IRISH ADVANCE TO DISTRICT SEMI-FINALS

Scioto earned the school’s 11th sectional title in 14 years with an 88-40 victory of Columbus West on Saturday evening at Olentangy Orange.

They advance to face Reynoldsburg, a 62-51 winner over Columbus Walnut Ridge, in a district semi-final scheduled for 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 7 at the Fairgrounds Coliseum.

An outstanding start from the field combined with solid defense allowed the Irish to build a 50-17 halftime advantage. They shot 70 percent in the first half, including 6-10 from three-point range. They had 14 assists in the first half and another dozen in the second half as 11 different Irish players scored.

Jamare Mills led Scioto with 15 points. Rainer Duzan was next with 14 points – all in the first half and including four treys. Eric Stamets was the only other Irish player in double figures with 10. Also scoring: Deji Olatoye (9), Marco St. John (9), David McKinley (8), Tyler Harrell (8), Destin Thomas (6), Jacob McPheters (4), Raneal Ewing (3) and Bradley McDougald (2).

The Irish inside game was working well and they held a 48-10 advantage on points in the paint. The assist leaders were McDougald, Mills and Olatoye who all had 4.

Ten different players snared rebounds, led by Olatoye with 7. The Irish had a 33-13 rebounding advantage for the game. The Irish held West to 40 percent shooting and forced 20 turnovers. Duzan (4) and Stamets (3) led the way in steals.

Post player Antwine McDaniel scored a game high 18 points and guard Ricky Moore added 11 for West. McDaniel and Dustin Thomas led the Cowboys with 4 rebounds apiece.

The Irish are now 21-1 heading into the match-up with Reynoldsburg (14-8). West ends the 2008-09 season at 5-16.

District Semi-Final Preview And Ticket Information

Check back here during the week for pre-game ticket sale information and a game preview for Saturday’s district semi-final match-up against the Reynoldsburg Raiders.

Good luck, Lady Irish

Scioto’s girls team has advanced to the district semi-finals and will also play Reynoldsburg. The teams are scheduled to meet at 8 p.m. on Monday, March 2 at Olentangy Orange.

The winner will advance to a district final at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 7 at Olentangy Orange against the winner of Columbus Brookhaven/Pickerington Central.