Titans fall… Concord stuns reigning state champion Tri-unity Christian 50-40

Jet Smith leading the ball down the court for concord. Photo by Brady Triemstra

Concord started the game strong with a 6–1 run, fueled by the energy of their student section. The atmosphere inside the gym was electric, and the Yellowjackets fed off it early. Concord locked in defensively, holding the Defenders to just three points through the majority of the first quarter. The Yellowjackets looked like a freight train, jumping out to a 16–5 lead after a monstrous three-pointer from senior Connor Stevens, quickly followed by freshman Zack Stevens knocking down another triple. The reigning state champions from Tri-Unity Christian found themselves in a deep hole early, trailing 18–5 at the end of the first quarter. Tri-Unity opened the second quarter with a triple from senior guard Nolan DeMots to cut the lead to ten. But Concord responded immediately with a three of their own to push the lead back to thirteen. The Defenders managed to piece together a few solid offensive possessions to keep things within reach, but Concord stayed in control. At halftime, the Yellowjackets led 29–13. The Defenders showed signs of life to start the second half, cutting the lead to eleven after a pair of strong buckets from junior forward/center Cody Osbun. Offense was scarce for much of the third quarter, but Tri-Unity caught fire late, closing the quarter on an 11–2 run to cut the deficit to 31–24 heading into the fourth.

Concord's Student Section came ready to support the jacketts! Photo by Brady Triemstra

Tri-Unity continued to chip away, finally cutting the lead to single digits with 4:45 remaining in the fourth quarter. After a timeout and a roaring crowd, the intensity inside the gym reached another level as both teams could smell victory. A late triple followed by a layup brought the Defenders within four, making it a two-possession game for the first time since early in the opening quarter. With the clock winding down, Tri-Unity junior Cody Osbun drilled a three at the buzzer to tie the game and send it into overtime.

Overtime was absurd.

Concord quickly regained control, jumping out to a 43–40 lead with 1:33 remaining. Despite the Defenders’ late momentum, they were unable to defend their crown. The titans of Division 4 had fallen. Concord pulled away late to secure the victory with a final score of 50–40. Leading Scorers Concord: Connor Stevens: 16 Jet Smith: 13 Darrell Dean Jr: 8 Tri Unity: Cody Osbun: 16 Nolan DeMots: 8