The loss ends the Elks' 45-game win streak, the third-longest in the nation, as Centerville's last defeat was Jan. 30, 2021 to St. Vincent-St. Mary (Akron).
The Tigers took advantage of a sluggish first half from Centerville as the Elks shot 6 of 20 (30 percent) from the field and 2 of 10 from 3-point range. Pickerington Central, meanwhile shot 50 percent from the field (10 of 20) over the first 16 minutes of action.
Up 21-17 at intermission, it appeared Pickerington Central was in control midway through the third quarter following a 12-5 run to start the second half. The Tigers led 33-22 with 4:02 remaining in the third.
Centerville quickly flipped the script, however, responding with a 12-3 run, sparked by seven points from senior
Kyle Kenney, to enter the final period down 36-34.
The fourth quarter saw both teams trade baskets until late. Junior
Devin Royal, who finished with a game-high 20 points, got the scoring started in the final frame with a dunk to put Pickerington Central up 38-34 before
Rich Rolf responded with a layup on the other end to cut the deficit back to two.
After another Royal basket put the Tigers back up four before a 3-pointer from Indiana pledge
Gabe Cupps cut the lead to 42-41 with four minutes remaining.
It again appeared the Elks were on the ropes after Pickerington Central took a 48-43 lead following a 6-2 run with 1:40 remaining, but a 3-pointer from Florida State signee
Tom House gave the undefeated group life.
Despite Centerville's hard-fought comeback effort, Pickerington Central closed the game on a 7-2 run to pull away with the five-point victory.
Pickerington Central (25-2) captures its first Division I state championship since 2012 and pulls off one of the biggest upsets of the high school basketball season in the process.
The Tigers played a much more efficient game, shooting 60 percent (21 of 35) from the field and hotting on 3 of 8 from 3-point range. The Pickerington Central defense held the Elks to 19 of 48 (40 percent) from the field and 6 of 23 from 3-point range.
Centerville (29-1) will see its MaxPreps Top 25 standing take a hit after ascending to No. 4 in the latest rankings.
Pickerington Central celebrates its first OHSAA Division I state title since 2012.
Photo by Scott Iles
Sonny Styles (24) and Pickerington Central pull off one of the biggest upsets of the season beating Centerville 53-48 on Sunday.
Photo by Scott Iles
Gabe Cupps (0) sets up the play for No. 4 Centerville in the OHSAA Division I state title game.
Photo by Scott Iles
