At the University of Dayton Arena on March 22, 2025, the Olentangy Orange boys basketball team achieved a historic victory by defeating Reynoldsburg, clinching their first-ever OHSAA state title with a score of 56-41. The win marked a significant moment for Orange, whose coach Anthony Calo was astounded by the poor shooting performance displayed in the early stages of the game. He reflected on the second quarter, stating, "I just kept looking at the field-goal percentage, and ours was like 1% but (Reynoldsburg’s) was 0.” With both teams struggling to find their rhythm early on, their combined shooting was exceptionally poor, missing a staggering 36 of 50 attempts in the first half alone.
Despite the dismal opening half, the second half unfolded drastically differently as the Pioneers erupted offensively, scoring 30 points in the third quarter—13 more than they scored in the entire first half. This burst helped them to extend their three-point halftime lead to 21, showcasing not only their shooting prowess but also their resilience. The game attracted an audience of 7,545 fans, all eager to see the culmination of a season filled with anticipation.
Leading the charge for Orange was senior guard Ellis Appiah, who not only rose to the occasion but also achieved a career-high of 20 points along with four rebounds. Junior guard Treyton Schroeder contributed significantly with 12 points from four 3-pointers, while junior guard Levi Davis added 10 points. Despite facing tight defense from Reynoldsburg and being held to merely six points, Olentangy’s Mr. Basketball finalist Devin Brown proved instrumental, providing six assists and six rebounds—focused on facilitating scoring opportunities for his teammates.
In a stunning turnaround, Appiah opened the second half with a vital 3-pointer, igniting the Pioneers’ momentum. Shortly after, Schroeder followed suit with another three, and Brown executed a running layup, which collectively paved the way for a significant offensive surge, putting the Pioneers ahead 31-20 just three minutes into the third quarter.
The Pioneers showcased their domination on fast-break opportunities, outpacing Reynoldsburg with a staggering 25-4 advantage in fast-break points. Coach Calo remarked on the overall performance, praising his team’s strong defensive play: “They are solid; they keep everything in front of them,” Reynoldsburg’s coach Andrew Moore admitted while evaluating his opponent. “They force you to take and make jump shots, and tonight they were not falling for us.” Reynoldsburg came into the match averaging 75.6 points per game, yet they struggled tremendously with only 14 points at halftime. It was a game characterized by defensive prowess rather than offensive brilliance, as neither team was able to capitalize on scoring opportunities in the first half.
Despite their impressive record of 26-2 through the season, often noting their dramatic comebacks, Reynoldsburg could never find the rhythm necessary to pull off a significant comeback against Orange. Jordan Fisher stood out for Reynoldsburg, leading the team with 20 points, while junior guard Xavier McKinney added 11 points and five rebounds, yet it wasn’t enough to overcome the relentless defensive strategy employed by Olentangy.
Coach Calo reflected on the season’s journey, pointing to a remarkable 76-8 record since the onset of the 2022-23 season as a testament to their growing performance and success. “We’ve absolutely been trending this way,” he commented, expressing pride in the long-awaited achievement for his team. This historic victory, not just a win but a culmination of hard work and dedication, sent waves of excitement through the Olentangy community, firmly establishing them as a formidable force in Ohio high school basketball.
As the final buzzer sounded, the celebration began in earnest for the Olentangy Orange Pioneers, whose journey from mere contenders to champions exemplified the spirit of resilience, teamwork, and determination. The finale of the Division I state final will undoubtedly be remembered as a landmark moment, not just for the players but for the entire school, which now proudly boasts its first state championship trophy.
