Versailles bows to Madeira in D-III district final

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

Versailles overcame a 17-point second-half deficit to pull even but Cincinnati recovered for a 57-51 win in a boys high school basketball Division III district final on Wednesday at the University of Dayton Arena.

»RELATED: Revised boys D-II schedule

It was the first of three games on Wednesday. Stivers (12-13) plays Cincinnati Deer Park (24-0) in the second game and Dunbar (17-4) gets Fenwick (17-6) in a D-II sectional final nightcap.

»RELATED: Girls basketball regional schedule

It was the end of a celebrated and high-scoring era for Versailles senior Justin Ahrens. His 3-pointer with about three minutes left in the fourth quarter pulled Versailles even at 48-all. Madeira answered with a game-ending 9-3 run.

Versailles senior A.J. Ahrens (shooting) is confronted by by Madeira defender. MARC PENDLETON / STAFF

icon to expand image

»RELATED: GWOC reps fall in D-I girls district finals

AJ Ahrens, Justin’s twin brother and also a senior, led Versailles with 15 points. Justin Ahrens, Ahrens, a 6-6 senior who signed with Ohio State University, added 13 points and Michael Stammen 12 for Versailles (21-5). Jack Cravaack led Madeira with 22 points and 12 rebounds.

»RELATED: Boys basketball district final schedule

Madeira (18-7), which started the season 0-3, advances to a D-III regional semifinal against Cincinnati North College Hill (22-2) at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Fairmont’s Trent Arena in Kettering. NCH advanced with a 60-44 defeat of Bethel in another D-III district final on Tuesday.

»FACEBOOK: For more high school sports you should like Marc Pendleton

About the Author