Cornerstone Christian vs. Maria Stein Marion Local boys basketball: State final capsule

Cornerstone Christian’s Michael Bothwell drives again Berlin Hiland’s Scott Troyer on March 22 in Columbus. Bothwell scored a game-high 22 points in the Patriots’ victory.
Cornerstone Christian’s Michael Bothwell drives again Berlin Hiland’s Scott Troyer on March 22 in Columbus. Bothwell scored a game-high 22 points in the Patriots’ victory. Patrick Hopkins - The News-Herald

(1) Cornerstone Christian VS. (1) Maria Stein Marion Local

What: Division IV state final

When: March 24, 10:45 a.m.

Where: Jerome Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Drive, Columbus

Records: Cornerstone Christian 21-7, Marion Local 24-4

For the record: Cornerstone Christian plays for its second state championship in three seasons on March 24. The Patriots advanced with a 51-41 win over Berlin Hiland March 22. Cornerstone meets Maria Stein Marion Local. Marion Local is led by 6-foot-2 senior forward Tyler Mescher who averaged a team-best 16.4 points per game during the regular season. A third team All-Ohio selection, Mescher’s wide, solid frame pairs with skills around the basket. Mescher led the Flyers with 17 points and six rebounds in their 56-54 state semifinal victory over Pandora-Gilboa. Nathan Bruns and the sharpshooting Tyler Prenger flank Mescher. Marion Local pursues a state basketball title after the Flyers were state football champions in the fall. Only three other schools, including Benedictine, have accomplished the feat. Alongside Mescher’s ability to score inside, the Flyers’ offense creates plenty of looks in the paint with sets that free cutters for open looks. Cornerstone’s defense must remain disciplined and the Patriots need to find a way to slow Mescher. Berlin Hiland handled the Cornerstone pressure well and the Patriots will look to force Marion Local at an uncomfortable pace. During Marion Local’s state semifinal win against Pandora-Gilboa, each team’s defense remained in the halfcourt.

Barnes’ pick: Cornerstone Christian

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