Gahanna Clams Back-to-Back District Championships

With only one starter returning for the Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions this year, a chance at consecutive district titles seem remote to most people. Gahanna’s improbable season rolled on last night with a 47-44 win over the Walnut Ridge Scots. The game was tight from tip, and was not decided until the waning minutes of the contest. The half time score was only 20-20, as both teams concentrated on the defensive end of the game.

Walnut Ridge appeared to have the advantage until Stevie Taylor finally got on track midway through the 4th quarter with back-to-back treys. A big steal by Gahanna’s Taylor at the 30 second mark put the Golden Lions ahead. Austin Traylor traveled on the Scots’ next possession and Taylor got the inbound pass and was quickly fouled. Taylor would eventually hit both free throws with 12 seconds remaining to give Gahanna a 47-44 lead. Ridge inbounded the ball, dribbled to half court and called a time out. Coming out of the timeout, Ridge inbounded the ball and drove the lane for a kick out trey for Reco Spears. Spears’ game-tying trey came up short, giving Gahanna back-to-back district championships.

Stevie Taylor finished with a game-high 19 points, followed by Jamel Morris (9) and Brandon Smith (7). The Scots were led in scoring by Austin Traylor (11) and Isiah Brooks (8). Next up for Gahanna is a rematch with the Northland Vikings on Wednesday.  On Thursday, Westerville South will face Cincinnati's Lakota East for a spot in the regional finals.  To view some of the photos I took at the game, visit the Buckeye Prep facebook Fan Page. See Columbus Dispatch article and the This Week story and video.