by Canton, Ohio – Akron Buchtel defeated Gilmour Academy, 71-55, in the Division II Canton Regional final Saturday afternoon.
The Griffins got off to a hot start in the first quarter, jumping out to a 10-2 lead, and finishing the quarter up 19-13. Marcel Boyce Jr. was the main catalyst, as he scored 11 points in the quarter. Brandon Rose had nine points for the Lancers in the first.
Gilmour kept their deficit to single digits for the majority of the second quarter, as they trailed 28-21 with 3:00 left. Buchtel responded with a 9-2 run to close out the first half and take a 37-23 lead at the half. Marcel Boyce Jr. had 19 first half points to catalyze the Griffs in the first half. Diairre Pride Jr. sank a couple of triples to aid the effort.
The Lancers cut their deficit to 12 in the third, but could get no closer. Buchtel added to their lead with three triples in the quarter, and seven points from Khoi Thurmon. A pair of triples from Amire Robinson also helped the efforts.
The Griffins also were helped by a strong effort on the glass, outrebounding Gilmour throught the game. Once the clock struck zeroes, Buchtel celebrated their first regional title since 2019.
Buchtel, now 21-7, moves on to the state final four in Dayton. They will take on the winner of Bishop Ready and Fairfield Union on Friday, March 17th, in a Division II state semifinal. The Griffs were led by senior guard Marcel Boyce Jr., who had 27 points (19 in the first half). Senior Khoi Thurmon and sophomore Stevie Diamond each had 11.
Gilmour Academy finishes their season at 17-11. Senior forward Brandon Rose finished with 21 points, followed by Adisa Molton II with 18.
Extended highlights here:
