No. 5 Circleville 48, No. 12 Gallia Academy 44 2OT
CIRCLEVILLE — Circleville went two overtimes with visiting Gallia Academy to win a defensive battle and advance in the Southeast District Division IV tournament with a 48-44 win.
“I’m really proud of our guys’ grit and toughness tonight. We knew Gallia Academy was going to be a tough opponent,” Circleville coach Evan Callihan said. “Our guys held strong throughout the ups and downs of the game. I thought this was the best defensive game our guys have played all season.”
Regulation finished with the teams tied 33-33.
Each team managed five points in the first overtime with Gallia Academy missing a shot at the buzzer off the back of the rim.
The Tigers had gotten up 43-40 in the second overtime when GA missed a three, Kole Nungester grabbed the rebound and hit Ed Kirk downcourt who slammed it home to put an exclamation point on Circleville’s win.
“Kole Nungester had a huge night for us on both sides of the floor and his leadership and poise were huge for us down the stretch,” Callihan said. “His assist to Kirk at the end of the game was one of the best full court passes I have seen and it ultimately allowed us to seal the victory.
“Kole had 13 points for us, and he had many assists at big time moments.”
Riley Jenkins led the Tigers with 16 points while Jack Kline added nine, Kirk had eight and Blain Fowler had two.
“Jack Kline had a big drive and finished at the basket at the end of the game. That was a winning play that we needed, and he played with a lot of toughness tonight,” Callihan said. “Riley Jenkins hit big shot after big shot which is a testament to all of the hard work he has put in this offseason and throughout the season.”
No. 5 Circleville advances to play No. 4 New Lexington Monday night at Southeastern. The game is slated for an 8:30 p.m. tip.
New Lexington advanced with a 76-55 win over Westfall Thursday night.
Circleville 48, Gallia Academy 44 2OT
Quarter scores 1 2 3 4 OT OT F
Gallia Academy 9 6 6 12 5 6 44
Circleville 11 9 6 7 5 10 48
No. 3 Unioto 65, No. 14 Logan Elm 59
CHILLICOTHE — Logan Elm had its season brought to an end in a 65-59 loss at Unioto.
The opening-round tournament game saw the Shermans get up in front 15-8 in the first period and hold a 25-18 lead at ther half.
Unioto added to its advantage in the third to lead 43-31.
The Shermans hit nine of 10 free throws in the fourth quarter to hold off the Braves.
Ne’miah Waugh led LE with 26 points. The senior completes his Logan Elm career with 1,107 points.
LE added 12 points from Lucas Bialy, eight from Zane Seimer, seven from Brady Neff and four from Tyler Speas.
Unioto had four in double figures led by Blake Fitch with 19 and Caden Cutright with 15,
Unioto 65, Logan Elm 59
Quarter scores 1 2 3 4 F
Logan Elm 8 10 13 28 59
Unioto 15 10 18 22 65