Boys Hoops Notes: Sectional finals only games to be held at arenas

SPRINGFIELD — The first and second rounds of the boys basketball sectional tournament are going through some changes this year. Games at big college venues like UD Arena and Wright State’s Nutter Center will be moved to area high schools.

In past seasons, area Divisions I and III sectional tournament games were held at UD Arena or the Nutter Center. Other divisions would sometimes play games at the college arenas, too.

This year, according to the Southwest District Athletic Board website, D-I first- and second-round games will be held at Centerville, Fairmont and Trotwood-Madison high schools. Sectional finals will be played at UD Arena.

The D-II sectional for area teams will again be at Springfield High School. Last season, Graham and Shawnee won sectional titles there. It will again host the sectional finals.

In D-III, Bellbrook, Tippecanoe and Tecumseh high schools will host first- and second-round games. The sectional finals will be played at UD Arena.

In D-IV, Piqua and Troy will host the sectional tournaments for area teams through the finals.

UD Arena will host the district finals this year.

At the top

A few players are starting to separate themselves from the scoring pack.

Evan Bradds (Greeneview) leads the area with 18.8 points per game. He’s followed closely by Hayden Hagerman (Catholic Central) with 18.6, Nick VanHoose (Graham) with 18.2 and Levi Burns (Northwestern) at 18.0.

Luke Mamer (Kenton Ridge) averages 17.2 and Ronnie Drinnon (Greeneview) averages 16.0.

Around the state

OT scores: Alliance Marlington beat Canton South 65-64; Bellaire beat Shadyside 78-70; Hillsboro beat Mowrystown Whiteoak 68-62.

Big scores: Columbus Hamilton Township beat Pataskala Watkins Memorial 93-62; Malvern beat Minerva 80-69; New Knoxville beat Pandora-Gilboa 90-61.

Close scores: Collins Western Reserve beat Monroeville 60-57; Ironton St. Joseph beat Portsmouth West 51-49; Plymouth beat Ashland Mapleton 52-51.

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