Moeller pulls away from Wayne late in D-I regional final

Trailing by just four midway through the final quarter, Wayne couldn’t keep pace and lost 65-53 to Cincinnati Moeller in a boys high school basketball Division I regional final at Xavier University’s Cintas Center on Friday night.

»RELATED: Wayne “finds a way”

The victory sends Moeller (25-3) back to the D-I final four for the season straight season. Last year’s state runner-up, Moeller will play the Lorain/St. John’s Jesuit winner in a state semifinal on Friday, March 23, at Ohio State University’s Schottenstein Center in Columbus.

»RELATED: Trotwood responds to South’s challenge

Wayne (25-2) was led by Youngstown State signee Darius Quisenberry with 21 points and three steals. Another senior, guard Deshon Parker (James Madison) hit 6 of 9 shots and added 15 points. Warriors junior Rashad McKee was good for 11 points.

»RELATED: Springfield coach, “we’ll be back”

Wayne trailed 50-44 when senior L’Christian “Blue” Smith fouled out with 4:15 left. He had six points and five rebounds.

»RELATED: Boys regional pairings/results

Wright State recruit Jeremiah Davenport hit 9 of 13 shots for 21 points and seven rebounds to lead the Crusaders. Jaxson Hayes, a 6-10 senior center who’s headed to Texas, added 20 points, seven rebounds and six blocks.

»RELATED: Girls state final four pairings/results

»TWITTER: You should like @MarcPendleton

The teams hadn’t played in more than a decade, but it won’t take that long again. Moeller coach Carl Kremer said the powers will begin a home and home regular-season series next season at Wayne.

»FACEBOOK: For more high school sports you should like Marc Pendleton

About the Author