Akron, OH- Coming off a semifinal game that featured a state record being rewritten, the Cornerstone Christian Patriots set their sights on a District Championship Friday evening. Quinn "Turtle" Kwasniak set the OHSAA record for most three pointers made in a season earlier this week during the semifinal game. Unfortunately for the Patriots, they would've needed a lot more Turtle heroics to be crowned champions tonight.
Opening tip of the Boys Division 4, Region 2 District Championship.
The first quarter was a back and forth affair as both teams tried to get into their groove. Kwasniak led the Patriots in points with 10, including 3 from beyond the arc. The Spartans were led by DeErick Barber Jr. who tallied 9 in the opening frame, as they led 17-12.
The Patriots were able to get the game to within a possession as Kwasniak nailed his 4th three pointer of the evening in the opening moments. However, that was the closest the Patriots would get the rest of the night. The Spartans answered with a 12-0 run. For the quarter, the Spartans outscored Cornerstone 34-9.
The 2nd half featured much of the same, with Richmond Heights using their size and athleticism to wreak havoc on the Cornerstone offensive game plan. By the end of the 3rd quarter there was a running clock.
Quinn Kwasniak ended the night with 38 points, including 10 buckets from beyond the arc. On the winning side, the Spartans used a much more balanced attack to secure the victory. The Spartans had 5 players in double figures. Leading the way was Jeremy Wilson with 19, then fellow starters DeErick Barber Jr. and Hosea Steele Jr. with 16 a piece. Rounding out the starters in double figures was Dorian Jones with 15. Off the bench, it was Braylen Salters with 11, including 3 triples.
The Spartans pose with their District Championship trophy and medals.
All but one Spartan that saw playing time scored on the evening, a remarkable feat considering three players only played the final 3 minutes with a running clock.
Coach Quentin Rogers and his Spartans now head to Regional play, tipping off with Seneca East on Tuesday evening from the Canton Fieldhouse.