The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
High school boys basketball tournament capsule
(23) WELLINGTON VS. (1) LUTHERAN EAST
What: Division III Gilmour District final
Where: Gilmour Academy, 2045 SOM Center Road, Gates Mills
When: 7 p.m., March 8
Records: Wellington 16-8, Lutheran East 18-5
Wellington’s path: Def. Independence, 43-39, and Chagrin Falls, 50-46
Lutheran East’s path: Def. Bard Early College, 100-24, and Ravenna Southeast, 108-43
Up next: The winner will play (5) Fairview or (6) Cuyahoga Heights in a Canton Regional semifinal on March 13.
Outlook: After winning three games a year ago, Wellington is having a season for the history books. The Dukes are in a district final for the fifth time in school history following a 50-46 win over Chagrin Falls on March 5. Sean Whitehouse only scored seven points in the win over Independence, but got back to his scoring ways with 23 points in the district semifinal victory. His brother Landon also had a huge night with 18. Wellington’s role players have been stepping up and it’s no secret why it has won two playoff games now. However, the road gets a lot tougher as defending Division III state champion Lutheran East stands between the Dukes and a district title. The Falcons have played the best competition in Northeast Ohio and looked good doing it for the most part. Michigan State signee Jesse McCulloch leads the way with 22.4 points per game. The 6-10 center is a load to deal with and there’s strong scoring balance behind him. Wellington has made it a point at times this season to slow the pace down and hold the ball. That could be the game plan here. It’s a difficult matchup, but the Dukes have more than earned the right to face the defending champs.
Lutheran