Massillon Washington Stuns Westerville North in Overtime Thriller to Claim First State Title
DAYTON, Ohio — In a heart-stopping comeback, Massillon Washington High School clawed back from a 15-point deficit to defeat Westerville North 68-63 in overtime, securing their first-ever OHSAA Division II boys basketball state championship Sunday at UD Arena.
The Tigers (27-1), making their first state tournament appearance since 1945, capped off a historic season with a 23-game winning streak—culminating in a victory that will be remembered for years.
A Game of Momentum Swings
Massillon Washington held a narrow 25-24 lead at halftime, but Westerville North (26-2) exploded in the third quarter. Senior guard Elijah McCree ignited a 12-0 run with a clutch three-pointer, putting the Warriors ahead 45-30 with just over four minutes left in the period.
The Tigers, however, refused to surrender. A gritty 10-3 rally late in the third quarter kept them within striking distance, trailing 48-40 heading into the final frame.
“We’ve faced deficits before, but this team never quits,” said Massillon Washington head coach Josh Hose. “I was worried they might lose belief, but they dug deep and fought back against an incredible opponent.”
Fourth-Quarter Heroics Force OT
Massillon Washington shot a blistering 75% in the fourth quarter, erasing Westerville North’s lead. With 34 seconds left in regulation, McCree capitalized on a Tigers turnover, tying the game at 58 with a fast-break layup.
The Warriors nearly stole the win in the final seconds, but junior guard Xavier Williams swatted away Jacob Medhane’s potential go-ahead shot. A last-second three-point attempt by Braylon Gamble rimmed out, sending the game to overtime.
Tigers Dominate in Extra Period
Overtime belonged to Massillon Washington. Senior guard Jadyce Thigpen delivered the dagger—a mid-range jumper with 2:37 left—while the Tigers’ defense locked down Westerville North, forcing an astonishing 0-for-15 shooting slump.
“I just wanted to make the right play for my team,” Thigpen said. “Bringing home this trophy means everything.”
Thigpen and Williams each finished with 15 points, while junior forward Gio Jackson Jr. led the Tigers with 17. McCree was sensational for Westerville North, pouring in a game-high 21 points, including three three-pointers.
A Bittersweet End for Westerville North
The Warriors (26-2) saw their 21-game win streak snapped in heartbreaking fashion. Despite the loss, head coach Shan Trusley praised his team’s resilience.
“Our kids showed the whole state what they’re made of,” Trusley said. “They battled through every high and low, and our community couldn’t be prouder.”
A Championship 79 Years in the Making
For Massillon Washington, the victory marks the pinnacle of a decades-long journey. The Tigers had never before won a state title in basketball, making Sunday’s triumph even sweeter.
As the final buzzer sounded, players and fans erupted in celebration—a moment that will forever define this team’s legacy.
— Reported by Nexio News
