Walnut Ridge Takes Down Northland
The Scots maintained a tight lead most of the way and give fans a game to remember
COLUMBUS, OH - When the district bracket was revealed, eyebrows were significantly raised when it became apparent that Walnut Ridge chose a path that would go through Northland in the sectional finals, with a preceding revenge match-up against Gahanna first.
After the Scots comfortably handled the Lions, the potential of a highly-anticipated, City League duel became reality. The demand to see two of the area’s most talented teams, led by their respective star point guards, had administrators make the last-minute decision for the larger East High gym to host instead of a scheduled home game for Northland, to allow a larger crowd attend the hottest ticket in town. Lines were lapped around Long Street thirty minutes before tip.
The result? An instant classic that ended with Walnut Ridge turning a one-possession lead with a minute to go into a 60-52 victory, which gave the Scots a win that felt much bigger than your average sectional final. For a team that held a narrow lead for the entire final three quarters in front of a standing, sold-out crowd, it was a sign of a well-prepared, determined team that looked to have something to prove.
