by The Bedford District featured a couple of very competitive and intense semifinals. It was only fitting that the district title game was the same way.
Junior Ramelle Arnold scored 34 points to pace the Warrensville Heights Tigers to a 80-77 overtime victory over Elyria Catholic in front of a packed house at Bedford High School. It was their first district championship since 2013.
Elyria Catholic was off and running, jumping out to a 12-1 lead, thanks to baskets by Jack Griffin and Edward Wright. It took the Tigers until past halfway through the first quarter to score their first basket, and they cut into the deficit, but the Panthers responded, ending the quarter up 20-12.
Ramelle Arnold helped lead the Tigers on the comeback trail in the second quarter, and they took their first lead late in the second quarter, before Elyria Catholic took the lead back, leading 38-37 going into the locker room.
The third quarter belonged to Jack Griffin. He had 12 points and a blocked shot to push the Panthers lead to 52-42 midway through the third. But Warrensville responded with a 14-5 run to close out the quarter, trailing 57-56 going into the final quarter.
Ramelle Arnold scored 14 of his game high 34 points in the fourth as Warrensville led by as much as six, 73-67, with just over a minute to go. However, Elyria Catholic was not done yet.
Senior Edward Wright hit a layup to trim the deficit to four. After a turnover and a split pair of free throws, he hit a game-tying three to force overtime.
Ramelle Arnold started off the overtime period with a layup.
Elyria Catholic had their chance to take the lead in overtime, but missed two free throws. Trezelle McQueen sank a pair of free throws on the other end to increase the lead to 80-77. On the last possession, the Tiger defense prevented the Panthers from getting off a good shot to secure the victory.
In addition to Arnold’s 34 points, senior guard Omahn Dobbins had 18, and junior guard Jamarion Johnson had 13, including a go-ahead three to give the Tigers a lead they would not relinquish.
Senior guard Edward Wright led the Panthers with 30 points, and senior guard Jack Griffin pitched in 20.
“The atmosphere was great. We got down a little bit early. But we stayed with it the entire game. This is a very resilient group and I love them to death. They’re hungry and they wanted to win a championship. It’s been a while for us. Kudos to those guys. Our team is great.” said Warrensville Heights head coach Brian Swift. “It means a lot to our community.” he added.
Warrensville Heights advances to the Canton Regional and improves to 14-12.
In all, it was a very competitive district. Each game was decided by a combined margin of nine points, including two overtime contests.
Elyria Catholic finishes the season at 18-7.
