WESTERVILLE–Kirtland saw its historic postseason run come to an end with a 58-54 loss to Monroe Central in a Division VI state semifinal on Friday at Otterbein.
The Hornets made the trip to the Final Four for the first time since 1991 and, along the way, won a district title for the first time since 1999.
“It’s been magical,” said Kirtland head coach Shawn McGregor. “I’ve spent the time in the locker room just thanking the guys. They don’t understand how much this means. When I was in fifth grade, I always dreamed of being on this ride as a player. Being on this ride and getting to this level is just amazing. This team has changed lives. The kids that were here watching are going to remember the Vince Carrieros and the Lucas Renfros. They’re the heroes. I remember the guys who played in states when I was little, and those guys were my idols.”
The Seminoles got off on the right foot, putting Kirtland in an early 17-7 hole after one.
The Hornets got moving in the second quarter with seven Renfro points, plus back-to-back Ben DiFranco scores to end the half trailing, 29-21.
Renfro continued to roll in the third frame with seven-straight points, including a 3-pointer, while Danny Alfieri pitched in four to knot the game at 38-38 after three.
Carriero carried Kirtland blow-for-blow in the final frame with seven points, but ultimately not enough as Monroe Central closed out the win.
The Hornets sent off a senior class that has set a new standard for the boys’ basketball program in their four years.
“I love my senior class,” McGregor said of the Class of 2025. “I can’t say enough how much I care about them. They changed the program. We can’t replace guys like these, no matter how many minutes they played. They were always ready to contribute, and I never had any issues with them over the years. They love each other and competing. I can’t thank the seniors enough for all they’ve done.”
Now the duty falls on to those returning for next season, a team that will be led by Renfro, a junior who posted a team-high 18 points in the loss to the Seminoles.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better season,” Renfro said. “We have to play hard and have energy. We’re going to get back in the gym and hopefully have a good summer, and we want to be back here next year.”
Despite being known for its success on the gridiron, Kirtland has emerged on the hardwood in Division VI, with many football players being on the team and cheering on the team throughout the run.
“Football has always been great for us, and to have those guys, and the community as a whole, out here supporting us is like a storybook,” McGregor said. “You can’t write a better story. It was great; the ride was amazing.”
Aside from Renfro’s 18, Carriero added in 12, both Will Burt and Aiden Hurd pitched in with seven, and DiFranco finished with six.
Kirtland’s season ended with a 19-9 record, a co-Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division title, a district title, and a regional title.
