Ohio Division 2 State Championship: Rogers 56 Carroll 45

<strong>By Jim Dabbelt</strong> <em>Prep Girls Hoops Ohio</em> &nbsp; Toledo Rogers used a fast start in the opening quarter and never looked back, defeating Dayton Carroll 56-45 in the Ohio Division 2 state championship game. Rogers enjoyed a 17-point lead in the first half before Carroll used a 10-0 run near the end of the first half to cut the deficit to 26-19 at the break. While Carroll never led, they did battle even in the second half before falling. Tidbits of the state championship game: &nbsp; <strong>Underrated Player: Kerrah Peace, 5-8 Jr., Toledo Rogers- </strong>Kerrah had a game for Rogers, as not only did she was a good shooter, but she was also able to get to the free throw line. She made things happen for the Rams with her aggressiveness. Peace is a kid who can also hurt you from beyond the arc, although she only hit one in the finals. &nbsp; <strong>Stock Riser: Julia Keller, 6-0 Jr., Dayton Carroll- </strong>Really impressive physical kid who can do more than just sit in the paint at 6-foot. Keller also has the ability to make something happen from the perimeter. Can also create something and on the break, can get to the rim and produce. Strong on the boards, and doesn't turn the ball over very much. Also has solid handles when needed to handle the ball, with two next-level guards who can handle them. &nbsp; <strong>Prime Shooter: Elisabeth Bush, 5-8 Sr., Dayton Carroll- </strong>Good shot from beyond arc, and when she gets to the rim, she connected on 5-6 from the free throw line. Can bust open a zone with her perimeter shooting, and has a nice midrange shot or pull-up shot from inside the arc. &nbsp; <strong>Player of the Game: Madison Royal-Davis, 5-11 Fr., Toledo Rogers- </strong>Yes, she is only a sophomore, but on this day, she shined bright. Royal-Davis led the Rams with 17 points and 7 assists, both team highs. Was impressed with how well she gets out on the break. Got to the line 10 times, and added eight rebounds including five on the offensive boards. &nbsp; <strong>Intangibles: </strong>The speed and athleticism of Rogers was too much for the Patriots. The big stage didn't seem to bother Rogers which was likely due to winning the title last year on this floor. There were times that Zia Cooke showed the entire building why she is going to South Carolina, and why she is the best pure guard in Ohio. The good thing for Carroll, they return four starters...the bad thing is the loss of Bush to graduation. Expect them to make another run with the continued improvement of Sarah Ochs next season. &nbsp;