Northmont (9-2) did just that at least on this night. It’s too early to label Wayne’s reign as the area’s best Division I program asover, but count Northmont in that top-level mix this season.
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Both programs likely will earn high seeds in the D-I sectional seed meeting. If they’re to meet again, it would be in the postseason because the former Greater Western Ohio Conference Central Division rivals have been realigned apart.
Trailing by double digits throughout the first half, Wayne finally pulled even at the regulation buzzer when Deshon Parker buried a 3 from the key. He also proved key in OT.
L’Christian “Blue” Smith hit two free throws for the last of his game-high 28 points to put Wayne up 79-78 with 2:00 left in OT. Walker converted a layup and then hit what proved to be the winning free throw for an 81-79 Northmont lead.
But Walker’s second miss allowed Parker to drive to Wayne’s hoop, drawing a foul. He hit the first free throw with 1.8 seconds left but his second hesitated, then fell off the rim. After a scramble for the loose ball Northmont players, coaches and fans met in a frenzied celebration on the Thunderdome’s floor.
Christian Wilson led a balanced Northmont attack with 20 points. Rodney Richardson added 18, DaLonte Capers 12 and Walker with 10.
It was Northmont’s most defining win since Collin Abels succeeded Jim Brown as the Thunderbolts’ coach.
“We know this is a small step on a much bigger journey,” Abels said. “We’ve been grinding. This is my fourth year and everybody says it takes you three-five years to establish and build a program. This is a great win. It feels like everything you’ve been doing for the past four years is working.”
Isaiah Trice added 15 points for Wayne, Parker 14 and Ray James 11.
Wayne (7-2) is just two seasons removed from a D-I state title. Last season the Warriors went unbeaten in the regular season but were upset in a district final.
“The thing we’re figuring out is this isn’t the (Wayne) team of two years ago or last year,” Warriors coach Travis Trice said. “It’s going to take some time to figure some things out. I like the group that I have and I wouldn’t want to play us later in the year.”
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