DAYTON, Ohio -- For the first time in two years, the OHSAA boys basketball state tournament tipped off on Friday. The opening game of the day featured Richmond Heights and Botkins in a Division IV state semifinal. 

Botkins survived a brutal third quarter and used a 14-5 final frame to survive a loaded Richmond Heights team and advance to the state championship, 44-40.

Jameson Meyer stepped up and knocked down two crucial threes in the fourth quarter, the first to tie the game and the second to give Botkins their final lead of the game.

Senior Jayden Priddy-Powell set the tone early with a 5-for-5 start from the field and then closed it late with a go-ahead bucket and clutch free throw to keep Botkins ahead in the fourth quarter. 

Let's take a look at the top performers from the matchup. 

Jayden Priddy-Powell (5'10 PG / Botkins / 2021): Priddy-Powell is a dynamic scoring guard that is the lifeblood of the Trojans. The 5-foot-10 coach's son can really handle the ball, as he was able to create off the bounce against Richmond Heights' athletic guards. Priddy-Powell is a streaky scorer who can hit in a hurry from all over the floor. The senior enjoys getting deep into the lane where he can finish with either hand or knock down close range jumpers. While he had a brutal third quarter and started off slow in the fourth, Priddy-Powell scored five crucial points in the final frame to power Botkins into the state final. It takes quality guard play to win in March and in Priddy-Powell, Botkins has that. The Trojans seem to be the favorite to cut down the nets in Division IV with Columbus Grove and Glenwood New Boston set to duel in the second semifinal.

Josiah Harris (6'7 PF / Richmond Heights / 2022): There's a reason why Harris is being coveted by several high-major programs including Ohio State. The 6-foot-7 forward is a talented and active forward that can bang inside, stretch the floor to the three-point line and guard multiple positions. While Botkins contained him in the first quarter, Harris woke up from that point forward and finished strong in the tough loss. Harris was the only source of consistent offense for the majority of the game for Richmond Heights, finishing with 16 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks. The junior has a bright future, as he offers great length, athleticism and playmaking ability on both ends of the floor. Don't be surprised to see him playing in the Big Ten in a few years, as Harris has the look and feel of a high-major contributor. 

Jacob Pleiman (6'6 PF / Botkins / 2022): An alum of the original 270 Hoops Intro and the 270 Hoops Fall League, we are very familiar with the Lima area big man Pleiman. While his stat line isn't overly sexy, Pleiman had a big impact in Friday's win, finishing with six points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Pleiman's biggest contribution in the game came with 3:01 to go when Botkins trailed 36-34. With Richmond Heights looking to have an easy bucket on the inside, Pleiman came up clutch with a massive block at the rim to save the possession, getting the ball up court to Jameson Meyer who knocked in a go-ahead three to put the Trojans ahead 37-36 with 2:53 remaining. While that play may not be remembered, if Botkins falls behind by four points at that juncture in the game, they may not be in the position they're in now. Pleiman is a well built post that plays with great toughness and energy. He has a serviceable handle on the perimeter, enough shooting to be a threat but is best served on the interior where he's a strong rebounder, finisher and rim protector. 

Carter Pleiman (6'5 PF / Botkins / 2023): The Pleiman family is ripe with good young bigs as Carter Pleiman outdid his brother with 10 rebounds in the big state semifinal win. The 6-foot-5 sophomore finished with four points, 10 rebounds and five big assists, helping power the Trojans. Pleiman is a great high school role player, as he was everywhere he needed to be defensively, locked down the defensive glass and kept the ball moving with a game-high five assists. The Pleiman brothers both managed to stay out of foul trouble which was key in the big win for Botkins, as it allowed the Trojans to not get pummeled inside by Harris and Richmond Heights.