Flyin’ to the Hoop: Akron SVSM edges Fairland

Count Fairland among the many Ohio schools that were affected by the debut of the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s competitive balance initiative this school year.

A state semifinalist in Division III last season, Fairland was bumped up to D-II. The Dragons figured there was no better way to warm up to that higher level than playing defending D-II state champ Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary.

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Fairland did just that, falling 81-79 to Akron SVSM in the 16th annual Premier Health Flyin’ to the Hoop at Trent Arena on Sunday. This might not be the last time these two powers play this season. For that to happen, it would be in another state final four. Don’t count that out.

Scott Walter hit three 3-pointers and scored 22 points to lead Akron SVSM (4-8), which was coming off a 68-57 loss at unbeaten Wayne on Saturday night. Seth Wilson added 18 points, Lunden McDay 13 and Darius Cone 10.

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Senior center Kollin VanHorn had a career-high 33 points and eight rebounds to lead Fairland, which is located in Proctorville, just across the Ohio River from Huntington, West Virginia. Luke Thomas added 15 points for the Dragons, Keedrick Cunningham 11 and Isaiah Howell 10.

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16th ANNUAL PREMIER HEALTH FLYIN’ TO THE HOOP

At Fairmont’s Trent Arena, Kettering

Friday’s results

Spire Institute (Ohio) 80, Fairmont 70

Findlay Prep (Nev.) 50, Huntington Prep (W.Va.) 48

Saturday’s results

Springboro girls 57, Tippecanoe 38

Xenia 67, Olentangy Liberty 60

Pickerington North 51, Princeton 38

McEachern (Ga.) 87, Trotwood-Madison 77

Prolific Prep (Calif.) 75, IMG Academy (Fla.) 71