Centerville makes incredible run to OHSAA Division I state championship
CENTERVILLE, Ohio (BVM) — It was long-awaited, but the Centerville boys basketball team can finally say it is state champions after its recent win over Westerville Central in the OHSAA Division I state title game in Dayton, Ohio.
In a season unlike any other where Centerville endured two Covid pauses, it still finished with a record of 26-3 and took down some heavyweight area programs on the way to state, including Moeller and Mentor — the latter of which was top-ranked and previously unbeaten.
The appearance at state was the first ever for the Elks, who are led by coach Brook Cupps. His son, Gabe, is a sophomore standout for Centerville who had 16 points in the state championship game.
Although the Elks have proved they can be a high-powered offense earlier in the year with a couple of 100-point games, the state title game was a defensive battle. Centerville held the lead for the majority of the contest, and led 22-18 at halftime. But a push by Westerville Central would give them a five-point lead with just over five minutes remaining.
The resilient Elks did not fold, as they scored the next nine points to retake the lead at 43-39. Westerville Central would close the gap to one, however, and had a shot from the right corner to win which would fall just short.
After qualifying for regionals several times but falling short of state, 2021 was finally Centerville’s year. A small celebration was held after the game at the school’s football field to celebrate the Elks’ tremendous run, and once allowed, Centerville will hope to further honor this historic team even more.
