GARRETTSVILLE, OH- The #12 seed Garfield G-MEN boys (16-6) opened up tournament play on Saturday night at JAG Gymnasium as they hosted the #15 seed Girard Indians (12-10). The G-MEN came in winners of 5 of their last 6 to end the regular season while Girard was looking to rebound from a two game losing streak heading into the postseason. After trailing the first three quarters the G-MEN rallied late for a 57-53 Sectional Final win.
Girard got off to a good start as leading scorer Dom Phillips scored on two drives inside, the second of which was an and-one conversion putting the Indians up 5-0.
After free throw splits by both sides, Preston Gedeon would hit a three for Garfield's first field goal making it a 6-4 game.
Following a Phillips bucket for Girard, Aidan Hill converted an and-one to bring the G-MEN within one at 8-7. The Indians would score four of the final five points finished off by a Nick Rafferty runner to close the 1st quarter up 12-8.
Aidan Hill opened the 2nd for Garfield with a three to cut the deficit to one. Girard would then go on a quick 7-0 run capped off by a Dominick Tolone corner three to push their lead up to 19-11.
After a Cade Rock score inside for Garfield, Girard would score six straight for their biggest lead of the night at 27-16. Garfield would score the final six points of the half to cut the deficit to 27-22 at the break. Dom Phillips was the only player in double figures at the half with 10 points for Girard while Garfield was led by Aidan Hill with 8 points.
Nick Edic opened the scoring for Garfield in the 2nd half with a basket before Phillips started a 7-0 run with an and-one conversion to take a 34-24 lead.
Garfield would then go on a 9-0 run to cut the Girard lead to 34-33 following a pair of Devin Bates free throws. After a basket and free throw by the Indians, it was Bates again scoring inside with the foul, but was unable to convert the free throw making it a 37-35 Indians lead.
Dominick Tolone would hit a three before Phillips was called for his 4th foul at the other end. He argued the call prompting a technical foul to be issued making that his 5th foul and taking the Indians top scorer out for the rest of the game. Preston Gedeon took full advantage knocking down both free throws followed by a corner three to tie the game at 40-40. Girard would take a 43-42 lead into the final frame.
Gedeon would open the 4th with another three for Garfield giving them their first lead of the night.
The game was tied at 48 a few moments later when Gedeon struck again from long range to give Garfield a 51-48 lead. The Indians would come back with four straight to go up 52-51. Aidan Hill then came up with a huge and-one bucket inside following up a blocked shot to get the crowd roaring and give Garfield a 54-52 lead.
Girard had a chance to tie but Cam Herrick split the pair of free throws and Garfield closed it out at the line with Brandyn Bogucki hitting a big pair late followed by a Rock split to seal the win.
Preston Gedeon led the way for the victorious G-MEN with 23 points (16 in the 2nd half) and five three's. Aidan Hill chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds. Dom Phillips led the Indians with 17 points despite fouling out in the 3rd quarter.
The G-MEN will head into Districts on Wednesday when they travel to Chagrin Falls to face the #10 seed Tigers.
Postgame interviews with Preston Gedeon and coach Andrew Olesky.
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