State boys basketball: Berlin Hiland beats Lima Central Catholic in double OT

Nick Wigton took a swing pass and rattled home a 3-pointer from beyond the college line Friday, giving tradition-rich Berlin Hiland a thrilling 62-59 double-overtime victory over Lima Central Catholic in the Division IV state semifinals. Wigton saved the Hawks (23-6) from a devastating loss at University of Dayton Arena, as they had led by 14 points early in the second quarter. Hiland, a three-time champion (2012, 2011, 1992) in 13 prior state berths, shot 25-for-46 (.543) from the floor and 9-for-17 (.529) from 3-point range while committing only four turnovers. The play was designed originally for star Sammy Detweiler in the mid range, but he quickly passed out of a double team to Logan Hershberger, who swung immediately left to Wigton. The bench then stormed the court and mobbed Wigton near the UD logo. Detweiler battled second-half foul trouble yet still finished with 25 points. Wigton added 17, while Alex Miller (9 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists) and Sam Wengerd (9 points) also contributed as Hiland's dream run continued despite being without injured senior starters Connor Beachy and Alex Yoder. Making its 10th state appearance, Lima Central Catholic (26-3) was led by 24 points from Jordan Priddy and 23 from Carson Parker. Both played all 40 minutes. In other games: Richmond Heights 65, Russia 52 Someone finally pushed the defending champion Spartans (18-9) in the postseason, as the Raiders (27-2) trailed only 42-39 heading into the fourth quarter. Richmond Heights had won its first five tournament games by 60, 36, 42, 50 and 34 points, including a 92-32 decision over Medina Christian Academy in the Northeast 2 Sectional finals. The Spartans were led by DeErick Barber Jr. (17 points, 6 assists), ESPN four-star recruit Dorian Jones (16) and Demaris Winters Jr. (15), while Hosea Steele Jr. had eight points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Russia, which had won its first six tourney games by an average of 43.5 points, countered with Brayden Monnin (15 points), Felix Francis (12) and Benjamin York (12). Division III Canal Winchester Harvest Prep 61, Ottawa-Glandorf 59 A 3-pointer by Mr. Basketball winner Colin White was off the mark as time expired, allowing the Warriors (24-4) to escape the Titans (24-4). White, a 6-foot-5 Ohio State recruit, was otherwise sensational with 32 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and five blocks in 32 minutes. Harvest Prep was led by 26 points and six steals from Adonus Abrams and 10 points from Kahlil Daniels. The Warriors survived despite being outrebounded 39-25 and nearly blowing a 12-point second-half lead. Lutheran East 63, Camden Preble Shawnee 44 The defending champion Falcons (22-5) led 31-11 late in the first half and cruised past the Arrows (24-4) to set up an all-parochial championship game with Harvest Prep. Ronald Taylor had 21 points and seven rebounds, 6-10 Michigan State recruit Mr. Basketball finalist Jesse McCulloch posted 16 and 11. Preble Shawnee got 18 points on 5-for-18 shooting from Mr. Basketball finalist Mason Shrout, the only Preble County player to score 2,000 career points, while Brody Morton added 16. Contact Albert Grindle at (330) 721-4043 or agrindle@medina-gazette.com.