WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- In a duel that featured multiple ties and lead changes, it was only fitting that Monday's contest between district rivals Westerville North and Westerville Central came down to the final minute. In a game that was not quite a shootout, it made sense an impressive defensive play sealed the victory as the Warriors outlasted the Warhawks 42-41 at Otterbein University for the Phil Brown Classic Monday night.

With a one point lead in hand, Caleb Iheukwu missed the front end of a one-and-one attempt, which gave Westerville Central an opportunity for a final look with 23 seconds left on the clock. Warhawks sophomore Nick Patton found an open Devin Martin at the top of the key for a clean three-point attempt, when North's Caleb Iheukwu soared from six feet away, stretched out his arm and got a clean block on Martin's shot. 

Iheukwu would then recover the loose ball and head to the foul line with 1.4 seconds left. While he missed the ensuing free throw, the Warriors secured the rebound and the win that should earn neighborhood bragging rights for the season. 

While offense was initially slow to come by, both Westervilles seemed to be evenly matched as the score was tied at halftime and at the end of the third quarter. While both teams have relatively young rosters, it was Iheukwu and junior Carter Reese that gave the Warriors the experience and extra momentum that made the difference in the final period. 

Reese only became more comfortable as the game progressed as eight of his game-high 13 points came in the fourth quarter, highlighted by two confident triples. The junior guard had a composed and efficient performance, while he also added a game-high 3 assists. Iheukwu finished with eight points, but his seven rebounds, two blocks and excellent defense on Warhawks junior Donovan Hunter was a difference maker towards the Warriors victory. 

Freshman Micah Young continues to gain valuable experience and finished with seven points. Senior Noah Lawrence and junior Rex Mbouge each added five points. Senior Andrew Scurlock, who averages over seven points per game, did not play to what appears to be due to an injury. 

The Warhawks were led in scoring by their pair of sophomore guards, Dallas Tucker and Martin, who both had 12 points each. Hunter, a Missouri State commit, finished with nine points as he had two made field goals from deep. 

After being led by a senior-laden squad in last year's run to the state championship, the Warhawks now find most of their production at the hands of underclassmen. The only senior that scored was Brad Leonard, who had five points, but was excellent on the glass towards a game-high 13 boards. The rebounding performance of junior Jacob Harris is also worth mentioning, as the 6-foot-4 wing showed tremendous athleticism and effort with his nine rebounds.

While there is intriguing talent and potential, the Warhawks ultimately made too many inexperienced plays that were the result of poor spacing, an influx of turnovers and an offense that recorded just three assists. However, much of their players are playing in their first varsity season and have the talent to build off the valuable early in-game experience.

Westerville Central (3-6) will look to snap their current four-game losing streak when they host Hilliard Davidson on Thursday.

Westerville North (6-3) has now won three of their last four and has so far enjoyed a competitive start to the season. They will have some rest before their next game versus Big Walnut on January 7.

To read more about Monday's top performers, scroll below for the Prospect Scouting Report.

Carter Reese (6'2 CG / Westerville North / 2023) The more we've seen of Reese, the more we continue to be impressed by his game. At first few viewings of Reese, he appears to be a classic case of good at everything, but not yet sure what area he truly stands out. As the season has progressed, the junior guard has shown he's not just good, but is capable of being really good. On Monday night, Reese took ownership of an alpha role and made the big type of plays that separate great players from the good. The southpaw shooter nailed two threes and had an impressive drive and finish during the fourth quarter. Reese is a creative passer that has a natural ability of finding his teammates. At 6-foot-2, the junior's athleticism may not necessarily jump out, but he shows an advanced IQ that adds to his effectiveness. While the Warriors continue to try and prove they can be district title contenders, an evolving and confident Reese makes that statement feel realistic.

Caleb Iheukwu (6'5 / Westerville North / 2022) The senior wing continues to be one of the area's most improved players. The key word for Iheukwu is versatility. We love the way Iheukwu competes on both ends of the floor and how he's shown signs of progress with his all-around game. Iheukwu's best work came on the defensive end Monday, as he was the primary stopper of the 6-foot-7 Hunter and also recorded the game-winning block. At 6-foot-5, Iheukwu's length and above average athleticism helps overcome his relatively thin frame. Iheukwu seems like he is gaining confidence in his athletic abilities and has shown the potential that he has some really good basketball ahead of him. Regional scholarship programs need to continue to keep Iheukwu on their radar as he is a late-blooming prospect that can fill a variety of needs.

Brad Leonard (6'5 PF / Westerville Central / 2022) In a game where offense wasn't in abundance, the top performances often come from players that make a serious impact defensively and on the glass. That's where all-around hustler Brad Leonard comes in, who poured his sweat out towards his game-high 13 rebounds, nearly half of which came from the offensive glass. Leonard worked his tail off to gather extra possessions and scored five points himself. A first-team all state soccer player, it makes sense that Leonard moves well without the ball and has the type of energy to wear out opponents. Although he had just one assist, Leonard showed nice vision with some sharp passes. While injuries may have prevented Leonard from being an explosive post, his hard work and willingness to fight for possessions make him a valuable lead-by-example type player that's needed for the young Warhawks.

Dallas Tucker (5'10 PG / Westerville Central / 2024) In his first season to earn strong varsity minutes, the sophomore guard made a positive impact for the Warhawks on Monday as he finished with a team co-high of 12 points. Tucker connected on one three, but was also aggressive driving in the lane which led to several trips to the free throw line. The 5-foot-10 guard also found himself as the recipient of three steals and looked to push the offense forward. While Tucker still adjusts to the speed and size of some of the better OCC teams, he has shown an ability to hold his own and should only become a more confident all-around player. The emergence of Tucker, along with his backcourt mate Devin Martin, will help dictate how quickly Westerville Central gets back to a winning record.