Undefeated Delphos St. John’s Claims Division VII State Title with 56-47 Win Over Kalida
DAYTON, Ohio — Delphos St. John’s High School capped off a perfect season with a hard-fought 56-47 victory over Kalida in the Division VII boys basketball state championship at UD Arena on Saturday. Senior guard Cameron Elwer led the charge with a game-high 28 points, securing the program’s first state title since 2002.
The Blue Jays (29-0) showcased their dominance in a physical, back-and-forth battle against the Wildcats (17-12), who put up a valiant effort but couldn’t overcome Delphos St. John’s relentless defense and clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch.
A Game of Momentum Swings
Kalida struck first, taking a 10-8 lead in the opening quarter after sophomore Gavin Leis drained a three-pointer. But the Blue Jays quickly responded, with junior Andrew Elwer hitting a key three to spark an 11-5 run, giving his team a 19-15 advantage by the end of the period.
Delphos St. John’s continued to build momentum in the second quarter, shooting an impressive 75% from the field. Cameron Elwer then took over in the third, scoring eight unanswered points to extend the lead to 42-25.
Kalida refused to go quietly, trimming the deficit to seven points multiple times in the fourth quarter. However, the Blue Jays clamped down defensively, holding the Wildcats scoreless in the final 2:38 while Elwer sealed the win at the free-throw line.
Elwer’s Heroics and Emotional Victory
Cameron Elwer, who shot 14-of-16 from the charity stripe, credited faith and perseverance for the team’s historic run.
“A lot of people told me everything happens for a reason,” Elwer said. “I truly believe God had a plan for us, and it showed today. I’m so proud of our guys—we worked for this moment.”
Head coach Aaron Elwer, who also happens to be Cameron’s father, praised both teams for their grit.
“This was a classic high school basketball game,” he said. “Two tradition-rich programs, senior-led, tough as nails. Neither team backed down, and that’s what made this so special.”
Kalida’s Valiant Effort
Despite the loss, Kalida’s young squad showed promise, led by sophomore Owen Grime’s 18 points. The Wildcats, making their sixth state tournament appearance, fought until the final buzzer.
“These guys made our community proud,” said Kalida coach Ryan Stechschulte. “They have nothing to hang their heads about. This is a moment they’ll remember forever.”
A Perfect Season Cemented
Delphos St. John’s flawless 29-0 record marks one of the most dominant seasons in recent Ohio high school basketball history. The championship victory not only ends a 22-year title drought but also solidifies the Blue Jays’ place among the state’s elite programs.
As the final seconds ticked away, the Delphos St. John’s faithful erupted in celebration, capping off a season where teamwork, resilience, and family bonds carried them to glory.
— Reported by Nexio News
