When the buzzer sounded late Sunday night at UD Arena, a full circle was completed for the Griffith family.
34 years after winning the state title as a senior, TK Griffith wins it as head coach, with his son Andrew scoring nine points in his high school finale.
Photo by Billy Kosco
With the odds stacked against them, Hoban came away with a 53-47 win over “Mr. Basketball” Devin Royal and defending champion Pickerington Central.
Hoban Proves They Can Compete
While to many, Pickerington Central seemed like a lock to repeat as champions, Hoban came out of the gates ready to do battle.
One of the key battles they won in the first half was on the offensive glass. Logan Vowles and Sam Greer combined for seven of Hoban’s 10 boards. Despite mediocre shooting, these second chance opportunities kept the Knights within reach.
Hoban has struggled from the field, but they have grabbed TEN offensive rebounds, seven of which have come from Logan Vowles and Sam Greer.
These guys are leaving it all out on the floor!@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/1q5gOH4Q25
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 20, 2023
A Slow Third Quarter
The two teams combined to shoot 4-for-18 in an ugly third quarter that ended with the score tied at 31. Despite not having a single point through three quarters, standout junior Jonas Nichols picked up his third steal right before the buzzer to add to an impressive defensive display.
2023 D-1 State Championship 🏆
*End of the 3rd*
Pickerington Central – 31
Archbishop Hoban – 31Jonas Nichols gets his third steal of the game right before the buzzer.
We’re all tied up through three!@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/6nkmf6onJE
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 20, 2023
Logan Vowles and Sam Greer Take Over
With a state title within reach, it was the senior/freshman duo of Logan Vowles and Sam Greer who took control of the game.
Greer, who finished with 12 points, made a couple of big post shots, while Vowles buried back-to-back threes to extend the Hoban lead to 49-37.
VOWLES AGAIN! 😱
Hoban has their largest lead of the game with 3:38 to play in regulation! 49-37 Knights.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/tKpabchVX7
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 20, 2023
Pick Central worked their deficit to six, but clutch free throws down the stretch sealed the upset victory for Hoban.
How Hoban Got Here
Playing several games in which they were perceived as the “underdog”, Hoban continued to rise to the occasion and win the big ones.
After taking down St. Edward and blowing out Walsh Jesuit, it was clear that the Knights were a serious contender in Division I.
The recipe for success? An excellent backcourt, strong shooting wings, and a 6-foot-8 offensive lineman holding down the paint.
This was a special group that had a storybook ending to their season. The circle is complete, and the hardware is heading back to Akron once again.
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