The clash of the titans looked to end the night here on Championship Sunday, as Liberty Heights and Combine Academy squared off. Combine came out early, making some early plays and knocking down shots but Liberty Heights started to get going and eventually took the lead at the end of the first quarter, leading 16-15. Ezra Ausar got it going early with an early seven points in the first quarter but MJ Collins responded well with some big threes. In the second quarter, it was a struggle for both teams to find the bottom of the net, whether it was down low, knocking down shots, or from the free-throw line. Combine was able to knock down shots and attack more in the paint, as Combine took the 25-17 halftime lead.
Second half got underway and the energy DID NOT slow down for either team. Both teams continued to trade baskets but Liberty Heights was able to cut into the lead in the third quarter, as they found themselves down by one at the end of the third, 33-32. Ausar stepped up big early once again in the fourth to give Liberty Heights their first lead since the first quarter but it still was a game up for grabs heading late into the fourth quarter.
Liberty Heights had a five-point lead late but Jayden Epps hit a HUGE three late to cut it down to two points. A late turnover by Liberty Heights and a bucket by Epps once again, we were tied at 47 as Liberty held the ball. A big defensive play and a rebound by Patrick Wessler, Combine was able to call timeout with 7.5 seconds to go and a chance to win it.
Again, that is when Epps, once again, had one more play in him as he drove down the right side, got around his defender and scored the game-winning bucket to give Combine Academy the 49-47 victory and their second state title.
Final: Combine Academy 49 – Liberty Heights National 47
Stats:
Combine: Jayden Epps 27pts, MJ Collins 15
Liberty: Ezra Ausar 17pts, Silas Demary Jr. 10, Ryan Prather 9