'They made history:' Colonel Crawford’s season ends in state semifinals to Marion Local
NORTH ROBINSON - Colonel Crawford's return to Bowling Green State University didn't go as well as last week's trips.
After winning the program's first regional championship at the Stroh Center, the Eagles traveled back for a Division VI state semifinal against Marion Local — a perennial powerhouse in just about every boys sport.
And as they've done in football for the past two decades, the Fliers started strong and never looked back en route to a 52-38 win to advance to the state championship against Monroe Central next weekend.
“They made history at Colonel Crawford and I’m proud of them," Eagles coach David Sheldon said. "It’s just a special group. We’ll look back and there were a lot of accomplishments.
"Hats off to Marion Local and good luck to them next Saturday."
It was Marion Local who jumped on Colonel Crawford early with an 8-2 run. The Fliers held the momentum to a 17-7 end of one. Senior Ryan Homan was huge with 9 points, including two triples in the first quarter alone. The DeGray brothers — Payne and John — were the only Eagles to enter the scoring column in the first quarter.
The second quarter was better for Crawford, as John and Payne finished layups on back-to-back possessions. Crawford closed the lead to 22-18 before a big Austin Niekamp three to end the half. That was the closest they would get the lead down to all game.
The post matchup between the 6-foot-8 Malone-commit Austin Niekamp and 6-foot-5 junior Payne DeGray was one to watch all night. The two were the leading scorers for their respective teams.
“He kicked my butt a little bit,” Niekamp said with a laugh.
“I was able to get around him for some buckets but with that length, he definitely altered some shots,” Payne DeGray said.
The second half continued like the first. Marion Local continued its half-court sets and dominant defense.
“We didn’t want them shooting 3s, we wanted to make them take tough twos,” Marion Local coach Kurt Goettemoeller said.
Marion Local held a 45-36 lead with 2:08 left and the deficit proved insurmountable for the Eagles.
It ends Colonel Crawford’s historic season at 25-2, and it was the first state final four appearance in school history.
Payne led with 15 points and eight rebounds, Brayden Holt added 13 points, John chipped in 10 for all the Eagles scoring tonight — all three return next season.
The loss also caps off the careers of Logan Goddard, Brady Hill, Lucas Foy, and Kaden Bruner.
“I felt like we left it all on the floor tonight," Payne DeGray said.
This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: OHSAA boys hoops: Colonel Crawford's special run ends in state semis
-
'It's hard to compare:' Colonel Crawford's special group gears up for state semifinal
David Sheldon has had a lot of talented teams over the last 20 years. But what makes this one so special?Yahoo Sports - 21h -
Metheny scores 24, Liberty beats Kennesaw State 81-79 in Conference USA semifinals
Kaden Metheny had 24 points and Liberty beat Kennesaw State 81-79 on Friday in the Conference USA Tournament semifinals. The Flames secured a spot in a conference title game for the sixth time in ...Yahoo Sports - 14h -
BOYS BASKETBALL: Millwood overpowers Sequoyah in state semifinals
OKLAHOMA CITY – For a brief moment, it seemed like Sequoyah had carried its momentum from an overtime victory over Chandler into the Class 3A state semifinals. Triston Gibson opened the game with a ...Yahoo Sports - 6h -
How to watch Ohio State vs Penn State hockey Saturday: Time, TV channel for B1G semifinal
Ohio State and Penn State face off in a Big Ten Hockey Tournament semifinal matchup. Here's how to watch, and stream the game Saturday.Yahoo Sports - 10h -
Nixa basketball won't back down from a fight. Now, it's in a Class 6 state semifinal.
Nixa might not have the biggest basketball team, but it has an athletic and hard-working team that has earned its way into a state semifinal.Yahoo Sports - 6h -
Lancaster Bruins win first state championship in boys’ basketball
The Lancaster Bruins boys’ basketball team has made history by winning their first state championship, marking a significant achievement for Lancaster High School.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
How Abigail Netherton's last-second shot made TSSAA girls basketball history for Van Buren
Van Buren County will play for a historic TSSAA girls basketball state championship after beating Coalfield on Abigail Netherton's last-second shot.Yahoo Sports - 15h -
Colorado State defeats Utah State in Mountain West semifinals 83-72
Nique Clifford had 26 points in Colorado State's 83-72 victory over Utah State on Friday in the Mountain West Conference Tournament semifinals. The No. 2-seed, Colorado State will play ...Yahoo Sports - 2h -
Mountain West semifinal: What to know, how to watch Colorado State vs Utah State
A look at Friday's Mountain West semifinal matchup between Colorado State and Utah State: How to watch, key players and more.Yahoo Sports - 22h
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Commanders receive high marks through the first week of free agency
The Washington Commanders receive high marks through one week of free agency.Yahoo Sports - 10m -
Report: Arsenal & Chelsea face competition for £50m transfer
Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly set to face competition from Real Madrid for the potential transfer of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.The 19-year-old has impressed in the Premier League this ...Yahoo Sports - 16m -
Lando Norris takes pole but ‘learning curve’ continues for Lewis Hamilton in eighth
Lando Norris said he was “not getting ahead” of himself, despite making the perfect start to the new Formula One season in Melbourne. The McLaren driver topped all three qualifying sessions to grab ...Yahoo Sports - 18m -
Jonathan Kuminga drops 18 points in 20 minutes off bench in return vs. Kings
After missing 31 straight games due to an ankle injury, Jonathan Kuminga made his return to the court on Thursday against the Kings.Yahoo Sports - 20m -
Lisbie twins have defences seeing double at Braintree
Braintree Town's Kyrell and Kyreece Lisbie are inspiring young people with TikTok videos about the highs and lows of football life.Yahoo Sports - 22m
More in Sports
-
Commanders receive high marks through the first week of free agency
The Washington Commanders receive high marks through one week of free agency.Yahoo Sports - 10m -
Atleti's Gallagher: Focus now on beating Barça
Atlético Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher said the team has moved on from the painful UEFA Champions League exit against Real Madrid in a controversial penalty shootout on Wednesday.ESPN - 15m -
Estadio Azteca changes name ahead of 2026 WC
Mexico City's Estadio Azteca has changed its name to Estadio Banorte in order to help fund the final stages of remodeling for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.ESPN - 15m -
Guardiola laughs off Capello calling him 'arrogant'
Pep Guardiola has laughed off criticism from Fabio Capello after the former England manager accused the Manchester City boss of ruining Italian football.ESPN - 15m -
NWSL's BOS Nation to be renamed after backlash
Boston's 2026 NWSL franchise announced Friday that it will officially change its name following a highly-ridiculed launch last fall.ESPN - 15m