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Five things to know about Maysville's state-bound boys basketball team.

sam blackburn, zanesville times recorder
·4 min read

Maysville boys basketball will make its first state tournament trip in 53 years on Saturday when it tangles with talented, battle-tested Shelby on Saturday at University of Dayton Arena.

Here are five things to know about the team.

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1. Alex Bobb leads the way

A 6-1 senior guard, he is the unquestioned leader and top player on a team with multiple threats.

Bobb averages 25.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, which was good enough to share Division II East District Player of the Year. He was also District 12 Player of the Year, chosen by coaches.

Bobb banked in a 3 over two defenders as time expired to secure a 50-49 win against third-ranked Columbus Hartley in the regional semifinals. The game prior, he scored 28 of his team's 54 points — 17 after halftime — in a wire-to-wire win against Gnadenhutten Indian Valley in a district final.

Arguably, Bobb's 31-point showing in a 61-56 home win against Tri-Valley was his best of the season. He hit a pair of 25-foot go-ahead 3-pointers in the final minute to help secure a key win that all but secured a share of the Muskingum Valley League-Big School Division title.

Alex Bobb goes in for a layup during Maysville's Division II regional final against Columbus Hartley on Thursday at the Ohio COnvocation Center.
Alex Bobb goes in for a layup during Maysville's Division II regional final against Columbus Hartley on Thursday at the Ohio COnvocation Center.

2. Balance, shooting key the offense

Three players average double figures in scoring in Bobb and sophomore starters Gator Nichols (15.3) and Jordyn Watson (11.3), while senior guard Wesley Armstead chips in 8.3 points and 3.4 rebounds. All shoot at least 39% on 3s and 68% at the line.

The 3 has been a dangerous weapon — they have hit 299 in 28 games, with four hitting at least 39. Bobb and Nichols, a 40% shooter from behind the arc, have combined for 186.

Their scoring depth showed in a pair of 15-point comebacks at the regional in Athens.

Nichols, Armstead and Watson scored all but four of their 45 points after halftime in the finals against Warren; the 6-4 Watson had all 18 of his points in the second half against Hartley.

Sophomore Jordyn Watson drives into the lane during Maysville's 50-49 win against Columbus Hartley during a Division II regional semifinal on Thursday at the Ohio Convocation Center. Watson scored all 18 of his points in the second half as Maysville won its first regional game since 1971.
Sophomore Jordyn Watson drives into the lane during Maysville's 50-49 win against Columbus Hartley during a Division II regional semifinal on Thursday at the Ohio Convocation Center. Watson scored all 18 of his points in the second half as Maysville won its first regional game since 1971.

3. Defensive versatility

Run-and-jump pressure has been the team's go-to defensive tactic in most games the past two seasons.

Coach Dave Brown said the team's fortunes changed, however, when its half-court man-to-man improved after a regular-season loss to Division III power Malvern. That was also to be the team's last loss.

It was half-court defense that helped bring the Panthers back against Hartley; full- and half-court traps helped them outscore Vincent Warren, 55-32, in the second half.

Sixteen of its opponents scored 50 points or less, including five of its last seven. Armstead, who doubles as a football standout, is a physical on-ball defender.

"Coach (Gene) Ford always said that you've got to be able to dance fast and you've got to be able to dance slow," Brown said following the Hartley win. "You have to be able to play half-court defense when you need to."

Maysville senior Wesley Armstead goes up to deflect a pass during a 45-28 win against visiting John Glenn on Friday night in Newton Township.
Maysville senior Wesley Armstead goes up to deflect a pass during a 45-28 win against visiting John Glenn on Friday night in Newton Township.

4. Guards drive the bus

There are no true post players, though the 6-2 Watson and classmates Kane Roehrig (6-5) and Kade Rock (6-4) offer length and versatility. Senior Coen Fink's strength at 6-1 gives the team another physical performer.

Bobb, Armstead and Nichols head a backcourt whose ability to drive, pass and shoot efficiently, with a penchant for steals and creating turnovers.

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Matchup problems are often created on larger opponents, especially with Watson's ability to shoot and drive — and his newfound aggressiveness.

Coen Fink and Tyce Whiteman, left, fight for position on the block during Maysville's 66-52 win against host Sheridan on Tuesday night at Glen Hursey Gymnasium..
Coen Fink and Tyce Whiteman, left, fight for position on the block during Maysville's 66-52 win against host Sheridan on Tuesday night at Glen Hursey Gymnasium..

5. A seven-year process

Brown. a former star player at Coshocton High and Muskingum University, failed to advance from the sectionals in the first four years of his tenure.

After a 15-9 finish in 2021-22, things took off in 2022-23 behind Bobb, then a junior, and senior All-Ohioan Hayden Jarrett. Maysville was 24-1 and took an eight-game winning streak into the regional before it dropped a 61-38 regional semi to Central Catholic League power Columbus Ready.

Two starters graduated, but the addition of Nichols and Watson to the lineup provided the fuel for a team that enters the state with 20 straight wins.

sblackbu@gannett.com; X: @SamBlackburnTR

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: 5 things about Maysville boys basketball