Canton Mckinley advances to elite 8 after a nine year absence
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| (Ohsfbmedia.com file photo) |
COMMENTARY:
By Gene Simmons | X.COM
OHIO--The Canton Mckinley Bulldog boys basketball program has made it back to the OHSAA Regional Final game after a nine year absence after defeating Toledo Whitmer 64-60 in regional semi-final action.
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The last time the Bulldogs were in a regional final they were led by then Head Coach Rick Hairston, who would fall to Lima Senior 68-61, Lima was undefeated and led by Xavier Simpson who would go on to play at the collegiate and pro level, and 6'5 Rico Stafford who finished with a game and career high 23 points to go with 5 rebounds.
The Bulldogs were led by star LePear Toles who would finish the game with 21 points, nine rebounds, four steals, and four assists before fouling out, but saw teammates Darryl Straughter, Jordan Davis and T.J. Lipkins score in double figures and also contributions from Chicago Bears standout Dominique Robinson.
McKinley is now led by alumnus Sean Weatherspoon who won a state title in 2005, who is no stranger to making deep tournament runs as a player, in his second year at the helm he has brought prominence and dignity back to the boys program.
'Spoon' finished 15-9 overall and 8-4 in league play during his first year, with a sectional final loss to Canton Glenoak under the four division format, now sitting at 20-5 and a chance at a trip to the OHSAA Division I final four, the Bulldogs are playing some of the best basketball in awhile.
With only four seniors rostered and some achieving underclassman with a solid freshman team who has been together since middle school, we may be seeing a solid few years ahead for the Bulldog program.
Co-League Champions, District Champions will continue the dance as they will take on the winner of Lakewood St. Edward and Cleveland St. Ignatius as they square off Thursday, March 5 at Kent State's MAC Center.
Tickets available online only at www.ohsaa.org/tickets