DUBLIN, Ohio -- Never trailing at any point in Friday's revenge match against Thomas Worthington, Dublin Jerome executed with fluid ball movement and physical defense to take down the Cardinals, 65-47.

In a statement win for the Celtics, Jerome started hot and finished strong, outscoring Thomas Worthington 33-15 in the first and fourth quarters.

In a game that went scoreless for the first three minutes, Jerome struck first, as a three from senior forward Matthew Montgomery started an 11-3 run that spanned two minutes and nine seconds. Establishing control and creating good looks against the Thomas zone, Jerome got everyone involved offensively.

Leading 16-7 after a quarter of play, Jerome played an efficient opening period, as Montgomery and junior guard Dan Lee knocked down four three-point field goals to spark the Celtics offense.

While Thomas managed to climb back in the second quarter behind sophomore guard Jalen Sullinger and senior center Ben Wight, Jerome did not panic. Despite the Cardinals closing the gap to 27-24 with 3:41 to go in the half, Jerome ended on a mini 6-3 run to hold a 33-27 halftime lead. 

In the second half, Thomas looked poised to make a strong run at the Celtics, as a spinning finish from sophomore wing Isaac Settles trimmed the lead to 43-36 with 3:39 remaining in the third.

Taking the Cardinals' biggest punch once again, Jerome relaxed and executed to end the period. The Celtics finished on a 5-3 run, as Jerome got a big three from junior Derek Sanders to extend its lead to 48-38 with 1:31 remaining in the period.

Forcing the 6-foot-9 Wight to defend ball screens in the middle of the floor, Sanders' key triple came out of that action, as the Ohio U signee was late to close out on the junior.

That was a theme throughout, as Jerome turned its size disadvantage into a positive by making Wight defend its cast of wing shooters on the perimeter. That ended up paying dividends, as Jerome knocked down nine threes in the game.

Leading 48-39 after three quarters, Jerome did not let off the gas in the final frame. Going back to its pick and pop action, Jerome's patience on offense paid off, as the Celtics got plenty of high-percentage looks in the fourth quarter.

After three consecutive straight line drive finishes created off ball screen action that confused Thomas, Jerome and its junior guard Lee put the final nail in the coffin with a big three-point shot that put Jerome up 60-45 with two minutes to go. 

Ending the game in style, Jerome exacted revenge on a Cardinals team that took them down in overtime in the first matchup in December. 

With nine of its 10 core rotation players scoring on Friday, Jerome played a near flawless game. The Celtics got plenty of good looks due to its great offensive action, which is predicated on off ball screening and reversals. Finishing with 16 team assists, Jerome maximized every player on its roster to pull out a gritty win where the Celtics were the tougher team.

Undefeated in games where the Celtics hit at least seven triples, Jerome executed its game plan to perfection against a long and athletic Thomas team that struggled to contain them. Knocking down nine threes, Jerome continued a breakout season where the Celtics have already doubled its three-point production from a year ago.

Montgomery led all Celtic scorers with 18 points, as he got the game going with back-to-back threes and finished with a couple strong finishes underneath. Also in double figures were Lee with 11 points on three triples and seniors Trey Ballengee and Joe Gatien with 10 points each.

The all-state wide receiver Ballengee's top play came with four minutes remaining when he skied above the rim for an offensive rebound which he put back to extend the Jerome lead to 55-43.

Gatien was stellar defensively, as his on-ball defense and quick hands led to several tough shots and turnovers for Thomas. 

While only finishing with three points, senior Joey Pickering was outstanding in his matchup with Wight. Despite giving seven inches to the Ohio U commit, Pickering won the rebounding battle, as he pulled down eight boards and gave Jerome 32 great minutes. Pickering won several 50-50 balls, provided great helpside defense and gave the Celtics a calming effect on the defensive end. 

For Thomas, Sullinger had a strong showing, finishing with a game-high 21 points. Knocking down a pair of threes and putting great pressure on the Jerome defense with his tight handling, Sullinger was the Cardinals' only consistent offensive threat on Friday.

Wight added 16 points and seven rebounds, but was limited in the second half with five points and two boards. The senior seemed bothered with a foot injury that caused him to hobble around for most of the second half. 

Outside of Sullinger and Wight, no other Thomas player scored more than five points, as Jerome did an excellent job of containing the 6-foot-5 Settles, who did not score after the 3:39 mark in the third quarter. 

Knocking down just four threes, Thomas struggled to find good offensive looks that didn't involve Sullinger or Wight. Starting a small ball lineup that has led to great success this season, Jerome did a great job of containing Wight in its zone defense.

Improving to 10-4 on the year, Jerome is alone at second place in the OCC-Cardinal with an 8-2 league record. One game ahead of Delaware Hayes, the Celtics have been the only team in the division to play within double digits of Hilliard Bradley. Improving by the game and playing with great chemistry and confidence, the Celtics are a team to keep an eye on as they are only getting better.

Jerome will look to keep winning as the Celtics host Olentangy Liberty in non-league action on Tuesday, which will be a great barometer for how strong the Celtics could be in the tournament. 

For Thomas, the Cardinals will look to bounce back quickly, as they will take on Northland on Saturday at noon in the Scholastic Play by Play Classic. 

Dan Lee (6'1 CG / Dublin Jerome / 2020): A breakout junior in the OCC, Lee was excellent on Friday as he finished with 11 key points and a game-high five assists. The junior Lee is the straw that stirs the drink for the Celtics, as he gives them great confidence when he's on the floor. A strong ball handler that plays with great pace, Lee was not phased in Friday's matchup with Sullinger, as he defended generally well for most of the game. Lee is a knockdown outside shooter that has really helped the Celtics turn the corner this year, as he can create off the dribble but is equally as dangerous off the ball. On a team that doesn't have many non-seniors, Lee is the difference maker for a Celtics program that has produced plenty of playmakers over the years. Lee has a chance to develop into one of the very best guards in the OCC over the next year. 

Jalen Sullinger (5'9 PG /  Thomas Worthington / 2021): As we've covered Sullinger extensively this season, we were impressed with him once again on Friday. Finishing with a game-high 21 points, Sullinger did it all offensively, scoring on all three levels and showing the speed and wiggle to get by Jerome's perimeter defenders to the rim. The sophomore possesses arguably the best pull-up game that any player in the area has to offer, as he has the finite ability to decelerate and stop on a dime to pull up with great balance. Sullinger's feel is advanced and despite lacking quality size, the sophomore is great at creating separation and using every inch of his body to be effective. 

Matthew Montgomery (6'4 WF / Dublin Jerome / 2019): Coming into Friday's game averaging just under 10 points per game, Montgomery continued his current hot streak with a team-high 18 points. Helping the Celtics establish control early with back-to-back threes, Montgomery gave Jerome 10 points after halftime on several quality looks at the rim. The 6-foot-4 senior is a smart player who can score in a variety of ways, as his improved three-point shooting gives the Celtics another reliable weapon that plays well within the offense. 

Ben Wight (6'9 C / Thomas Worthington / 2019): The Ohio University signee had a major size advantage on Friday and put it to use at multiple stages in the game. Finishing with 16 points and seven rebounds, Wight was a force around the basket, as his night was highlighted with a powerful alley oop in the first half. As Jerome was intent on making Wight defend away from the basket, it seemed to slow him down in the second half, as the senior had just five points after halftime. Regardless, we were encouraged with Wight's toughness and physicality on Friday, as he continues to get closer to matching his upside with production. 

Joe Gatien (6'1 WG / Dublin Jerome / 2019): While Gatien was the Celtics' primary ball handler a season ago, he has shifted beautifully to more of an off ball role this year which has helped his defensive efforts. Expending less energy on the offensive end, Gatien has evolved into the Celtics' best perimeter defender, as he was absolutely outstanding on Friday. Having active hands and contesting every single shot near him, Gatien was a stellar point of attack defender for the Celtics. A quality transition ball handler that has enough speed to beat opposing defenses down the floor, Gatien provided 10 points on two triples and two fast break finishes at the rim. 

Trey Ballengee (6'4 WF / Dublin Jerome / 2019): An all-state selection at wide receiver, Ballengee is also a stellar basketball player as he came into Friday as the team's leading scorer. Adding 10 points, three rebounds and two assists, Ballengee played a great two-way game, as he made up for a few missed looks from close range in the first half with great hustle in the second half. The senior is a stellar athlete that has a quick first step and great spring in his legs. Ballengee is a tough player that can defend multiple positions, which makes Jerome really versatile on both ends of the floor. Showing up against top competition all season long, Ballengee is a versatile player that would be a great look for NAIA and Division III programs. 

Joey Pickering (6'2 WG / Dublin Jerome / 2019): While his box score won't blow you away, Pickering deserves a mention here for his toughness alone. The veteran on this Jerome squad, Pickering has been around since very early in his career and that senior leadership paid off on Friday. Dialed in all game long, Pickering was a man on the boards, finishing with a game-high eight rebounds despite matching up with the much taller Wight. Pickering was great in help defense, as his active hands, hustle and IQ to be in the right spots helped Jerome shut down the Thomas offensive attack. Pickering is the type of glue guy senior that will never be your top scorer, but will do the dirty work to make you successful.