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MSL-Cardinal Champs: Harvest Prep wins their seventh straight MSL title with a tough win over Rosecrans

By Cade Torbert, 02/15/20, 9:00AM EST

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CJ Anthony continues to cement himself as one of the greats by going off for 45 points in the win

ZANESVILLE, Ohio -- Bishop Rosecrans came into tonight’s contest with their sights set on avenging the only blemish on their season, a 63-51 loss at the hands of a powerful Harvest Prep team.

Tonight was much of the same as Harvest Prep won the MSL-Cardinal title outright with a huge road victory over Rosecrans by a score of 72-59.

Harvest Prep’s victory notches their seventh straight MSL-Cardinal league title. Central Ohio’s all time scoring leader, senior CJ Anthony, led the way for the Warriors by contributing 45 points, eight rebounds, and three assists.

At the beginning of the first quarter, Anthony started out hot with four quick points for Harvest Prep. After a four minute scoring drought to start the game, senior Kaid Brown got the Bishops on the board.

Senior Weston Nern added a three pointer for the Bishops, but Anthony’s 15 point explosion gave Harvest Prep a 19-8 first quarter lead.

Rosecrans got a lot of good looks in the first frame, but shots weren’t falling for them early on.

The second quarter started the same way as the first, with a fast start from Anthony, as he scored six quick points for the Warriors. 

Rosecrans ended the first half strong behind an impressive 10 point quarter by Weston Nern. He managed to drain a baseline leaner and a tough finish through contact for the Bishops.

Anthony contributed nine second quarter points for Harvest Prep, putting his total at 24 first half points. Harvest Prep held a 34-26 lead going into the break.

Anthony got some major offensive production from the rest of his team to start the second half.

Both teams started the second half firing from behind the arc. Juniors Brian Beavers of Harvest Prep and Josh Merva of Rosecrans each traded three pointers to begin the third quarter. 

The three point barrage continued midway through the third quarter for Harvest Prep when senior Kenneth Sykes drained back to back three pointers.

With 2:25 left in the third quarter, Anthony got his first points of the quarter coming off a fast break layup. 

Anthony finished off a 19-10 third quarter for Harvest Prep with back to back coast to coast layups, one of which resulted in an and one. Harvest Prep headed to the final frame with a 53-36 lead over Rosecrans.

Rosecrans started the fourth quarter red hot with balanced production. Weston Nern got five quick points, senior Jack Goggin drained a three pointer and senior Nick Losco finished a putback, cutting the Harvest Prep lead to just 10 with 5:29 left.

Anthony responded to Rosecrans run with a crucial three pointer for Harvest Prep.

With 2:31 left in the game, Anthony sealed the deal with a blow by and one conversion, putting Harvest Prep up 15.

Harvest Prep began to spread the floor in the closing minutes, milking the clock and forcing Rosecrans to foul. The Warriors went 10/11 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter, resulting in a big victory.

Anthony showed again tonight why he is considered one of the top players in the state. The senior guard put up a stellar 45 points. He was 17/21 from the field and 9/10 from the line. His quick first step off the bounce was unguardable tonight. He got to the rim anytime he wanted. His ability to finish with contact was impressive as he converted three and one baskets. He showed his range by hitting two from deep. He was focused from the opening tip and would not let his Harvest Prep team be denied the outright league title.

The Harvest Prep Warriors (18-3, 12-0) will look to continue their winning streak as they begin their state title defense against the International Lions (1-21) on February 25th in the OHSAA Central District Division III Sectional Semifinals.

The Bishop Rosecrans Bishops (18-2, 10-2) will look to get back to their winning ways on a short turnaround, tomorrow February 15th when they go up against the struggling Danville Blue Devils (2-18).

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