Kuhlman helps Leipsic reach first state final

3/23/2013

COLUMBUS — Zach Kuhlman scored 24 points to lead Leipsic to a 61-58 victory Friday against Lancaster Fairfield Christian in a Division IV boys basketball state semifinal at Ohio State's Value City Arena .

The Vikings (25-4), in their first state tournament since a semifinal loss in 1925, play Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Kuhlman hit two field goals, including a 3-pointer, after Fairfield Christian (25-3) closed to 49-48 with 5:50 to play in its tourney debut.

Fairfield Christian later got to within three points with eight seconds left to play after a three-pointer from Steven Carpenter, who had 26 points. But following a Leipsic turnover, the Knights didn't have time to get off a potential tying shot before the buzzer.

CLEVELAND VASJ 67,TROY CHRISTIAN 36

Demonte Flannigan had 26 points and Duane Gibson Jr. scored 14 as Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph in a Division IV semifinal.

Troy Christian (26-3) trailed 38-30 late in the third quarter of its first state appearance before VASJ went on an 18-0 run.

The Vikings (24-4) will go for their fifth title, first since 1995.

Troy Christian (26-3) trailed 38-30 late in the third quarter of its first state appearance before VASJ went on an 18-0 run.

Villa Angela-St. Joseph made 15 of 22 field goals (68.2 percent) in the second half.

Spencer Thomas had nine points for the Eagles, who hit four of their first five three-pointers but finished 8 for 26.

DIVISION I

MENTOR 80,COLUMBUS NORTHLAND 69

Jeff Foreman led four Mentor players in double figures with 20 points as the Cardinals upset top-ranked and unbeaten Columbus Northland in a Division I semifinal.

Mentor (24-5) will seek its first title.

The score was tied 13 times and there were 14 lead changes. But Mentor closed out the game by making seven of nine free throws after Northland (28-1), trailing 66-63, made only one field goal during the final minutes.

Brody Nelson and Connor Krizancic had 17 points and Brandon Fritts 12 for Mentor.

Northland had five players in double figures, including Ty Hairston who led with 19.