by Akron, Ohio – Thanks to a strong second half, the Massillon Perry Panthers defeated the Shaker Heights Red Raiders, 57-43, in Saturday’s regional championship at James A. Rhodes Arena.
The two teams traded buckets in the first minutes of the game, before a pair of triples by Mek Black put the Red Raiders ahead, 10-5. They would lead, 14-11, after the first quarter.
The Red Raiders led 15-11, before Massillon Perry went on a 9-0 run. Preston Dazey had a basket, and Drake Jacobsen scored off an assist from Luke Wolf, drawing contact for the finish. Both players would add another bucket each.
Shaker Heights stopped the run thanks to a bucket from Miles Shelton, and tied it up thanks to a triple from John Horn. Horn added another basket to give the Red Raiders the lead. They led 25-22 at the half.
Shaker would take their biggest lead at 27-22, thanks to a pair of Jacire Eaddy free throws. Perry responded with a Luke Wolf bucket plus one after drawing contact. After a Reggie Appleby steal and layup put Shaker ahead, 29-25, Luke Wolf had a basket, then Drake Jacobsen sank a triple to give the Panthers the lead, 30-29. Massillon Perry increased their lead from there, as part of a 13-2 run, to take a 38-31 lead after three.
Shaker Heights cut their deficit to five in the final stanza, but Perry would increase the margin to 44-36 midway through the quarter. After a Kevin Lowery bucket trimmed the deficit to 44-38, Preston Dazey countered with a corner triple to increase the lead to 47-38.
Massillon Perry would expand their lead to double digits before the final whistle sounded. Senior guard Drake Jacobsen led the Panthers with 20 points. Seniors Darnell McLeod and Luke Wolf each finished with ten points, with Wolf grabbing 12 boards.
Shaker Heights was led by senior Mek Black and junior Jacire Eaddy, who each finished with 12 points.
Massillon Perry advances to the state final four for the first time since 1991. They will play on Sunday, March 16th, at a site to be determined.
Extended highlights below:
