SPRINGFIELD – Jordan Underwood scored a team-high 23 points as Urbana defeated Tipp, 49-44, Saturday night in a Division II boys basketball sectional final.
Underwood scored 18 of his points in the second half when Tipp was attempting to make a run after trailing, 25-17, at the half.
“Jordan really was carrying us at different points in the second half,” said UHS Coach Jeremy Dixon, whose team led, 38-34, after three periods.
UHS’s victory also avenges a 39-26 home loss to Tipp on Feb. 2.
“We definitely had extra motivation in our last two tournament wins since we had lost earlier to both Indian Lake and Tipp,” said Dixon. “We have great respect for both of those teams, and it was nice to beat them.”
The Hillclimbers (18-7) advance to a district final game at UD Arena on Sunday, March 6 against Cincinnati Aiken.
“We will see athleticism that we haven’t seen from very many teams this season,” said Dixon. “It will definitely be a challenge trying to slow down their offense and keep them out of the paint.”
WL-S boys fall
CLAYTON – Bethel beat West Liberty-Salem, 61-57, in a Division III boys basketball sectional final on Saturday.
West Liberty-Salem was led by senior Austin Miller’s 23 points. Kannon Stillings had 11 points and Dillon Callicoat and Ross Kelley each added 10.
The Tigers battled back from a deficit to tie things up headed into the fourth quarter, but couldn’t close the deal.
“I thought our two seniors, Ross and Austin, battled and kept us in the game when things weren’t going well,” WL-S Coach Darrin Leichty said. “Almost every team goal was met this year and they are a big reason for that.”
The Tigers finish the season at 21-4 overall.
