PLAIN CITY, Ohio -- Bishop Watterson (13-8) is heating up at the right time.

Winners of six of their last seven games before heading into tonight’s contest with Jonathan Alder (16-6), the Eagles made a statement by taking down the Pioneers, the second seed in the upcoming Division II district tournament, 40-31.

Slowing the game down from the opening tip, the Eagles made Jonathan Alder uncomfortable early on. After a three-pointer from unsigned senior Zach Sawyer, Watterson found themselves ahead 5-0 with 5:37 left in the first.

Despite struggling from the field early and failing to score their first points until the 3:46 of the first, Alder used a quick 8-0 run to take control. After a tough take from sophomore Jackson Izzard was answered by a score from Watterson, they took an 8-7 lead into the second.

In a back-and-forth second, the key point for Alder came when junior Logan Stevens hit a three-pointer to increase their lead to 17-13 with 2:29 left. Being forced to play at an extremely slow pace, Alder took a 17-15 lead into the break.

Finding some much-needed perimeter shooting, Watterson opened up the second half with back-to-back three’s from junior Michael Bruzzese, helping them reclaim the lead.

However, Alder had a response. After two impressive post scores from junior Daniel Heinig, Jackie Santa-Emma buried a big triple to push their lead to 26-21 and cap off a 7-0 run.

Heading into the fourth trailing by three, Bishop Watterson put their experience on display in the final frame.

Knocking down a big three and then hitting a tough pull-up to start the fourth, Sawyer helped Watterson reclaim the lead at 28-26 with 6:34 left to play. Senior Stephen Garrett hit back-to-back jumpers on their next two possessions, capping off a 9-0 run to start the fourth.

Locking down Alder and crashing the defensive glass hard, the Eagles felt comfortable ahead 32-26 with 3:51 to go.

However, Alder junior Henry Walker came up with a huge steal while jumping out of bounds on the next play and Jake Koenig found Izzard open for three, cutting the deficit to 32-29 with 2:32 to go and giving the Pioneers the life they had been looking for all night.

Despite two free throws from Bruzzese to increase the Watterson lead to seven with just 1:38 to go, Izzard hit two of his own at the line and they turned the Eagles over on the next play, giving them plenty of hope while down just 36-31 with 52 seconds left to go.

Unfortunately for Alder, this is as close as they would get. Two free throws from Sawyer and a wide open lay-in for Bruzzese put the game on ice for Watterson, now winners of seven of their last eight.

Sawyer led the way for them with 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists, a block and a steal in a dominant all-around showing. One of the most improved guards in the senior class, Sawyer boasts a great natural feel for the game and excellent leadership on the court. He has the ability to score from all three levels and is a solid perimeter defender. Oh, and he’s unsigned.

Bruzzese also contributed 10 points and Garrett scored nine. Both guards were excellent sidekicks to Sawyer tonight and hit several big shots when they were needed most.

Senior forward Jimmy Patton did not score tonight, but dominated the paint by finishing with 11 rebounds and four blocks. He also held Walker scoreless for Alder, which is not an easy task given the amount of good looks he typically creates around the rim.

They now turn their sights to a favorable first round matchup at home against Lakewood in the Division II tournament.

For Alder, Izzard led the way with 13 points on a night where he was their only player in double-figures. Santa-Emma also contributed eight points for the Pioneers.

They will play host to Licking Valley in the first round of the tournament.