Sports
Kayser, Montgomery combine for 46 in Minford’s district title win over Zane Trace
By: Darayus Sethna
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – Senior Bennett Kayser unleashed a primal scream after an and-one that left Minford Falcons fans in a frenzy during the final moments of the hotly-contested Region 19 district final. Minford defeated the Zane Trace Pioneers, 60-51.
The stage was set at the Convocation Center for a battle between two goliaths of southeast Ohio high school hoops.
Both teams were up for the challenge early on – putting on a strong shooting performance in the first quarter. Junior Grady Stewart of the Pioneers led all scorers in the first quarter with six points and gave his team a 15-13 edge after the first quarter.
That slowed down in the second – as Minford’s defense stepped up. The Falcons ultimately gained a nine-point cushion in part to star guard Myles Montgomery’s swarming defense. His efforts allowed Kayser to take over offensively. Kayser finished the first half with a game-high 14 points and his team was on the right side of a 29-22 score.
Zane Trace started the second like the first – with a fast-tempo, aggressive style of offense. A couple of buckets by Stewart and Landon Robinson cut the deficit to 29-27 in the opening moments of the third quarter.
But it only served as a spark that propelled Minford once again. The Falcons responded with a 7-2 scoring run and eventually notched an 11-point advantage, their largest of the game to that point.
Minford continued to push the pace and extended their lead to 44-31 after sophomore Ashton Reeder executed a fast break with a layup. The Falcons used that momentum to showcase their defensive prowess one more time.
The final buzzer sounded, and the Falcon faithful cheered on their district champions.
Head Coach Josh Shoemaker praised the resilience of his team.
“I’m happy for our kids,” Shoemaker exclaimed. “They deserve it … Every kid out there has played together since preschool. [I’m] just happy to see that [they] started out in preschool together and build here.”
Shoemaker also reinforced the important role all his players have on the defensive end – no matter their position.
“Most of the guys, they know if they’re coming on the court, no matter if [they’re] the 6’ 4” center or if [they’re] the point guard – [they’re] going to guard full court. [They’re] going to switch. [They’ve] got to guard every player out there,” Shoemaker explained. “And I think that’s also what helps us generate more turnovers.”
Minford will face the winner of Saturday night’s contest between Coshocton and Garaway next Friday at the Convo.