Calvary Christian’s boys basketball team won both of its games at the Ohio Christian Schools Athletic Association state tournament last weekend to bring home the program’s first state title.
Calvary beat DePaul Cristo Rey 59-32 in the semifinal round and then battled back late to knock off New Hope 49-44 in the championship game.
“These boys have latched onto one of our team verses,” said head coach Lee Reinhard.
“Galatians 6:9 says, ‘Do not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time you will reap a harvest if you do not give up.’ This team found itself in unfamiliar territory in the game. There have been only a handful of games that we have been behind in the fourth quarter.
However, we did not give up and kept working hard to get more possessions and was able to squeeze out the victory in the end. I’m so happy for these young men and proud of the growth and accomplishments they have achieved. To God be the glory.”
Calvary trailed New Hope 24-23 at halftime and the Spartans found themselves down by three points with just over a minute remaining.
The Spartans rattled off a 9-1 run in the final minute, led by huge threepointers from Isaac Reinhard and Ezra Davie. Xavier Daniels added some clutch free throws to seal the victory.
Daniels led the Spartans with 16 points and four rebounds. Reinhard posted 11 points and 16 rebounds, Davie had 12 points and six rebounds, James had seven points and seven rebounds and Kaden Downey added three points.
In the semifinal game against Cristo Rey, Reinhard powered the Spartans with a triple double of 12 points, 10 assists and 12 rebounds. Daniels had 24 points and James added 11 points and nine rebounds.
Calvary finishes the season with a record of 27-1 overall and 13-0 in the OVCC.