Boys’ Basketball Tops Tiffin Columbian in Division III District Semifinal, 61-41

The top-seeded Central Catholic boys’ basketball team earned a 61–41 victory over No. 5 seed Tiffin Columbian on Thursday in the Division III District Semifinals at the O’Rena on the campus of Ontario High School.  With the neutral-court win, the Fighting Irish improve to 20–3 on the season.

Central Catholic created separation in the second half, outscoring the Tornadoes 35–17 over the final two quarters to move one step closer to the program’s fifth district championship in the last six seasons.

The Fighting Irish controlled the interior throughout the game, holding a 34–12 advantage in points in the paint.

Senior guard Manny Johnson led the Scarlet & Gray with a game-high 15 points, while senior forward Kaeden Carruthers and senior guard Draden Wardrop each added 12 points.

As a team, Central Catholic shot 36.7 percent (22-of-60) from the field, including 23.8 percent (5-of-21) from three-point range, and 62.5 percent (10-of-16) from the free-throw line.

Nolan Miller and Logan Gooding paced Tiffin Columbian with 12 points apiece.

Central Catholic will return to action on Saturday, March 7, facing No. 4 seed Sylvania Southview in the Division III District Final at 6 p.m. at Liberty-Benton High School.  Live radio coverage will begin at 5:45 p.m. on 100.7 FM The Ticket.  Postseason tickets must be purchased online at ohsaa.org/tickets.

The Fighting Irish and Cougars will meet in the district finals for the second consecutive season.  A year ago, Central Catholic recorded an 81–46 victory over Southview at Lake High School.  The Irish had four players score in double figures, led by junior Cayden Kynard’s 21 points, while Jaron Witcher led Southview with 17 points.