COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Although experienced, this current Gahanna roster had not been in this position before. After steamrolling their first six opponents by an average 25-point margin of defeat, Gahanna faced its first tight fourth quarter of the season and outlasted a gritty effort from St. Charles with a 56-55 victory.

The Cardinals had a balanced team approach, but would not have been in position to win without the inspired play from junior Derrick James. The 5-foot-9 point guard embraced the underdog role and led the team scoring with 20 points, while also adding four assists and three steals.

James was dialed in early, starting off with a steal and breakaway lay-up to give St. Charles an initial first quarter lead.

Gahanna received a major contribution in the form of two three-pointers from junior Brendan Raymond to give the Lions an early two-point lead after the first.

St. Charles continued to trade punches and prevented the Lions from pulling away. Beyond James’ seven points at half, the Cardinals saw scoring production from five different players in the first two periods. Gahanna would continue to hold a two-point lead headed into halftime.

The Lions pushed the lead to 11 and it started to look like they would pull away after seniors Maceo Williams and Jarius Jones had back-to-back emphatic, breakaway slams that were both assisted by junior Eljae Deas.

Yet the Cardinals would not quit. Heading into the fourth down by seven, St. Charles clawed back, led by James and sophomore big Chase Walker. Together, the duo had a combined 16 fourth-quarter points.

The final five minutes remained a one or two possession game, yet was ultimately decided at the free throw line. Junior Sean Jones scored all five of his fourth quarter points at the stripe, while Deas connected on both of his attempts.

The Cardinals fought to literally the last second, with a made three-pointer at the buzzer from senior Ryan Utt, bringing the final margin to just one.

After winning their first game of the season, the Cardinals have dropped three straight by a combined of six points.

Despite the loss, first-year Cardinals head coach Michael Ryan should find positives with his team tonight. With only one senior receiving minutes, Ryan has a young, talented and competitive roster. Junior Juan Reeder provided strong play on defense and the glass. Other scoring production trickled down the roster, as five different Cardinals made three-point attempts.

St. Charles was without top junior forward prospect Josh Whiteside who has not yet played this season. Adding back Whiteside, who holds offers from Miami (OH) and Ohio University, will be a huge addition for a Cardinals team that should improve as the season continues.

The Lions passed their first close-game test of the season and it came with some adversity. Junior forward Javan Simmons collided knees with a Cardinals player in the third quarter and left the game. He briefly returned in the fourth, but quickly went back to the bench where he remained with ice on his left knee.

The Lions were also without veteran head coach Tony Staib. Assistant varsity coach Matt Potter took over lead coaching duties. Staib should return to the sidelines soon.

The win marked another mature victory for an experienced and composed Lions team. Sean Jones led scorers with 16 points, while Jarius Jones had 14 points. Williams added 8 points and led the defense with five steals.

The Cardinals will be back in action this Friday for a CCL match with Bishop Ready.

The Lions continue their undefeated streak Friday as they host Grove City for a divisional contest.

Sean Jones (5'11 PG / Gahanna Lincoln / 2022): The junior star guard led his team in scoring tonight with 16 points, connecting on a triple, multiple jumpshots and at the foul line. Jones' impact goes beyond scoring, as he also contributed four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Even on a night when Jones didn’t take over, he found ways to consistently be involved and make a difference. On defense he moves his feet well and has active hands, forcing turnovers that oftentimes lead into transition points. Jones also creates transition scoring when he works the glass, as he is a great rebounder for his size and position. On a very talented team, Jones is the undisputed leader.

Jarius Jones (6'5 WF / Gahanna Lincoln / 2021): The senior forward is like a Swiss Army knife, with a tool for nearly every situation. Tonight, Jones had a productive night scoring with 14 points that included a three-point attempt. Jones is active on defense, with a block and a steal tonight. With a nice 6-foot-5 frame he has serious athleticism, highlighted by a breakaway dunk. The more we’ve watched Jones, the more consistent and improved he becomes.

Maceo Williams (6'6 PF / Gahanna Lincoln / 2021): While he may not often lead his team in scoring, Williams is as dependable as you would want from an experienced senior. The Ashland-commit is fundamental, but also showcased his athleticism tonight with an out-your-seat slam dunk in transition. Williams was a force on defense, collecting five steals and always seemed to be in the right place at the right time. While he only had one assist, Williams is a beautiful passer. He’s exceptional at grabbing the rebound and quickly finding the outlet to start the fast break, a tempo that is crucial to Gahanna’s success. Ashland continues to sign some of Central Ohio’s best Division II prospects and Williams is no exception.

Chase Walker (6’8 C / St. Charles / 2023): After a somewhat slow start, Walker got into a groove and was a crucial force in St. Charles comeback effort. Walker displayed some really impressive offensive game, starting with a beautiful fadeaway jumper on the baseline. With his large frame, Walker takes advantage of the inside, but shows incredible touch around the rim. The sophomore had a big challenge tonight, going against one of the state’s best frontcourts. Yet as the game progressed, Walker began to make his mark, as he scored eight of his 12 points in the second half. Walker also led both teams in rebounding with eight boards. Walker can continue to make an even bigger impact as he improves his conditioning. For tonight, he showed he can compete with some of the area’s best bigs and will be a focal point for the Cardinals all season.

Derrick James (5’9 PG / St. Charles / 2022): The ultimate competitor, James was the Cardinals heart and soul, giving Gahanna fits on both ends of the floor. James was electric. He scored 13 of his 20 points in the second half and was efficient getting to and scoring at the free throw line, making seven of his nine attempts. Leading his team with three steals, James was a pest all game. He forces turnovers, makes minimal mistakes and moves well under the hoop. A first team All-CCL wide receiver, expect James to be first team All-CCL in hoops as well. College scouts, do not let James’ size fool you. Derrick James is an athlete, a competitor and will help your team win.