COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Mifflin punched for as long as they could, cutting a 17-point lead entering the fourth quarter to as little as four, but in the end it was Northland’s defense making the biggest play of the game to get the win. Mifflin sophomore LJ Foster Jr. was called for an offensive foul trailing by four with under 30 seconds left which  sealed the fate of the Punchers as they fell to the Vikings 55-48.

Northland jumped out to a 8-2 lead early in the opening quarter, with the defense already showing shades of what their defense was going to do throughout the game. As the story of the game goes, Mifflin fought back, and after a three from junior Semaj Bryant the lead was cut to 8-6. The Vikings ended the quarter up 10-8 behind a strong opening quarter from Rob Dorsey, as he scored six points and the defense forced multiple missed layups from the Punchers.

The Punchers started the second quarter holding their own with the experienced Vikings, tying the score at 12 early in the frame. A 9-0 run from Northland mid-quarter that was sparked by steals from Davion Bridges and Tabree Beachem helped build a 21-12 lead. Those two steals were two of many that the Vikings forced in the quarter, really applying the pressure to the Puncher offense. Going into the break, Northland was ahead 24-18.

Senior leaders Bridges and Dorsey grabbed two steals a piece in the third quarter and led the attack for Northland as they held the road team to only five points in the first eight minutes after halftime. First-year coach Tihon Johnson’s team was superb in this quarter, making Mifflin uncomfortable the entire time and forcing them into bad turnovers.

Heading into the fourth quarter, the game felt as if it was over, that was until something got into Semaj Bryant. The junior went nuclear and knocked in three of his four threes in the final frame alone. Junior Jordan Coleman added in two triples himself aided the comeback effort as Mifflin got to within two points at 50-48. A big-time layup from Latrell Ucker put the Vikings back up by four points, he followed that up by causing an offensive foul from LJ Foster to end the comeback attempt. Some free throws and a late game layup gave way to Northland winning the game 55-48.

Mifflin was led in scoring by Bryant, who scored 16 total points along with a couple of rebounds and came through in the clutch for his team. Foster scored 11 and a few steals, Coleman scored his six in the fourth, senior Josh Allen added five points, nine rebounds, two blocks and two assists, junior Kevin Houston Jr. and Kameron Sellers both pitched in four and junior Abdiaziz Mohamed scored a bucket in the Puncher loss.

Senior leader Rob Dorsey III paced the Vikings with 24 points along with a handful of steals, deflections and assists. His back court senior teammate Tabree Beachem scored 10 points with five steals and a couple of assists. Junior Davion Bridges pitched in seven, sophomore Ucker added six points and seven rebounds and played a huge role defensively for the Vikings. Marcus Parker and Tarryn Thomas both added three and Josiah Kubi added a free throw to round out the scoring for Northland.

Both teams get back on the court Friday as Northland goes to Centennial, and Mifflin has another tough road test against North division leader Beechcroft.

Rob Dorsey III (6’ G / Northland / 2022): The most experienced player on the court played like it when it came down to it. Leading both teams in scoring with 24, Dorsey was consistent throughout the game and made every play that his team needed him to make. The lefty can create space to get his own shot off the dribble or he can spot up from deep and be a serious catch-and-shoot threat. His active hands on defense really opened the game up, getting his team in transition for easy baskets. Dorsey’s both mental and physical toughness has never been in question, tonight only enhanced that as not only did he help end the Punchers comeback bid but he did it on the defensive side of the ball. As consistent a player as the City League has ever seen, Dorsey is a winner and will make a school very happy next season.

Tabree Beachem (6’1 SG / Northland / 2022): Infectious energy, athleticism and play-making ability is what this senior brings to the table, and he put them all on display against Mifflin. Beachem used the springs in his calves to rise and deflect the ball, he was able to get steals while guarding one-on-one and he had a couple of assists as well. Another player that small schools should be having their eyes on, Beachem can play any guard position and be effective. His slashing ability without the ball is really good and he thrives when he puts his head down and gets to the basket himself. His speed is underrated as well, he should be mentioned with fastest players end-to-end in the City League. Beachem only scored 10 points but he was effective with everything else he did.

Semaj Bryant (6’3 SF / Mifflin / 2023): Catching fire and scoring 11 in the final quarter proved that when he gets hot then he has the ability to keep the flame rolling, but he was the reason that his team did not let the game get away from them in the first quarter. Bryant scored his first five points in the opening quarter, hitting the Punchers first shot and a three to cut the lead. He scored 16 total to lead his team in scoring. His release was lightning quick and he did not need much room to get the shot off. He could finish better around the rim, but he got there plenty of times during the game using a nice handle and a pretty good first step. The junior will only get better playing quality minutes and could be a player to watch going into next season.

LJ Foster Jr. (6’3 SG / Mifflin / 2024): Foster is a young player who is learning quickly on the job and getting better every game. He has the makings of a really good scorer with good size and ability to get the basket and finish around the rim. Foster made some impressive passes that showed he could run this team as their primary playmaker sooner rather than later while being able to guard the position as well as he picked up a steal and numerous deflections against Northland. Foster’s improvement over the next few seasons will be something to keep an eye on as Mifflin has a nice mix of youth and experience that competes hard.