A memorable matchup for the Division 7 title saw Ohio's career-scoring leader try his best to give Cornerstone Christian the crown, but undefeated Russia would cap off the program's 1st-ever championship season with a 74-57 victory at UD Arena in Dayton.
The Raiders (29-0) have been building up to this season with 11 senior members of the roster making their 3rd consecutive Final Four appearance. They looked like the more complete team in the opening minutes by building a 20-14 cushion heading into the second quarter, but that's when Quinn Kwasniak began to take matters into his own hands. The Army commit put up 15 of his game-high 38 points in the frame, cashing in a pair of logo 3-pointers that fueled the Patriots (21-9) crowd and dazzled everyone else in attendance. CCA would trim the deficit to 38-34 by the halftime break but failed to keep momentum out of the locker room.
A big 3rd quarter from Braylon Cordonnier, where he scored 10 of his team-best 21 points, helped the Raiders create some separation on the scoreboard heading into the final stanza. On the strength of a 9-0 run midway through the fourth quarter, Russia would put the game away with three players finishing the night with 14+ points. An emotional crowd watched as the final seconds fell off the clock, ensuring the Raiders a perfect season in dominating fashion.
The win is the 1,000th in program history for Russia, who have accumulated an impressive 81-6 overall record over the last 3 seasons.
Kwasniak finished his career with a state record 3,341 points.
This State Championship highlight is presented by @maumeebayturf@dannysrossford
Russia Boys Basketball is STATE BOUND!! The Raiders end Jackson Center's 26-game win streak topping the Tigers 27-25. Russia earns a school record 25th victory and will play in the Final Four for just the second time in program history! Get those fire trucks warmed up Russia 🚨🎉
Jaire Alexander told us before talking today he was going to lie.
@NicoleMenner asked for two truths and a lie.
“I can give three lies,” Alexander said instead. “One, I’m human. Two, I’m not funny at all. And three, I enjoy all of you.”
Matt LaFleur was thinking about calling a Hail Mary at end of yesterday's first half. Then he saw Mason Crosby trotting out for a 56-yard field goal, longest any #Packers kicker has made at Lambeau Field: "It really didn't matter what I called, Mason was already out there."
@Ascend_Hyperion If only caring was enough. Bad company with bad leadership makes bad decisions that result in a bad product and a bad franchise. But at least they care :)