In a buzzer-beating thriller at the Arby's Classic, the Mentor Cardinals from Ohio secured a 96-95 victory over George Wythe, despite the exceptional 40-point performance by George Wythe’s junior guard, Reed Kirtner.

Why It Matters

The victory for Mentor against a formidable opponent like George Wythe, and the standout performance by Kirtner, underscores the intense and competitive nature of high school basketball tournaments and the resilience of the teams involved.

By the Numbers
  • George Wythe shot 63.5% from the field and 54.2% from 3-point range.
  • Mentor shot 54% from the field and 29.6% from 3-point range.
  • Ian Ioppolo of Mentor recorded 32 points and 11 rebounds.
  • Reed Kirtner of George Wythe scored 40 points, making 15 of 21 field goals and 8 of 12 3-pointers.
State of Play
  • George Wythe led 93-87 with 46.2 seconds remaining but ultimately faced a stinging loss as Mentor secured a walk-off win.
  • Kirtner’s remarkable 40-point performance earned effusive praise and showcased George Wythe's competitive spirit.
What's Next

Mentor will advance to the semifinals to face the Kell Longhorns from Marietta, Georgia, while George Wythe will play the Harlan County Black Bears from Kentucky in a losers bracket contest.