MIDDLETOWN – The Tri-Village boys basketball team won their 6th straight district championship. They defeated Oyler 78-42 and now advance to play Troy Christian in the OHSAA DVI regional semifinal game at Vandalia Butler on Tuesday with game time TBA.
Tri-Village won the game handily with a running clock by the end of the 3rd quarter and led 66-28 heading into the final frame.
And although the game wasn’t close the via the scoreboard there was the game within the game taking place on the floor both physically and mentally with a total of 5 technical fouls assessed.
The Madhatter’s started the game in a box and one face guarding Trey Sagester with the intent of frustrating and slowing him down by whatever means they could.
The Patriots showed poise against the pressure applied, while Sagester worked to shake off his defender constantly holding, shoving and restricting his freedom of movement to the point Trey was assessed a double foul fighting through it.
Despite their best effort he would score 10 points in the first quarter and 18 by the end of the first half. Griffin Richards would pitch in with 10 points in the 2nd quarter as the duo combined for 28 in the first half.
Defensively the PATS stymied Oyler holding them to 13 first half points and led 36-13 at the break.
Coach Josh Sagester was pleased with how his team played early, especially on defense.
We played really well, especially defensively early, and we rebounded really well,” Sagester stated.
Oyler started the second half with relentless pressure all over the court, but Tri-Village handled it well.
And although the Madhatter’s scored 15 points in the 3rd quarter, Tri-Village doubled them up with 30 for a 66-28 lead heading into the final frame.
The third quarter yielded four technicals, three on Oyler, as frustrations boiled over, and one on Tri-Village. Trey Sagester made all six free throws on the three technicals and added 12 more points to his tally, and he would end the game with 32, leading all scorers.
Dom Black, in foul trouble in the first half, scored 10 of his 12 points in the game in the quarter. Griffin Richards had two more lay-ups and ended with 14 points. Levi Johnsman stepped up in the 3rd when Dom took a seat to score four points.
With the starters taking a seat in the 4th quarter Carson Bedinghaus shined with six points, Brecken Gray and Colton Clevenger had lay-ups as well with the Patriots claiming the District Championship game 78-42.
Sagester gave accolades to a few players handling the pressure applied by Oyler.
“Obviously, I thought Griff was outstanding with the ball for us today, and I knew he would play well against their pressure, he’s seen it and played against it, that’s why we played the schedule we played in the summer. He’s extremely athletic with the ball. I don’t even know, he might have had one turnover all day, he was unbelievable with the ball for us,” Sagester praised.
“I also thought our second ball handler today, Noah Finkbine, was great with the ball. He’s big, he’s strong, he’s athletic, he’s a 6’3” “Swiss Army Knife” who can pass, post and score,” Sagester complimented.
“Those two guys were great with the ball for us,” Sagester added.
“Although Dom didn’t play a ton. He had a foul or two, but when he was in, he was pretty good in the paint offensively. We knew it was a matchup we wanted to win,” Sagester acknowledged.
“I thought Trey was really efficient for us, and did what he usually does, he scores the ball in multiple ways. Then I thought our bench did a great job of giving us minutes when they were in the game,” Sagester shared.
After the medal ceremony, the cutting of the net, and pictures … coach Sagester took a couple more minutes to reflect on the program winning it’s 6th straight district title and his 25-0 Patriots squad.
“It’s pretty special (District Championship), I think it speaks volumes about our program and kids in our community, about what they do and how much time and work they put in. It’s not easy to get these district championships. And, you know, our kids have worked really, really hard to be 25-0,” Sagester explained.
He was pleased with how his team handled the adversity in the game, and attributes that to them being seasoned.
“I think that’s maturity and experience, we’ve been in these moments, we understand things are going to happen. We understand there’s going to be some adversity, where they were trying to do some things to obviously throw us for a loop. And our kids did a really, really good job, staying composed, being strong with the ball. Obviously, making free throws converting off those technicals. We’re an old team, experienced, and we’ve played in big games,” Sagester said.
With another district trophy in hand and their perfect record still intact, Tri-Village now turns its attention to the regional stage. The Patriots will face 20-5 Troy Christian who will arrive with plenty of motivation after the Patriots handed them a defeat back on January 10th, 60-43. The Eagles had their own convincing win over Deer Park 60-45 to reach the regional semifinal game and none of the previous 25 Patriot victories will mean much when the ball goes up in Vandalia.
Still, if Saturday’s performance was any indication, Tri-Village’s mix of discipline, depth, and big-game experience travels well. They have been here before, expect to be here, and understand exactly what’s at stake. One game at a time, one challenge at a time — and a win will get them one step closer to a return trip to state.
