University rolls past Cardinal Ritter for first sectional title since 2022

The REPORTER

University defeated Cardinal Ritter 58-43 to capture the Class 2A Sectional 42 championship last Saturday at Park Tudor, its first sectional championship since 2022.

Max McComb led three Trailblazers in double figures with 15 points. Faisal Mohamud had 11 points (including 9 of 12 at the foul line) and Blake Gray added 10 points.

University withstood a first quarter that saw Ritter make four of five three pointers and lead by as many as seven points on their way to a 17-13 advantage. Josh Henderson came off the bench to score six second quarter points as University clawed within 24-21 by halftime.

The Raiders scored the first two points of the third quarter before the Trailblazers took control of the game with runs of 10 and 16 points sandwiched around a Ritter three pointer. Henderson made a steal and layin to give University their first lead at 27-26. The Blazers led the rest of the game.

Six Trailblazers scored in the third quarter as University led 36-29 entering the final eight minutes. Three steals in the opening 90 seconds of the fourth quarter put University up 43-29. Gray had a steal and layin and Zien Bland completed a three point play off a Cooper Cammack steal forcing a Ritter timeout. Cammack then scored off a Gray steal for a 43-29 lead.

A pair of McComb free throws and a Gray basket completed the 16-0 and a 47-29 lead with four minutes remaining. Ritter began fouling to send the Blazers to the line, but the Blazers made 14 of their 19 fourth quarter charity tosses and stretched the lead 57-35 before Ritter scored eight late points.

University had assists on 13 of their 16 made field goals. Mohamud had five assists and McComb handed out four. McComb also added five rebounds, three blocked shots and two steals. Henderson had a team high seven rebounds.

Cammack played a tremendous defensive game. The 6-4 junior held Ritter’s 6-8 Devin Bolden to just four points and kept Bolden off the boards. Bolden entered averaging 19.3 points.

The championship was coach Justin Blanding’s first as boys coach after leading the Trailblazer girls to five sectional championships. He was thankful and proud after the game.

“I want to thank our Head of School Alicia LaMagdeleine and my Athletic Directors John Walls, Wes Priest and Cullen Webster. I’m incredibly proud of my team,” said Blanding. “We have prepared all season for this moment. Almost a year ago today I told the kids returning that we would be back and that we would win. The buy in and cohesiveness is what makes this team special.”

“Having been fortunate enough to win a sectional before I really wanted the kids to have this experience” Blanding continued.” My coaches are unbelievable. Our parents and supporters are incredible. I’m honored to be the coach here. Ritter is a great team and was deserving but we were fortunate enough to win. The job is not done, we face a very well coached Triton Central team who plays extremely hard and they execute. We will be ready.”

University is now 17-9 and will face Triton Central at 1 p.m. at Lebanon High School’s Rosenstihl Gymnasium in Saturday’s regional.