Trotwood-Madison Clinches Thrilling Division III State Championship Victory Over Steubenville
DAYTON, Ohio — In a heart-stopping finish at UD Arena on Friday, Trotwood-Madison High School emerged victorious in the Division III boys state basketball championship, defeating Steubenville 48-47. Junior guard/forward Darius Dennis cemented his place in school history by sinking the game-winning basket with just nine seconds remaining, securing the Rams’ second state title since 2019.
The game was a nail-biter from start to finish. Trotwood-Madison (23-4) held the lead throughout most of the contest, but Steubenville (26-2) refused to back down. With 31 seconds left on the clock, Steubenville senior forward Cole Bowers tied the score at 46 with a pair of clutch free throws. Moments later, junior guard Santino Haney gave the Big Red a slim 47-46 advantage after converting one of two foul shots.
The momentum seemed to shift in Steubenville’s favor, but Dennis had other plans. Driving aggressively to the basket with 13 seconds remaining, he managed to find the net, flipping the score to 48-47 and sending the Trotwood-Madison faithful into a frenzy. “I told Darius to get the ball, bring it over half court, and attack the basket,” said Rams coach Carl Blanton Sr. “He did exactly that, and it paid off.”
Steubenville had one final chance to reclaim the lead, but Santino Haney’s shot bounced off the rim. Trotwood-Madison senior guard Je’Carious Reaves grabbed the crucial rebound, sealing the victory and igniting celebrations among the Rams’ players and fans.
Dennis was the standout performer for Trotwood-Madison, finishing with a double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds. Reaves added 10 points, contributing to the team’s hard-fought win.
For Steubenville, Bowers led the charge with an impressive 22 points, shooting 50% from the field. Haney also delivered a strong performance, scoring 16 points. Despite falling short, the Big Red made a remarkable return to the state tournament for the first time since 1952.
“Our guys are resilient,” said Steubenville coach Mike Haney. “They kept believing we could win, and it came down to the final possession. It was a great game against a great team.”
For Trotwood-Madison, the victory marks a triumphant return to the top of Ohio high school basketball. “It feels incredible,” Dennis said after the game. “I’m still trying to process that we actually did it. Bringing another state championship back to Trotwood means everything.”
The win not only cements the Rams’ legacy but also highlights the determination and grit of a team that refused to let the pressure of the moment define their season.
— Reported by Nexio News
