DAYTON, Ohio -- Saturday’s Division II state semifinals tipped off at 11 a.m. and featured a matchup of two battle tested teams in DeSales and Dayton Chaminade Julienne. After Chaminade Julienne knocked off fellow CCL rival Bishop Watterson in the regional final, the Eagles looked to keep things rolling against DeSales.

Behind 11 points in the opening frame from Des Watson, DeSales jumped out to a 13-7 lead over the Eagles. 

In the second quarter, Chaminade Julienne prized freshman Jonathan Powell began to heat up, knocking down four of his first five shots to score 10 points in the period. Despite Powell’s offensive explosion, DeSales continued to hold the lead, heading into halftime with a 27-21 lead after a crucial offensive rebound, And-1 finish from senior Atticus Schuler with 34 seconds remaining in the half.

In the third quarter, DeSales really broke the game open with a 13-5 period that ended with an Obed Achirem offensive rebound put back finish (sound familiar?) to put the Stallions up 40-26 heading into the final frame. 

There would be no upset special in the fourth quarter, as DeSales extended its lead and rode into the sunset for its first trip to the state championship since 1987 in a 51-34 victory.

Watson led all scorers with 21 points, six rebounds and four assists. Achirem added 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Schuler pitched in nine points.

For Chaminade, Powell led all scorers with 20 points. Outside of him, the Eagles only had 14 total points of offense. 

DeSales advances to the state final to take on the winner of Lima Shawnee and Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary on Sunday at 5:15 p.m.

Des Watson (6’5 WG / DeSales / 2021): Watson was in attack mode from the early going, attacking the rim with success early on in the first quarter. The 6-foot-5 senior made great use of his spin move, a staple of his game that he has utilized all season long. Scoring 11 of the Stallions’ 13 points in the first quarter, Watson put the finishing touches on a great opening frame with a jab step three right before the buzzer to put DeSales up six. On the opening play of the second quarter, Austin Mann connected with Watson for a powerful alley oop slam. Watson set the tone with 16 points in the first half, putting pressure on Chaminade with his slashing ability. In the second half, Watson went into distributor mode, helping get his teammates into a rhythm as the Stallions rolled in the final two frames. Leading the Stallions with 20 points, Watson did what no DeSales player has done in the last 33 seasons by leading his team to a chance to play for a state championship. 

Jonathan Powell (6’3 WG / Chaminade Julienne / 2024): Powell is an impressive looking freshman who offers intriguing length. The 6-foot-3 wing scored the first bucket of the game on an impressive driving finish to the rim. Powell has a really natural ability to create offense off the bounce, as he knocked down a really impressive snatchback mid-range jumper off the bounce in the second quarter. On an Eagles team that struggled to find offense outside of the prized freshman in the first half, Powell showed no qualms about carrying the offensive load for Chaminade. Powell has a silky smooth pull up jumper that he began to connect with in the second quarter. With a natural shooting stroke, an impressive handle and lengthy frame that looks to keep expanding, Powell is one of the most impressive freshman prospects that we’ve seen across the state this year. We were really impressed with Powell’s confidence and shot making ability on Saturday, as he knocked down four triples and was able to slip to the rim with great finesse and dexterity. 

Obed Achirem (6’2 WF / DeSales / 2021): Achriem is the lifeblood of this DeSales team as he provides the Stallions with great toughness and playmaking on both ends of the floor. Despite only standing at 6-foot-2, Achirem is a terrific rebounder and low post finisher. The senior has great patience underneath and really knows how to finish against bigger players. While he will more than likely play on the wing in college, Achirem sacrifices for his team and plays his role extremely well. The 6-foot-2 wing forward is a strong flasher who has improved at finishing throughout the season. Defensively, Achirem is always in the right place at the right time, constantly in help defense and looking to make a play. Achirem’s biggest impact this season has come on the offensive glass, as he had four offensive rebounds and several major put backs in a third quarter that broke the game open.

While the seniors Watson and Achirem get plenty of attention and rightfully so, DeSales received great production from role players in senior Austin Mann, juniors Cruz Sanchez and Atticus Schuler and freshman Michael Walker. Schuler, Sanchez and Walker will be the trio to watch for DeSales next season, as they will have great experience from leading this group into the state final.