03/03/2026
THESE LIONS DON’T QUIT ‼️
Your ECA Lions hang tough and take down the Twin Valley South Panthers, 73–50, in the Division VI District semifinal tonight at Troy High School.
Emmanuel came out of the gates explosive, but some early offense and staunch defense from the Panthers held the Lions to just 12 points while taking a 19–12 lead after the opening frame.
The Lions had to regroup quickly to keep their winning streak and season alive, and they did just that. Emmanuel opened the second quarter with a big 12-0 run, led by Nate Hudson, who finished with a game-high 23 points, and Jayden Thomas, who scored a career-high 17 in the Lions victory. ECA climbed back in front and secured a 10-point lead going into the break.
To begin the second half, the Lions kept their foot on the gas and, in typical fashion, forced the opposition into a number of turnovers that resulted in easy baskets at the other end. The guard trio of Darryus Myers, Bryson Shirk, and Josh Witherow combined for 13 takeaways in the contest.
Emmanuel extended its lead to 14 points, 49–35, going into the final period. It was more of the same as the Lions continued to attack in transition while the Panthers upped the pressure in an attempt to mount one more comeback. Twin Valley South cut a 20-point deficit down to 13 with just under four minutes left, but the composure of the Lions shone through as they were able to put the Panthers away for good, extending the lead back out to 20 at the free throw line.
The victory sets up a District Final matchup with the winner of Fort Recovery and Northeastern this Friday night at Fairborn High School. Game time is to be determined.
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