In a turn of events that has local hoops fans on their feet, the Lakota West High School boys' basketball team clinched its first regional championship in program history this past Sunday. As reported by The Enquirer, the Firebirds triumphed over Fairfield with a 45-40 victory in the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division I, Region 4 championship game held at Xavier University's Cintas Center.
Despite previously falling to Fairfield twice this season by a mere total of 3 points, Lakota West's tenacity shone through, rallying against Fairfield, who briefly took the lead partway through the fourth quarter. These kids deserve it, encapsulates the sentiment felt after the emotional win, which propels Lakota West, now holding a 21-5 record, towards a semifinal face-off with Reynoldsburg, according to the same source.
In a statement obtained by WCPO, Lakota West coach Kelven Moss, who has been coaching for 20 years and is in his second season with the Firebirds, shared that winning the regional title was an "emotional moment" for him. Moss, a Middletown native with strong ties to the community, was profoundly moved by the victory, especially with his son, Isaiah Meade-Moss, playing a pivotal role in the game, scoring a team-high 13 points.
The win was not just a solo effort with high scoring from the coach's son. Other teammates like sophomore Bryce Curry and Josh Tyson contributed significantly, demonstrating that the Firebirds' success is the result of a concerted team effort. Curry put up 10 points and grabbed six rebounds, while Tyson, Canterbury told WCPO, "We just had to buy in. We had ups and downs but it's coming together at the perfect time," indicating the season's rocky path has led to a cohesive peak in performance.
As the Firebirds gear up for their state semifinal game on March 16 against Reynoldsburg, the mood is one of cautious optimism and determination. "You might as well try to go get it," Moss indicated the team's state title ambitions in his interview with WCPO. The semifinal game is set for noon at Wright State University's Nutter Center, where Lakota West will attempt to continue their historic run towards state victory. Meanwhile, Fairfield's season comes to a close with an 18-8 record, as noted by FOX19.
