Miami Trace Boys Basketball team almost captured their 1st trip to the Sweet 16 since 1998 but fell short as they lost Thursday night to the Athens Bulldogs at the Convo on the Ohio University campus in Athens.
Athens jumped out to a comfortable 23-8 lead with 5 minutes left in the 1st half before Miami Trace defense finally kicked in forcing at least 12 turnovers & with 4 minutes in the game saw the Panthers pull to within 1 point (50-49) before Athens went on a 14-5 run down the stretch to clinch the school first trip to the Sweet 16 since 1965.
Freshman Ibi Watson had 15 of his game high 26 points in the second half & sophomore Joe Burrows finished with 16 points.
Miami Trace finishes at 17-7 & was led by Austin Schoellkopf with 11 points, Blake Baldwin & Brantlyn Decker had 10 points each.
The Bulldogs will face Warren Local next week at the Athens Division 2 regionals.
Warren Local beat Vinton County 81-46 exploding in the 2nd half with a 55-20 second half after a 26 all tie at the half.
The Warriors who are 24-1 with their only loss vs. Upper Arlington; defeated Athens 60-59 in the regular season.
The district championship is the school 1st ever in its 50 plus year history.
