WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- Just win, baby. It doesn't matter if it's pretty or  if it's ugly, and Monday's win was ugly, Gahanna Lincoln continues to find ways to win. The Lions (17-2, 8-0) used a 14-3 game-ending run and overcame a fourth quarter deficit to rally past recent rival Westerville Central (6-12, 2-6) on Monday, 46-39.

The Warhawks, who broke Gahanna's heart last year with Tasos Cook's unbelievable game winner (watch this video if you've never seen it, please!), looked poised to upend the Lions once again. In a game that was rescheduled from last Friday due to the massive snow storm that hit Central Ohio, Westerville Central looked like a team taking advantage of a sleepy Gahanna team that may have come in overconfident.

Westerville Central led after every single quarter except for the one that mattered the most. Junior wing Donovan Hunter powered the Warhawk offense, scoring 14 points through three quarters and hitting the shots necessary to overcome Gahanna.

You can never count out Sean Jones & Co. however. After Hunter drilled a corner three to begin the fourth quarter and extend the Central lead to 36-32 with 7:14 remaining, the Warhawks did not score another field goal again.

Jones instantly dished off assists on back to back possessions, feeding his bigs and tying the game at 36.

Nick Patton hit two free throws on the other end to give the Warhawks a 38-36 lead, however, this was when the wheels fell off. Scoring just one point in the final 6:17, turnovers came back to be fatal for Central, as a stretch of three-straight turnovers ended with an Eljae Deas steal and dunk which gave Gahanna its first lead of the second half at 40-38.

Central inched closer with a Devin Martin free throw, however, Gahanna ended the game on a 6-0 run, taking advantage of the Warhawks' untimely shooting at the free throw line and the playmaking ability of Jones to cruise to a 7-point win.

Jones led the way for Gahanna with 15 points on 6-of-15 shooting. The Marquette signee added three rebounds and four assists, showing off his unique playmaking ability all game long. Jones was especially difficult to contain in transition, as his speed, quickness in space and leaping ability are unmatched at the point guard spot in the area.

Toledo signee Javan Simmons added nine points and eight rebounds for Gahanna, proving to be a bully once again on the interior where he pulled down a handful of offensive rebounds.

Deas pitched in six points, while senior guard Cam Johnson added seven points and a few key defensive plays in the fourth quarter. Simmons' mate in the front court, senior Josh Whiteside, added six points with two big dunks.

It wasn't the prettiest game all season, but Gahanna still found a way to get the job done. Jones and his teammates turned up the pressure when they needed to and closed the game down the stretch.

Gahanna returns to the floor on Friday to host Grove City in OCC-Ohio action. A win would secure at least a share of the league title for the third-straight year, as the Lions will likely play for an outright title at Pickerington North on Feb. 18.

For Central, Hunter was the go-to guy on the offensive end, finishing with 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting to go along with seven rebounds. The 6-foot-8 wing has one of the prettiest jumpers for a player his size that we've seen, as he was very effective from the mid-range and three point line in stretches on Monday.

Patton had a very efficient game, finishing with 10 points on only three shots. The sophomore backcourt for the Warhawks struggled against Gahanna's aggressive senior guards, as Dallas Tucker and Martin combined for nine points in the game.

Junior forward Jacob Harris was effective off the bench, grabbing down five rebounds and finishing with two points. 

Central returns to the floor on Tuesday to host Jonathan Alder in a game that replaces a matchup against Thomas Worthington, who the Warhawks will instead face on the road in the sectional semifinals on Feb. 22.

Sean Jones (5'10 PG / Gahanna Lincoln / 2022): Gahanna won by committee in the fourth quarter, however, Jones really stood out on both ends of the floor. The senior has the most unique blend of speed, quickness, explosiveness, playmaking and IQ that we've ever seen at the point guard spot. There is not another player that we've covered who is like Jones, as he just moves in a way that is very unique. Shot creation ability is no problem for Jones, however, what's most impressive about his game is his unselfishness, smarts and feel to make the right play nearly every single time. While he is the most talented player on the floor every time out, Jones does not play for self, as he gets his guys involved and helps this team consistently grind out wins. The true test of a leader is the success that he generates for the ones around him. Since taking over this program and becoming 'the guy' in his sophomore year, Jones has led Gahanna to a 63-7 record and is an impressive 26-2 in OCC-Ohio play. Unlike many other all-time great point guards in the area, Jones has not been surrounded by other high-major prospects, which makes his high school career that much more impressive. Jones will add a great boost to a Marquette program going through a revitalization under first year head coach Shaka Smart. When this guy joins a team where he doesn't have to be the top scoring option, watch out. It will be special. 

Donovan Hunter (6'8 SF / Westerville Central / 2023): Hunter was put in a ton of work to improve his skill set and the results are showing. The junior was the best jump shot creator in the game on Monday, knocking down three triples and hitting a few mid-range jumpers to lead all scorers with 17 points. The 6-foot-8 junior moves very well for his size, has a capable handle and a pull up jumper that is really tough to defend due to his length. Hunter scored on a smooth driving layup where he showed good touch off the glass, while adding seven rebounds to lead the Warhawks. With his size, mobility and shooting ability, Hunter has a bright future on the hardwood as it is extremely hard to find big players with natural ability on the perimeter. 

Nick Patton (6'2 SG / Westerville Central / 2024): Patton had one of the most efficient double-digit scoring games that we've seen all year. Minus his final trip to the free throw line, Patton produced offense every time he attempted a shot on Monday, knocking down two threes and a mid-range jumper, in addition to 2-of-3 shots at the line. Patton has good size on the perimeter and great shooting mechanics, which is no surprise considering his father is an NBA shooting coach. We liked Patton's shot selection on Monday and would love to see him continue to get more opportunities on the offensive end.