As the St. Bernard-Elmwood Place boys varsity basketball team heads into their final regular-season game against Seven Hills, they carry an impressive six-game win streak.
The streak began on January 27, when the Titans defeated Villa Madonna in a close 59-50 victory. Darius Wilcher led the team with 22 points and four steals while also snagging six rebounds. Lucas Cannady contributed 19 points of his own, five of which came from successful free throws.
Perhaps the most exciting win of the streak occurred in a game against Cincinnati Christian on Saturday, February 7. In front of a crowded Jerry Radtke Gymnasium on Senior Night, the Titans sent the game into overtime thanks to Cannady, who banked a 3-pointer to tie the score at the last second. It was a close game until the very end, when Dorian Harrison successfully stole the ball and ran it all the way to the opposite end of the court for a game-winning layup. Fans erupted in applause as the game ended with a score of 55-53.
Their latest victory came last Friday, when they won 77-19 against New Miami. It was another strong game for Wilcher, who once again led the Titans with 18 points. Harrison followed closely with 17 points, landing two 3-pointers on the night. Cannady had a solid all-around performance, scoring 12 points and leading the team with 10 rebounds.
These performances were enough to get the Titans nominated for Ohio small-school boys basketball team of the week by The Cincinnati Enquirer for the week of February 13. Thanks to the dedicated SBEP community, they won the award and received a certificate.
Before winning six games in a row, the Titans were in an extended slump. They had lost four straight contests, and their record sat at 4-11. Today, they are 10-11. The team has bounced back in a big way, and many players have stepped up. Wilcher, Harrison, and Cannady have been consistently performing, but there have also been great games from players such as Keenan Derrenkamp, who scored 11 points and landed three 3-pointers in the 53-43 win over the School for Creative and Performing Arts on February 11. Robert Minton accumulated 8 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block in the game against Cincinnati Christian.
SBEP has the chance to end the season with a solid 11-11 record with a win tonight. Fans can cheer on the Titans by visiting Kalnow Gym at 5400 Red Bank Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45227. The game starts at 7:30 p.m.
