Massillon Tigers Take Home the Gold
The Massillon Washington Tigers pulled off an unforgettable win, coming back to beat defending state champion Westerville North 68–63 in overtime in the Division II state final at UD Arena. In a game full of back-and-forth action, the Tigers stayed calm under pressure and made big plays late to take control when it mattered most.
Massillon found itself in a tough spot early but never backed down. After a slow first half filled with turnovers, the Tigers regrouped, cleaned things up, and slowly chipped away at the Warriors’ lead. By the fourth quarter, the energy had shifted, and Massillon forced overtime with clutch plays on both ends of the floor. Once in overtime, the Tigers took over, outscoring Westerville North and sealing the win in front of a loud crowd.
The victory was a historic one for Massillon. It marked their 24th straight win and gave the program its first-ever state championship. Coming into the game, both teams had identical 26–1 records, with Westerville North riding a 21-game winning streak. But in the end, it was Massillon who finished the job and walked away as champions.
Gio Jackson Jr. led the way with 17 points, shooting an efficient 8-for-11 from the field, and added nine rebounds. Jadyce Thigpen and Xavier Williams each chipped in 15 points, with Williams also grabbing seven rebounds. Braylon Gamble made a big impact on the boards, leading the team with 10 rebounds while scoring seven points. Isaiah Lamp added nine points and three assists, knocking down 3 of his 4 shots from beyond the arc.
Even with 22 turnovers—14 of them coming in the first half—Massillon found ways to win. The Tigers shot a strong 49% from the field and went 5-for-13 from three-point range. On the other side, Westerville North struggled to find its rhythm, especially from deep, making just 4 of 28 three-point attempts. The Warriors shot only 27% from the field and finished with 14 turnovers.
In the end, Massillon’s effort, teamwork, and ability to step up in big moments made the difference. The Tigers didn’t just win a game—they made history.
Works Cited
The Repository. (2026, March 22). Massillon boys basketball score vs. Westerville North: OHSAA state tournament updates. Read Article
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