Central Catholic Rolls Past Mansfield Senior, 81–61, to Advance to Division III Final Four
The Central Catholic boys’ basketball team earned a convincing 81–61 victory over Mansfield Senior on Saturday in the OHSAA Division III Regional Final at Savage Arena on the campus of the University of Toledo. With the neutral-site win, the Fighting Irish improve to 23–3 on the season and advance to the state semifinals for the first time since 2011.
CCHS dominated the paint throughout the contest, holding a commanding 54–26 advantage in points inside. The Scarlet & Gray seized control during the second and third quarters, outscoring the Tygers 45–25 to build a lead they would not relinquish.
Senior guard Manny Johnson and junior guard Cayden Kynard combined for 48 points to lead the Irish. Johnson scored a game-high 24 points, while Kynard added 20. Junior guard Jordan Langford provided a spark off the bench with 11 points, including eight in the pivotal second quarter.
Senior forward Kaeden Carruthers anchored the effort on the glass, grabbing a game-best 14 rebounds to go along with six points. As a team, Central Catholic shot 54.2 percent (32-of-59) from the field and 80.0 percent (12-of-15) from the free-throw line.
Mansfield Senior was led by Kaylen Brooks, who finished with 22 points, while Davion Mack added 10.
Central Catholic will return to action Thursday, March 19, at 6 p.m. at UD Arena on the campus of the University of Dayton in the Division III State Semifinal.
