After a huge buzzer beater win the previous weekend vs # 1 seeded Elder, the Spartans advanced to a District Final vs GWOC foe Huber Heights Wayne. The game was played at 5/3 arena on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. Turpin raced out to a 14-10 lead at the end of the 1st quarter and trailed the Warriors by 2 at halftime 23-21. However, the Spartans were outscored 30-15 in the 2nd half and ultimately lost 53-36.
Jarin Terhorst scored the Spartans first 4 points with an offensive rebound stickback and a nice baby hook to lead 4-2. Brady Hardewig hit a nice two dribble pull up to extend the lead to 6-2. Colin McHale and Deven Marathe hit back to back 3 point shots off two nice assists from Terhorst as the Spartans led 12-6. After two free throws from McHale, Turpin led 14-10 at the end of 1.
Jarin Terhorst opened the Turpin scoring in the 2nd quarter with a drive to the hoop which ended a 7-0 Wayne run. Hardewig scored 3 straight points with a free throw and another pull up jumper to tie the game at 19 with 2:45 left until halftime. Marathe had a nice assist to Terhorst for 2 after a nice screen and roll play as the Spartans trailed 23-21 at the intermission.
Hardewig opened up the 3rd quarter with a wing 3 off an assist from McHale to take the lead back 24-23. McHale then made 2 free throws to once again grab the lead 26-25. Hardewig then hit another pull up jumper to tie the game at 28 midway through the 3rd quarter. Unfortunately for Turpin that was the last basket for a long, long time. The offense went stagnant which led to a lot of tough shots that missed as the Warriors defense had a lot to do with that. Turpin trailed 35-29 entering the final quarter.
Turpin could only muster up 2 free throws by Hardewig in the first 6 ½ minutes of the 4th quarter. Alex Meyer came into the game in the last few minutes and provided some instant offense with a drive to the basket and a wing 3 for a quick 5 points! However it was not nearly enough as Turpin ultimately lost 53-36.
Tupin was led in scoring by Brady Hardewig with 12 points. Senior Jarin Terhorst scored 9 points. Senior Colin McHale added 7 points. Alex Meyer scored those 5 quick points while senior Deven Marathe chipped in 3 points.
Turpin finishes the season with a 20-5 record which is the 2nd time in school history with 20 plus wins. The Spartans also advanced to the schools first Division 1 District Finals in school history. The seniors will once again be missed as Turpin loses 4 senior starters and reserve Joey Schulok. The underclassmen will need to step up their game and have a big off season to continue the Spartans hardcourt success!!