Finally Champs: Delaware Hayes wins first district title since 1986
Pacers offense explodes in 90-76 win over Walnut Ridge led by Jesse Burris' 28 points
COLUMBUS, OH - For the first time in nearly 40 years, a district title banner will head down Euclid Ave. A team that fans and community members have long pegged as being the one to break the streak, the deep Pacers delivered in front of a sold-out crowd at Ohio Dominican, as they gave their faithful fans a convincing 90-76 win over Walnut Ridge on Saturday.
The Pacers scored the first nine points of the game, which gave a glimpse of things to come. Senior Jesse Burris, a four year-starter and the program’s all-time leading scorer, would seize the opportunity to make history for his hometown and stormed towards 13 of his game-high 28 points in the first period.
When it comes to pace, the Pacers prefer to run. That also matches Walnut Ridge style, so the track-meet flow leaned into Hayes’ favor, a credit to their size and depth advantage.
“I didn’t think we’d score 90,” Hayes head coach Adam Vincenzo said after the game. “I knew they liked to run and we are at our best going up-and-down, so I was comfortable there and letting us play.”
Hayes would maintain their pace consistently throughout the game, as they had a 45-33 lead at halftime that would balloon up to 23 towards the end of the third period. Six players would score for Hayes, four of which had at least 15 points.
