[Tomcat91]

A nice win for Ashland over the defending Division 2, Ohio state champs. They finished last season ranked #4 overall in Ohio. Idk much else about them, other than it was their first state championship since 2001 & 4th overall. So, they have some tradition. And, they’re from the Dayton area. They had some size & one kid is committed to NC ST. 

They looked like a solid team, but, the score is very misleading. Ashland dominated throughout & led by as many as 23, I believe. They led 42-21 at the half & 54-32 after 3 quarters. They even led 64-42 with 1:25 left in the game, lol. Ashland emptied the bench around that point & the subs immediately started turning over the ball quickly, on multiple consecutive possessions, & giving up open 3s. It was 64-60 before I knew it. 

Insane, honestly, even considering that the young subs were in. 18-0 run in like a minute. Hat tip to Alter for fighting til the final horn & looking unbeatable for the last minute plus. No idea why the coach waited so long to put the starters back in, but, whatever. Started running clock & playing keep-away in the 3rd quarter, too. Zander Carter led Ashland with 28, I think. Drew Smith had 15, all on 3s. Nobody else in double figures. KOTB is next; Woodford Co on Thursday, IIRC.