DAYTON, Ohio — The Princeton High School boys basketball team is a state champion for the first time in program history.
"It means everything," Princeton sophomore Kam Mercer. "We made history."
The Vikings defeated Hilliard Bradley 59-28 Sunday afternoon in the Division I state final at University of Dayton Arena. It is the first boys basketball state championship since Princeton High School opened in September 1958.
Princeton coach Bryan Wyant said he's been praying for a moment to win a state championship for 25 years.
"I can't even explain it," Wyant said. "And I'm so blessed to coach these players because I was a little unraveled in the first half. Even though defensively we were playing well, the players were like, 'Coach we got it. Just calm down. Player-led team. Just so thankful. God has been so good to our program, been so good to me. Man, I can't believe it - state champs."
Princeton limited Hilliard Bradley from a defensive standpoint on Sunday afternoon in the weekend's final state championship game in Dayton. Hilliard Bradley shot just 29% for the game. Princeton shot 57% from the field.
Princeton led 16-5 at the end of the first quarter and 23-7 at halftime. Princeton outscored Hilliard Bradley 16-11 in the third quarter and 20-10 in the fourth.
Princeton junior Amire Gill - named the state final's MVP - scored 24 points and had seven rebounds. Senior Rognny Santiago Lugo scored 12 points.
Princeton (24-3) made its third state final appearance in program history on Sunday.
Princeton was the Division I state runner-up in 2009 and the Class AAA (large school) state runner-up in 1972.
Wyant watched the 2009 game on Saturday and he was inspired to bring home the school's first boys basketball title. He's eager to add a boys basketball state championship banner to the Princeton gymnasium very soon.
"I'm just blessed to be in this position," Wyant said.
Princeton entered Sunday ranked No. 2 in the MaxPreps Ohio boys basketball rankings while Hilliard Bradley was tied for No. 4.
Princeton won 10 consecutive games to conclude the season. The Vikings had several highlights throughout the season, including a regional championship and a highly-anticipated regular-season matchup against Lakota West at Xavier University's Cintas Center. Wyant said that game helped give the Vikings earn valuable experience for the state Final Four this weekend in front of large crowds.
Princeton defeated Lakewood St. Edward 77-51 in a state semifinal Saturday night at Wright State University’s Nutter Center.
Princeton is one of three Greater Cincinnati boys basketball teams in the Ohio High School Athletic Association boys basketball state tournament this week. The Division I state final concluded the 104th annual Ohio High School Athletic Association boys basketball state tournament.
Wyoming won the Division IV state championship Friday afternoon in Dayton. It was Wyoming's first state title in 97 years of the boys basketball program.
Summit Country Day played in a Division V state semifinal Friday afternoon in Dayton. The Silver Knights completed their season as a state semifinalist.
