DAYTON — Kirtland’s postseason run came to an end Friday night as Berlin Hiland pulled away for a 65-43 win in the Division VI state semifinal at Wright State University.
The Hornets battled early but couldn’t sustain offense, enduring multiple scoring droughts as Hiland seized control late in the first half and never let go.
“We did a good job early matching their physicality,” said Kirtland head coach Shawn McGregor. “But we gave up second-chance points, got into some foul trouble, and our depth got challenged. They went on that run before halftime, and that really hurt us. We fought back to get it to 10, but we were worn down. Credit to Berlin — they defended well, took away our inside looks, and hit big threes all night. They were just better tonight.”
Kirtland struck first on a Ben DiFranco finish and later saw DiFranco set up Jake LaVerde as the Hornets trailed 15-9 after one quarter.
The momentum briefly flipped in the second.
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A Sammy Ridgeway reverse layup sparked a run, followed by back-to-back buckets from Lucas Renfro, including a go-ahead three-pointer that gave Kirtland a 16-15 lead.
But that surge would be short-lived.
Hiland responded with a decisive 13-0 run to close the half, creating separation that Kirtland couldn’t overcome.
Ridgeway led the Hornets with 10 points, while DiFranco added six. Danny Shafer contributed five points and six rebounds, and Nick Nead and Renfro each finished with five.
The loss ends a remarkable run for Kirtland, which finished 24-4, captured a share of the CVC title, and added a district championship and regional crown.
It also marked the program’s second straight trip to the Division VI state semifinal and third overall.
“I just told the guys how much I love them,” McGregor said. “All the credit goes to them for the work they put in and the way they competed all year. My son was in the locker room crying because he idolizes these guys. The impact they have on people — even when they don’t realize it — says everything about who they are. I’m incredibly proud of them, not just for what they did on the court, but for who they are.”
Renfro, one of the team’s senior leaders, reflected on his journey after returning to the program two seasons ago.
“I just want to say thank you to everybody,” Renfro said. “I poured my heart into this and gave it everything I had. It’s not the result we wanted, but I’m proud of these two years and proud of my teammates.”
