Top performers from Southeast District Finals

For the first time in over 50 years, the Federal Hocking Lancers are district champions. After falling down a few possessions in the third quarter, the Lancers got hot from the outside and once they took the lead in the fourth quarter, Cottrill iced the game from the free throw line. Finishing with 25 points, Cottrill attacked the zone off the bounce and used pump fakes to get the defense gambling, then kicking it out to open shooters. Despite having a size disadvantage, Federal Hocking did a good job on the glass and Cottrill was one of many assisting the rebounding effort for the Lancers. Cottrill is an undersized guard but his quickness was on full display and he made enough winning plays at the end to make history for his school.

There were only three teams that finished the regular season unbeaten in the state of Ohio and Sampson sent one of those teams home on Thursday with an upset win in the district finals over previously unbeaten Leesburg Fairfield. Sampson was the strongest and most athletic player on the court and has been one of the most productive players in southeast Ohio over the past few years. Battling injuries and cramps in the second half, Sampson showed his toughness by fueling his team to victory with key offensive rebounds, baskets around the hoop and assists to shooters. It’ll be interesting to see how Sampson matches up with Landon Vanderwalker from Northside Christian in the regional semis on Tuesday.

It was all about the Caleb’s for Fairfield Union as Caleb Redding Caleb Redding 6'3" | SF Fairfield Union | 2024 State OH knocked in a buzzer-beater to help Fairfield Union get to this game and he knocked in four first half 3-pointers to help them take control early in the district finals against New Lexington. Then it was Schmelzer’s turn as the MSL player of the year started dominating inside the paint with turnaround jumpers, two foot finishes and some sweet passes to open teammates. With the size and strength of Fairfield Union’s frontcourt, New Lexington was no match in the paint. With both Caleb’s back next season, Fairfield Union is the early favorite to repeat as district champs in 2023-24 but right now they are focused on Tri Valley in the regional semifinals.

Copas couldn’t buy a bucket in the first quarter as everything he threw up early wasn’t falling. After he saw one bucket go through the hoop, he was a different player for the rest of the game as he led North Adams to an upset win over top seeded Minford. Copas can create shots for himself whenever he needs to and hit some tough jumpers with dudes in his face on numerous occasions on Sunday afternoon. What I was most impressed with Copas was his maturity and ability to control the game, taking care of the basketball and putting his teammates in a spot to succeed. With the leadership of Copas, North Adams played with incredible confidence in the fourth quarter and shut the doors on any potential Minford comeback to secure the district championship.

The goal of covering small town basketball is to find some under the radar hidden gems and that’s exactly what Lovely is. The Junior guard scored 39 points to carry his team to the district title in the nightcap on Sunday at the Convo. The lefty was the most athletic player on the court and nobody on Zane Trace was able to stay in front of him all game. Getting to the basket whenever he wanted, Lovely used crossovers and euro steps to finish at the rim. Also knocking down a couple 3-pointers and mid-range pull-ups, Lovely showed his diverse scoring game. This game showed that Lovely is likely a scholarship prospect and will get looks from Division II and NAIA programs over the next 12 months.