Spartans' Young Roster Shines in OHSAA Semifinal Win
The Richmond Heights Spartans (27-0) faced off against the Russia Raiders (25-3) in a nail-biting OHSAA semifinal basketball game that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Both teams came into the game with impressive records, but it was Richmond Heights who had the advantage with 47 straight wins and the title of OHSAA Division 4 defending state champions.
Despite not having any seniors in their starting lineup, the Spartans boasted a talented team of three sophomores and two juniors. Two of those sophomores, Dorian Jones and De’Erick Barber, were returning starters from last year’s championship team.
Junior Guard Brayden Monnin hit a 3-pointer to put Russia ahead 5-4 with 3:42 left in the first quarter. Russia’s Junior Guard Hayden Quinter also played well in the first quarter, scoring 6 points and grabbing 4 rebounds. Demarris Winters and De’Erick Barber of the Spartans scored crucial buckets to keep the game close. Richmond Heights trailed 13-8 at the end of the first quarter, but they were far from out of the game.
The second quarter saw both teams trading baskets, with Hayden Quinter and Demarris Winters scoring multiple times. De’Erick Barber hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 17, but a 3-point swing by Russia’s Monnin gave them a 20-17 lead.
Richmond Heights battled back once again, with Jermey Wilson hitting two free throws to make it 20-19. Dorian Jones hit a 3-pointer with just 24 seconds left in the half to give the Spartans a 27-25 lead and the momentum going into halftime.
The second half saw Richmond Heights pull away, with Hosea Steele and Demarris Winters and Dorian Jones leading the charge. Dorian Jones had a big fourth quarter, hitting three 3-pointers and scoring 11 of his team-high 17 points. In the game, Steele added 16 points, while Barber and Winters chipped in 14 and 10 points, respectively.
Russia’s Quinter and Monnin played well, with Quinter recording a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Monnin scoring 20 points and grabbing 4 rebounds. However, it wasn't enough to bring down the Spartans.
Richmond Heights forced 22 turnovers by the Raiders and scored 29 points off of those turnovers, compared to Russia’s 4. The Spartans had 9 turnovers in the game but only 1 in the second half.
In the end, Richmond Heights emerged victorious with a final score of 66-51, earning a spot in the state championship game. With their impressive win streak and talented young roster, the Spartans look poised to defend their title and claim another championship. They will face Convoy Crestview in the Championship game on Sunday, March 18, 2023.
All Photos by DJ Pelles - Instagram @DJPELLESMEDIA