COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It had been a few years in the making. The move back down to Division IV also helped.

For the first time since 2017, Wellington is a district champion.

The Jags used an 8-0 start to Thursday's Division IV district final against Berne Union to power past its former MSL-Cardinal foe, 69-45.

Senior forward Elijah Meredith set the tone with his physicality on the interior, scoring eight first quarter points to push Wellington to a 17-7 lead after a quarter of play.

In the second quarter, the Jags opened it up even more, outscoring Berne Union 23-11 in the period. Wellington's young players began to shine as sophomore Chase Ouellette and freshman Brandon Ivery showed flashes of the big potential they both possess. 

Berne Union tried to hang tight behind the play of senior guard Chase McCartney, who showed a nice deal of shiftiness and creation ability off the bounce, however, the Rockets mightily struggled to contain Wellington's various weapons on offense. 

Meredith punished Berne Union on the interior to the tune of 17 points through three quarters as Wellington led 56-28 heading into the final frame.

With its bench roster on the floor for the rest of the game, Wellington cruised to a 24-point win in the nightcap at Ohio Dominican.

Wellington advances to the Dayton regional to play the winner of Fort Loramie and Hamilton New Miami at the University of Dayton on Tues., March 10 at 6:15 p.m.

If the Jags play with the level of toughness and intensity that they brought to Ohio Dominican on Thursday, Wellington will have a chance to make a third trip to state in the last five years.