Circleville Takes Waverly 51-42 for D-IV District Title
Article presented by Pickaway-Ross CTC Adult Education …
Two weeks ago, Circleville won its first league championship in 43 years. Thursday night, the Tigers earned a trip to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1997, thanks to a 51-42 victory over Waverly in the Division IV District Final at Ohio University.
“Proud of our guys for what we were able to do” said Circleville’s Evan Callihan after the Tigers earned the championship trophy. “It’s a whirlwind of emotions. This was our goal two years ago. We got the ball down the stretch and made some big plays – thought we got some big defensive stops and that was the difference.”
Former head coach Eddie Sims was the J-V coach the last time Circleville reached the Regionals. “We have the poster in my room and my kids in my class asked me ‘Hey, who was that guy?’ and I said that’s Mr. Sims. ‘You looked a lot different then.’ Sims chuckled saying “That was 29 years ago guys, I did look a lot different then.”
About the photo: Waverly’s Kage Alexander hits a hook shot over Circleville’s Blaine Fowler
The boys from Waverly didn’t make it easy. The teams played a tight contest through the first period with Circleville having a slight 10-7 edge. Waverly’s Kage Alexander tied the game at 10-10 with a three-pointer to start the second quarter. Riley Jenkins responded with a triple for Circleville, but Kai Keesee answered with another three to knot the score at 13-13. It would be the last tie of the game.
A drive by Jack Kline helped the Roundtown Tigers regain the lead and Blaine Fowler hit baskets back-to-back for a 6-0 run and Circleville didn’t trail the remainder of the game.
Circleville held a 21-16 lead at the break.
Waverly climbed back to within two points on free throws by Sawyer Myers and Alexander at 26-24, but the Orange and Black couldn’t get closer.
“This feels great” said Kline holding the District Champion trophy. “This is better than any feeling I’ve ever felt.” D-IV District Player of the Year, Kole Nungester agreed. “It’s indescribable, really. They (Waverly) did a good job of taking me away, not letting me get my shot from the three-point line.” Nungester finished with 17-points ahead of Kline with 16 for Circleville. Fowler added 10, Jenkins 7 and Glavine Bigam one.
Alexander was the top scorer for Waverly with 21-points. Sawyer Myers had 9, Kai Keesee 5, Landyn Russel and Davion McBride had 3 apiece and Gunner Myers one. Waverly finished its season at 14-11. 22-2 Circleville will face Unioto next Wednesday at The Convo at 6pm.
