Youngstown Christian won its first-ever District Title with a thrilling 61-59 win over McDonald Friday night at Struthers Fieldhouse. The win secures the first 20-win season for the Eagles' basketball program, and improves their mark to 20-3. The YCS win also sent McDonald to its first loss of the season. The Blue Devils finish the campaign with a mark of 22-1.
Dolph Carroll's team closed out the third quarter on a 10-0 run to seize control in the second half. Olonzo Johnson led Youngstown Christian with 16 points and nine rebounds in the win. Victor Shaw added 14 points, while John Pecchia chipped in with 11.
McDonald stormed back in the fourth, cutting the lead to just two with :04 remaining on the clock. But Justin Rota's last-second shot was off the mark, clinching the win for the Eagles. The Blue Devils were led by Justin Rota and Matias Tayala, who each scored 15 points in the loss.
Youngstown Christian advances to the Division IV Regional Semifinals where they will face Warren JFK in an all-local matchup. That game is slated for Tuesday at Canton Memorial Fieldhouse. Tipoff is slated for 6:15pm.
