DAYTON – Miami East overcame a second half deficit to defeat Cincinnati Mariemont 53-49 on Thursday at UD Arena to claim its first district championship since 2009.
The Vikings trailed 16-12 after one and 22-19 at the break in what was a close contest throughout.
Mariemont pushed its advantage to 38-33 at the end of the third, but the Vikings stormed back with a huge fourth quarter by outscoring Mariemont 20-11 in the final frame.
Jacob Roeth had a monster night offensively for the Vikings as he led the way with a game-high 25 points. Wes Enis scoured 12 points, while Connor Apple had 8 points and Devon Abshire scored 5 points.
The Vikings converted on 16-35 from the floor (45.7%), 3-11 from behind the three-point line (27.3% and 18-21 free throws (85.7%). Miami East out rebounded Mariemont 22-17 and held a slim edge in turnovers, 8 to 9.
Miami East improves to 24-2 on the season and advances to the regional semifinal where it will play Preble Shawnee (22-3) on Wednesday at 8:00pm at Kettering Fairmont’s Trent Arena.
SCORE BY QUARTERS:
Miami East – 12 – 7 – 14 – 20 = 53
Mariemont – 16 – 6 – 16 – 11 = 49
MIAMI EAST SCORING:
Jacob Roeth – 25
Wes Enis – 12
Connor Apple – 8
Devon Abshire – 5
Bryce Haught – 3
MARIEMONT SCORING:
Will Stephens – 14
Tim Stewart – 12
Sam Stalzer – 9
Charlie Tully – 8
Jacob Bowling – 4
