[Appalachian Cat]

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.

3 D-1 players on the court in that game.  Greer (NC State) Conner (Wright State) Carter (Liberty University.)  The Tomcats controlled the game from the tip.  They are starting to gel and you can tell Drew Smith has found his home in Ashland!