pictures courtesy www.thepantherzden.com
(3-11-20) The Parkway Panthers boys basketball team made more history last night in Bowling Green winning the D IV Regional semifinal game over Tiffin Calvert, the first ever in school history . They now will play undefeated Columbus Grove for a Regional title and a trip to Columbus and a chance to make more history.
The Panthers held on to beat Calvert 44-42 to advance to the Regional title game, Caleb Kinney led the Panthers with a double-double 14 points and 10 rebounds, Dylan Hughes and Caden Slusher added nine points a piece.
Nick Hawk added eight points, including 3 crucial FT’s in the last 30 seconds to seal the win.
After the game Panthers’ Coach Doug Hughes told the Times-Bulletin after the win–
“This a very resilient group that plays very well together, and for each other. I thought that we stayed composed, and made plays down the stretch when we needed to.”
“We’ll be very well-prepared (Friday). They have three really nice players and they’re going to be ready for us. It’ll be a lot of fun on Friday night.”
Columbus Grove’s Tayt Birnesser was again a key part of the Bulldogs win over undefeated Antwerp in the other Regional semifinal as he hit 8 of 8 free throws in the 2nd half. The Junior led the way with 17 points and scored his 1,000th career point in the win.
Northwest Conference Player of the Year Blake Reynolds (Jr) scored 12 points, his coach Chris Sautter told the Lima News after the game –
“He makes it easy for the other guys on the floor because he does handle the ball so much against the pressure. He finds open guys. He finds guys when they leak out and he makes me look smart.”
Both teams have played common opponents during the season. Parkway lost to NWC member Crestview 63-56, beat NWC member Lincolnview. Van Wert lost to both schools.
Last night was the last game for most fans to be able to attend during the remaining tournament season. The OHSAA, on a recommendation from the Governor, will only allow certain people, including family members (four tickets) and credentialed press members, to attend remaining games due to cornonavirus concerns and and that is why the action was taken by the OHSAA.
The decision has many upset with the conditions put in place on the remaining tournament games. The biggest loser in this situation is the OHSAA, financial fall-out will prove to be a long-term issue.
Since the governor only recommended it, the choice of closing the games is on the OHSAA. The only question for the administration…was the membership contacted about the situation and did they approve it or was is the Executive Director and Board who made the final call.
This will be long remembered in the history of the OHSAA.
The road to Columbus….
D IV Sweet 16 – Complete Bracket
Columbus Grove (26-0) #1 seed at Elida District
2/28 Ada (Ada, OH) 
59 – 35
3/3 Crestview 50 – 42
3/6 Kalida 58 – 49
3/10 Antwerp (Antwerp, OH) at BGSU Stroh Center 55 – 50
Parkway (19-7) (#2 seed) at Wapakoneta District
2/28 Upper Scioto Valley 63 – 39
3/3 Minster 48 – 43
3/6 Marion Local 41 – 31
3/10 Tiffin Calvert at BGSU Stroh Center 44-42
Regional Championship
Columbus Grove (26-0) vs. Parkway (19-7) at Bowling Green State University’s Stroh Center at 7 p.m.
Did you know…
Columbus Grove is a member of the Northwest Conference? Last year Crestview, also a NWC member, won the D IV state title.
Although Parkway has never been to a boys basketball state final four, in the 1950’s Willshire did it twice, shortly after those visits Willshire and Rockford merged to form the new school district. – Remembering The Willshire Bearcats Special Basketball Run
Stateline Sports Network 