Alter tops Maysville, wins fourth state boys basketball title

“I tell these guys all time, moments of work for a lifetime of memories,” Alter coach Eric Coulter said. “They put the work in – so proud of them. It’s so hard to win a state championship, and it’s so special.”

R.J. Greer, the Knights’ leading scorer this season and a first-team all-Southwest District player, didn’t grow up in the Alter culture as much as his teammates. He moved here as a seventh grader and went to school with them for two years. Then he started his high school career at Springboro. After two injury-filled seasons, Greer returned to Alter to play with his friends this season.

“Obviously the goal in mind was to win under any circumstance,” Greer said. “And that’s what we did. These guys have been my brothers. I’ve grown up with them since I came to Ohio so it’s great to win with them. I’m extremely blessed to be in this position.”

Alter’s previous state titles under Joe Petrocelli came in 1978, 1999 and 2001. This tournament was the Knights’ 11th appearance.

“There’s been so many great players that have come through this program, and there’s been so much success,” said Greer, who scored 17 points. “So just being able to be a part of that is a huge blessing.”

The Knights won with a familiar formula. A zone defense that made Maysville uncomfortable enough to take contested shots resulting in a 37% shooting night for the Panthers. It didn’t stop them from attempting 36 shots from 3-point range. That was enough for the Panthers to make 14 for a championship game record regardless of division. The teams also combined for a state record 22 3-pointers regardless of division.

The Knights’ offensive efficiency resulted in 52.1% shooting, 8 of 19 from the 3-point range and 18 of 21 from the free-throw line. They led 27-24 at halftime and took control with a 21-10 advantage in the third quarter to build a 14-point lead.

Senior guard Joe Brand scored 10 points in the third quarter and 18 of his career-high 23 in the second half. He made two layups while taking hard fouls, plays that seemed to energize the Knights.

“It’s my last game that I get to step on a high school court, and I knew I needed to leave it all out there and not have any regrets in the end,” Brand said of his approach to the third quarter. “We needed to lock in on defense. They’re a good team. We can’t just go shot for shot with them.”

Coulter coached under Petrocelli as an assistant on two occasions. The second time resulted him being named head coach after Petrocelli retired. In 11 seasons, Coulter has compiled a record of 192-87 and made two state semifinal appearances.

“Coach Coulter is a role model to me and to everybody on this team,” Brand said. “He’s a special guy, and in the end pushed us to be our best.”

While many of the Knights will play in college, senior guard Gavin Leen, who scored 12 points, won’t play again.

“The thought of lacing up the shoes for the last time and coming out with a win it’s surreal,” he said. “I’ll remember it forever.”

And there will be a banner with 2024 on it to help everyone else remember.