – J. Taylor (3)