Sports
South Webster uses strong second quarter to take district title over Fairfield
By: Andrew Woods
Posted on:
ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — After the Fairfield Lions (18-8) broke off a 6-0 run just after the game started, it looked like the South Webster Jeeps (20-3) were on upset alert. However, after a long second-quarter run, the Jeeps took control and never let go, winning their second straight district title 59-44.
As the first quarter began, South Webster could not penetrate the paint, while Fairfield could. However, after a timeout, the Jeeps would begin to gain on the Lions thanks to a fast pace and a strong transition game. At the end of the first quarter, South Webster would take a 17-16 lead.
During the second quarter, South Webster took over immediately. The Jeeps went on a 13-0 run thanks to ten points by Beau Stephens. Stephens, who came off the bench, was a crucial spark for the Jeeps throughout the game, scoring 14 points. After the game, South Webster head coach Norm Persin said that Stephens’ performance “got our rhythm going.”
However, toward the end of the second quarter, Fairfield got closer. The Lions took advantage of some major South Webster mistakes to go on a 7-0 run to close the half. Persin said that the team was “a little mad” at halftime because Fairfield took advantage of mistakes the Jeeps “shouldn’t have made.”
As soon as the third quarter began, South Webster began to surge. The Jeeps went on a 7-2 run powered by five points from Eli Roberts. South Webster never looked back after this early run, winning 59-44.
Eli Roberts starred for the Jeeps, falling just short of a double-double with 19 points, including a slam dunk in the second quarter, and nine rebounds. Coach Persin said that Roberts is “one of the best players in the Southeast District” and “when he’s on his game, he’s really, really good.” Logan McIntosh led Fairfield with 19 points.
Throughout the night, South Webster shot the lights out. The Jeeps shot 61.5% from the field and 50% from three. During the second quarter, when South Webster went on a 13-0 run, the Jeeps shot even better, making 71.4% of their shots from the field and 66.7% of their three-pointers.
With the win, the Jeeps claim their eighth district title. The Jeeps will look to continue in the playoffs when they play the Patriot Prep Academy Eagles (18-6) on March 6 at Ohio Dominican University.