It’s been 22 years since South Central last played for a District championship but a wild come from behind, 57-53 win over Margaretta in overtime punched the Trojans ticket to the Division IV Willard District title match.

 

The #3 Polar Bears were smoking hot from the tip, claiming a 10-2 advantage that swelled to 26-13 by the midway point of the second quarter. Behind All-District performer Simon Blair, #2 South Central started chipping away at their deficit, but still trailed 28-19 at the half.

 

The senior standout finished with a game-high 19 points as his Trojans went on a 16-10 third quarter run and would take the lead with under three minutes to play on an And-1 bucket from Blair. Just when it appeared as though South Central had the game on ice, however, Margaretta’s Nick Leibacher, who led the squad with 13 points, drilled a 3-pointer that forced an extra session with the score tied at 49-49.

 

In overtime, an unlikely hero would emerge off the bench in Tycen Cooper, who would score all six of his points in the frame, including a 4-4 free throw display that secured a Trojans victory.

 

Next up for #2 South Central (20-4) is a date with #1 Colonel Crawford for the District crown.