SpringfieldNewsSun.com

ST. PARIS — When the Graham High School boys basketball team hit the district championship game last week, the competition and intensity went from a light jog to a full sprint.

The Falcons (24-0) earned their closest win this season, beating Cincinnati Indian Hill 50-46 for a spot in the Division II, Region 8 semifinals. They play Columbus Bishop Watterson High School today, March 19, at 6:15 p.m. at Xavier University's Cintas Center.

The Falcons and Eagles are among the final 16 D-II teams still playing in the state. Even though Watterson's record isn't stellar (14-10), the Falcons expect another increase in intensity in today's game.

"They definitely understand the level they're at. The level they have to compete at now is a lot different than the regular season," Graham coach Brook Cupps said.

The Falcons are making their second regional appearance in as many seasons. Six of the top seven players are back from last season's state-bound team.

That includes leading scorer Josh Schuler (22.9 points per game), a 6-foot-2 guard who is also strong in the post. Ethan Ward, a 6-3 forward, averages 12.7 points and 6.8 rebounds. Austin Jones, a 6-2 guard, averages 12.3 points. Ben Rosenberger, a 5-10 guard, averages 6.2 assists.

The Falcons average 72.4 points per game and allow 41.2, a difference of 31.2.

Watterson doesn't have the same list of accomplishments, but is still dangerous. The Eagles can play a mixture of defenses, Cupps said. They're comfortable in a half-court game.

"Their kids are tough, well-coached, and they play hard," Cupps said. "They're not going to back down or quit."

Of course, Graham wasn't named the D-II state poll champs by taking it easy.

"We're not going to change our style," Cupps said. "We can get up and down the floor or play in the half-court. I think us being committed defensively and being able to play both ways offensively gives us a chance."

The winner of this game plays the winner of Thurgood Marshall and Wilmington at 3 p.m. on Saturday at the Cintas Center.

GRAHAM

Location: St. Paris

Conference: Central Buckeye Conference

Record: 24-0

AP rank: No. 1

Last district title: 2008

What to watch: Graham's giving up 41.2 points per game. Cincinnati Indian Hill averaged 75 per game, but scored a season-low 46 against the Falcons.

Tournament trail

Feb. 27: Defeated Benjamin Logan 65-35

March 2: Defeated Greenon 57-12

March 6: Defeated Indian Lake 71-37

March 11: Defeated Indian Hill 50-46

BISHOP WATTERSON

Location: Columbus

Conference: Central Catholic League

Record: 14-10

AP rank: None

Last district title: 2004

What to watch: Watterson's won nine of its last 12 games. The Eagles used different zone and man defenses to frustrate Granville in the district tournament.

Tournament trail

Feb. 25: Defeated Mifflin 75-51

Feb. 28: Defeated Lakewood 70-41

March 5: Defeated Orange 44-41

March 13: Defeated Granville 68-42

— Compiled by Brian Plasters

——————————

Division II

regional

semifinal

Who: Graham (24-0) vs. Columbus Bishop Watterson (14-10)

When: 6:30 p.m. today, March 19

Where: Cintas Center, Xavier University

Tickets: $6 at the high school until 11 a.m.; $8 at the door

Directions: Take I-75 south to Exit 7, the Norwood Lateral (state route 562). Exit at Reading Road and turn right. Turn left, then immediately right, onto Victory Parkway (third traffic light). Turn left onto Asmann Avenue (first traffic light). Asmann Avenue becomes Hopkins Avenue in the city limits. Turn right onto Webster Avenue. Follow Webster to the Cintas Center and the east parking area. Gates open 90 minutes before the game.