Over the years, the Dublin Scioto High School boys basketball team has certainly been familiar with some local rivals.

Having tormented each other for years in the OCC Cardinal Division, the Irish (14-9) and Thomas Worthington tangled in the post season on March 1 at the Ohio Expo Center Coliseum

Although the Cardinals moved out of the Cardinal Division as a result of re-alignment, they dealt the Green & White a measure of revenge for being swept last year courtesy a 53-46 setback in a Division I Central District semi-final game.

In order to handle dominating Scioto center Clark Crum,the Cardinals sank into a dense zone that produced the desired effect.

"They're pretty athletic in that zone and we've struggled to penetrate zones at times this year," Irish Coach Tony Bisutti said. "They went to it at the right time and got us tonight."

Despite scoring only two points in the second quarter, the Irish were trailing just 21-16 at the break.

The Cardinals advantage swelled to double figures entering the final frame before a modest Scioto surge put them in contention down the stretch. Nevertheless, it was Thomas Worthington big men Austin Kizzee and Luke Mehling who limited Crum to 15 points, his lowest output of the post season.

Additionally, the Cardinal duo combined for 26 points in the paint.

Coming into the show-down, Crum was optimistic about the chances for the dark horse Irish to continue a stirring tournament run.

"We just have to keep doing what we have been doing and we'll be fine," he asserted.

Joining Crum in double figures was guard Zach Duzan with 11 from the backcourt.

Just one game earlier, Scioto secured it most impressive victory in a roller coaster season, upsetting Gahanna 47-46 in a sectional final.

"That was a very good Gahanna team we just beat," Bisutti said afterward.

Included in the season ledger was a 6-4 mark in the Cardinal Division. Scioto failed to mimic its unbeaten league mark in a title march last season.

Averaging 17.6 points per game as a junior, Crum was selected honorable mention All-District.

Crum is set to return for his swan song next year, along with a slew of others who received minutes for Bisutti & Co.

Among those vying for time in the future are junior Jake Doherty and sophomores Kelly Winter, Austin O'Connell, Michael Eubank, Spencer Mooney, Kevin Lolli and Steve Oesch.

However, the Irish will bid adieu to backcourt starters, Zach Duzan and L.J. Freeman, who combined for nearly 17 points per game.

Sharpshooter Kyle Rolf will be hard to replace, as will reserve forward Jordan Whitehouse.