High School

Richmond Heights Uses A 35-0 Run To Win Their Second Consecutive State Title

by
Billy Kosco
March 19, 2023

Photo by Billy Kosco

During the early moments of the second quarter, it looked as if Convoy Crestview was going to give the defending champions all they could handle. The score was tied at 16, and Richmond Heights was looking as vulnerable as they have all season. However, once the Spartans ramped up their defensive pressure, it was very difficult for Crestview to get into any type of rhythm. A 35-0 run would solidify Richmond Heights as back-to-back champions with a 70-26 victory.

Keeping It Close Early

With 4:26 to play in the second quarter, the game was tied up. After that point, Richmond Heights went on a 15-3 run behind multiple buckets from Dorian Jones.

Dorian Jones has been UNREAL in the first half!

He has 16 points to give Richmond Heights a 24-16 lead with 2:59 to play in the half.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/DIW5bQhtvg

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

Despite 16 first half points from Jones, Crestview kept their deficit within single digits thanks to a Mitch Temple half-court heave at the buzzer.

2023 D-4 State Championship 🏆

*Halftime*
Richmond Heights – 31
Convoy Crestview – 22

Despite the deficit, Crestview will head into the locker room with momentum after Mitch Temple buries a shot from half court.

Dorian Jones has been the story with 16 points.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/00Nasq1pho

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

An Incredible Run

In a shocking turn of events, that half-court shot would be the last points Crestview scored until the 4:28 mark of the fourth quarter. Richmond Heights brought intense pressure, picking up ball handlers in the backcourt and forcing 18 total turnovers.

During this stretch of over 11 minutes, Richmond Heights scored 35 unanswered points, most of which came from a relentless beyond-the-arc assault.

2023 D-4 State Championship 🏆

*End of the 3rd*
Richmond Heights – 60
Convoy Crestview – 22

Richmond Heights outscores Crestview 29-0 in the third quarter to start a running clock.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/C0OmFzbyq4

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

Once Crestview finally found the bottom of the net for their first score of the second half, the Richmond Heights lead had ballooned to 66-24.

This second half performance solidified Richmond Heights as back-to-back state champions, and gave Ohio its first perfect team since 2019.

2023 D-4 State Championship 🏆

*Final Score*
Richmond Heights – 70
Convoy Crestview – 26

Richmond Heights caps off a perfect season with a running clock win in the state title game.

That marks back-to-back championships for the Spartans!@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/yRd6De25bM

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

A Dynasty In The Making

Richmond Heights has won back-to-back championships, and they’ve done so with one of the youngest teams in the state. Their entire roster consists of underclassmen, with their sophomore “Big 3” of De’Erick Barber, Dorian Jones, and Demarris Winters leading the charge. Even with a potential competitive balance adjustment, there are players on this team that have a real chance to win four state championships. With all of the young, elite talent on this roster, we will likely be seeing plenty more of Richmond Heights over the next few years!

Team Leaders