PARMA HEIGHTS—Kirtland’s Lucas Renfro and Vince Carriero combined for 48 points in leading the Hornets to their first district title since 1999.
The Hornets started fast and never let up in defeating Lake Center Christian 60-48 in a Division VI district championship game at Valley Forge.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” said Kirtland head coach Shawn McGregor. “At the beginning of the year, we talked about our goals, and this was one of them. We thought we had the capabilities to play at this level and we were hopeful to get to a regional. The kids took it to heart and had a great last two weeks of the year, and the tournament run has been very special. This group of kids work extremely hard, and every day in practice is competitive. It’s a great honor to be involved with these kids and share in their accomplishments.”
Renfro set the tone early for Kirtland with an and-one to open the first frame, and then he went on to score seven more points for a 17-12 lead after one.
Renfro continued his hot shooting with 11 more points in the second frame while Vince Carriero added in six for a 13-point halftime edge.
The hot start was just what Kirtland needed to capture the win.
“It’s very important to get out to a good start, especially in tournament basketball,” McGregor said. “Early in the year we dug ourselves in some holes, and it put us in a position where we have to scrap back into games. A focal point for us is getting a good start, getting a lead, and holding it.”
Carriero opened the second half with a corner 3-pointer then Danny Alfieri and Carriero both scored transition layups for a 45-27 lead after three. Another Carriero three pushed the lead to 48-27 before Lake Center used an 8-2 run to cut its deficit to 50-35.
Kirtland didn’t waver when the going got tough as Carriero capped off the win with eight fourth-quarter points.
Carriero posted a game-high 26 points and Renfro dropped 22.
“They’ve done a great job lately of feeding off of each other,” McGregor said of the duo. “Other guys have gained confidence off of them. Lucas came out and set the tone early, he made things easier for us. Vince, I mean what can I say about him, he’s amazing. All year long he’s been amazing, he’s one of the best guards in the area. Game in and game out he shows it.”
Carriero, a senior, has been in big moments like this before, but Renfro, a junior, is just getting his first real taste of the big stage this year.
“We’ve been doing this all year,” Renfro said. “We’re just trying to stay consistent at it.”
Will Burt contributed to the win with four points, Danny Alfieri pitched in with three, Aiden Hurd and Ryan Caimi scored two each, and Sammy Ridgeway finished with one.
Kirtland advanced to play Smithville, who beat Independence in double overtime in the other district semifinal, in a Division VI, Region 21 semifinal at Canton Memorial Fieldhouse on March 4.
The regional semifinal will be the first Sweet 16 appearance in McGregor’s impressive career.
“It took 26 years, so it’s been a long time,” McGregor said. “I guess if you stick around long enough it’s bound to get somewhere. It’s amazing for us. I’m so excited to go there. I’ve been dreaming about going to (Canton) to participate in regionals as a player or coach since sixth grade. It’s an amazing thing for me to be able to do that.”
