March Madness was in full swing at the Division II Willard Sectional Championship where #8 Ontario overcame a slow start to take down cross-county rival Lexington by a final score of 45-41.

 

The Warriors came out flat offensively, scoring just three first quarter points as they fell behind 12-3 and trailed 21-14 at the half. The 2nd-seeded Minutemen would be outscored every quarter following the opening frame, however, as Ontario improved their shooting percentage from 20% in the first half to 42% in the second half.

 

A 15-11 third quarter charge by the Warriors was then followed by a 16-9 fourth quarter run, with the blue and gold receiving a clutch offensive rebound and put back by senior Jayden Jacobs to seal the win.  Cade Stover carried Lex with 18 points and 13 rebounds but would foul out in the closing minutes, finishing his career as the Minutemen’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder.

 

Ontario (16-8) will next take on #1 Norwalk (21-3) at the Mansfield District Semifinals.