Vikes win OT classic over Irish for state berth

By BRIAN INGLIS

Published: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 3:29 PM EDT

Everyone interested in the Columbus prep boys basketball landscape, from casual observer to diehard fan, had waited with bated breath all winter for a potential showdown between Division I Ohio-ranked powers Northland and Dublin Scioto.

And when the time came for the top two seeds in the Central District brackets to meet in a regional tournament final setting, the matchup more than lived up to the considerable advanced billing.

With both programs seeking their first berths ever in the state final four, it was the nationally renown Vikings (25-1) who survived the local stalwart Irish (24-2) by the slimmest of margins in a 54-53 overtime decision Saturday, March 21, at the Ohio Expo Center Coliseum.

History was achieved by the City League champs at the expense of the perennial Ohio Capital Conference titlists. And it was done so in an instant classic that had all the familiar trappings of a gripping athletic drama.

"It's going to take a while for me to calm down, because I'm so wound up," Northland coach Satch Sullinger said. "I had tears in my eyes after the game because I was just so happy for all of those kids."

Hoops supporters from around the area came in droves to take in the high-profile tussle and what they ultimately witnessed was the jubilant Vikings cutting down the nets while the inconsolable Irish pondered their fate.

"It was unbelievable and I could not have asked for a better effort from one guy or the whole team," Scioto coach Tony Bisutti said. "There was such a great atmosphere, and being in an actual arena instead of a gym with the big crowd was awesome."

Nothing, however, was easy for Northland, which received 17 points and 22 rebounds from blue-chip recruit Jared Sullinger. The future Ohio State Buckeye took over in the fourth quarter and overtime as the Vikings stormed in front and assumed the lead.

"I get this like alter-ego where I just have this different look in my eyes and I know it is time to take over," Sullinger said. "That is what happens in the fourth quarter in a big game, because I just want the team to win."

But the hero at the end for the Vikings was Trey Burke, who sank two free throws for a 54-51 advantage with 5.5 seconds remaining in the extra session. Irish star Bradley McDougald then hit the rim in the waning seconds on a long three-pointer, before teammate Eric Stamets tipped it in as the buzzer sounded to produce the final scoreline.

Both Burke and Xavier recruit J.D. Weatherspoon ably backed up Sullinger with 15 points apiece. Most of their damage was done after intermission as Northland chipped away at a 23-19 deficit.

"I had enough confidence to knock those two foul shots down," Burke said. "I just wanted to help my team get the victory and get to the state tournament."

But no matter what the situation, Northland never had an answer for McDougald, who erupted for a game-high 32 points, including six treys. He knocked down a three-pointer in the waning seconds of regulation to send the contest into overtime and then hit two from long distance late in overtime to bring the Irish back after being down 51-45 late in the proceedings.

On the tying jumper, McDougald received the ball on the wing, sidestepped a defender and let fly a swish from the corner, before a last-second fling by Sullinger hit off the rim. The Scioto faithful leapt to their feet in a dizzying crescendo as a result.

"We work on situations like that in drills in practice, so that was not the first time I've taken that shot," McDougald said. "Coach B did a great job of getting us mentally ready, and I just thought back to practice and took the shot."

Hot from the start, McDougald keyed an early run and had 12 points by halftime as the Irish were out in front. Scioto held a working margin that reached nine until midway through the fourth quarter, when Northland went on a pivotal run.

Capping a 6-0 spurt, a thunderous Weatherspoon slam gave Northland its first lead since its 10-8 edge in the early going via a 39-38 margin. Like in overtime, the Vikings got some breathing room before McDougald brought the powers to level terms with his heroic heave near the conclusion of regulation.

At the end of the day, however, it was coach Sullinger and his charges who were celebrating their first postseason trip to the Schottenstein Center at Ohio State. But it was certainly by the skin of their collective teeth against an equal foe.

"That was a slugfest with two great teams," the venerable coach said. "That was a great battle, because of our strengths in different areas.

"Theirs was on the perimeter and ours was on the inside, and Tony had those kids ready to play. It was an entertaining game."