GAHANNA, Ohio -- In one of the more intriguing games in Columbus on Friday night, Gahanna held off a late rally from Grove City to take down the Greyhounds 55-44 and move to 4-0 in OCC-Ohio play.
After Grove City executed a long opening possession that led to a pullup jumper from the short corner from senior Daniel Fetty to take a 2-0 lead, Gahanna quickly answered, using a floater from Luke Murry and a wing three from Maurice Charlton to gain an early lead that they never relinquished.
Putting the Lions ahead 13-9 after the first frame, Murry nailed a triple from the corner at the buzzer off a great inbounds play to extend the Gahanna lead.
After a pair of scores from Grove City junior Kraig Gilbert early in the second, Gahanna ended the half on fire, taking a 30-16 lead into the locker room at halftime and seemingly having all of the momentum.
However, Grove City did not waver, opening up the second half playing like a team who knew that they could still win this game.
Putting together an 8-1 run to open the second half, Grove City trimmed the Gahanna lead to 31-24 with 4:47 left in the third, a difference that held strong throughout the rest of the frame as the Lions led 37-30 heading into the fourth.
Despite Grove City continuing to fight in the fourth, Gahanna answered every punch, using big three pointers from Murry and KJ Reynald as well as an emphatic dunk from Brandon Ivery compiled with clutch free throw shooting to seal the deal in the win.
Falling to 1-3 in OCC-Ohio play following the loss, Grove City looks to bounce back next Tuesday when they travel to Hilliard Davidson. The Greyhounds have a talented core and the ability to make some noise throughout the rest of the season if they can put it all together.
Despite losing nearly every contributor from last year's regional runner-up squad, Gahanna is back in business this season, moving to 4-0 in OCC-Ohio play following the win.
After taking on Walnut Ridge at The Challenge at Pickerington North tomorrow, the Lions will host Reynoldsburg on Tuesday before traveling to Pickerington North next Friday in a battle for first place in the league.
Now, lets take a look at 5 Keys to Friday night's contest.
5 Keys