Harmon G. (Ethan K./Media)

The boys varsity basketball team began its playoff run in the OHSAA state tournament last week with an opening round at home on Wednesday, February 22 against Grove City Christian. The Vikings had a slow start with the Eagles taking a 6-0 advantage, but Academy fought back and went into halftime up 22-14. Grove City Christian would not quit and trimmed the Vikings lead in the fourth quarter until Academy pulled away for good with a 50-37 win. Theo F. led the way with 13 points while Harmon G. added 9 and Marcus J. chipped in 8.

On Saturday, February 25, Academy faced off against Centerburg in a sectional final. After a back-and-forth battle, the Vikes took a 17-15 lead at the half after a buzzer beater three pointer from Jack S. Academy came out hot in the third quarter, taking a 30-19 advantage over the Trojans. Jack S. continued his shooting streak, going 3-3 from behind the three point line in the second half, ending the game with 12 points. Other strong performances were from Theo F. with 16 points and Charlie H. with 6, and a number of blocked shots on defense to claim a 45-31 victory. 

The Vikes move to postseason with a current record of 22-2. Academy plays Madison Plains in a district semifinal game on Monday, February 27 at Dublin Jerome at 7:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at ohsaa.org/tickets. Select basketball: Boys, Division III, Region 11, Central 2.