As if by script, Cam Elwer (above, in white) and his relatives, along with some enviable depth of roster, erupted during the middle sixteen minutes of the Division VII regional final to send a competitive Botkins home, 62-39.
Russia coach Mike Bashore couldn't contain his concern (above) as the Raiders shot just 15.2% from the field in the Division VII championship final against Strasburg. Russia finished as the runner-up, 38-17. Read more....
They fought nerves and stretches of scant offense to do it, but Russia (Aryanna Cordonnnier, above) relied again on its defense and advanced to title day with a Division VII semi-final win over Seneca East.
At 23-3 the Botkins Trojans have been overlooked as a Division VII team that might have the goods to take down #1-ranked Delphos St. John. And after braking Lehman Catholic's ride in the regional semi-final, they're going to get that chance.
Lehman Catholic and Botkins won Division VII District championships, and will face each other in the regional semifinals. Lehman's high-octane offense will come face-to-face with Botkins' stout defense.
