Kent, OH- "It's been a long time" were the words spoken to Akron Archbishop Hoban Knights head coach T.K. Griffith from various alumni as the longtime coach clutched tightly onto the Region 2 championship trophy.
"I've committed my life to Hoban, this isn't really about me," Griffith said postgame. "Without guys like Will Scott Jr. and Jonas (Nichols) who dropped 30 against Massillion and 27 against Ed's, there's no way we make it this far."
The Knights blew the game open on a 8-0 run which included a triple from 6'8 freshman center Sam Greer and senior standout guard William Scott Jr. Each would go on to finish with quarter with five points each.
Hoban's defense forced well over 7 turnovers in the first quarter to take a 14-8 lead with all sights set on Dayton.
The offense started to come together even more for Hoban in the second as Jonas Nichols started to find his shot. Walsh junior Ruel Tomlinson knocked in a much needed triple for the Warriors to keep the team within distance. Hobans defense allowed six second quarter points extending their lead to 25-14 at the half.
Hoban started the second half sloppy, picking up four quick team fouls in less than two minutes into the half. Walsh junior forward Sean Spicer sparked the Warriors with a triple to cut the deficit to 10. The Knights finished the quarter on a 14-4 run, capped off by a Nichols layup that all but certain ensured Hoban a trip to Dayton.
Hoban jumped out to a 53-33 lead before Warriors head coach Kevin Byrne pulled a platoon swap for bench guys snapping their three game consecutive win streak over the Knights.
"To be in this same position after losing to Ed's last year is amazing," said Scott Jr. postgame.
Nichols led all scorers with 18 points. Scott Jr. followed up with 12. Greer stepped in his first run of with playoffs with 11 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Hoban awaits the winner of the Garfield Heights vs Toledo St. John's regional finals matchup tomorrow, while Walsh season ends with a record of 20-8.
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