DAYTON, Ohio — After back-to-back dramatic playoff victories for St. Ignatius, it appeared that the state title game was destined for another instant classic.
Instead, the Wildcats controlled most of the game to earn a 66-56 victory for their first state title in 23 years.
Sunday night was not the first time that these teams met this season.
On January 13th, it took two overtime periods for St. Ignatius to escape with a 94-92 victory over Centerville.
Early on, it looked like the championship edition of this matchup was destined for greatness.
After St. Ignatius led 15-14 through one quarter, Centerville took its first lead with 3:53 to play in the first half.
Centerville has taken a 24-21 lead over Ignatius with 3:53 to play in the second quarter.
Great defense by Jonathan Powell leads to a midrange jumper from Ethan Greenberg.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/N2RWzvjpZZ
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 25, 2024
This is when the game started to slip away from Centerville, as St. Ignatius held the Elks without a point for the final 4:31 of the first half to take a 30-24 lead into the locker room.
Centerville cut the deficit to two early in the third quarter, but this is as close as the Elks got to recapturing the lead.
An 8-0 run fueled St. Ignatius to a 45-32 lead after three quarters.
Reece Robinson throws the outlet pass on this fast break, but he’s the one that ends up with the follow up score!
An 8-0 run extends the Ignatius lead to 38-28 halfway through the third quarter.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/3XZaoxZYi6
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 25, 2024
Despite improved shooting down the stretch, the 16 point deficit was too much for Centerville to overcome, as St. Ignatius went on to win, 66-56.
Jack Zapolnik has been excellent tonight for St. Ignatius!
The senior has 10 points, six assists, four rebounds, and this block.
Ignatius leads 55-39 with 3:45 to play in regulation.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/xavyUrQ80c
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) March 25, 2024
It was a balanced effort for St. Ignatius. Despite the team scoring 66 points, Jack Zapolnik was the leading scorer with 14.
In the absence of star senior Sam Springer, it took a whole team effort for the Wildcats to make a title run.
Cam Joyce’s team did exactly that, overcoming every obstacle en route to a state title.
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