BY YANEEK SMITH

TOLEDO — For the first time since its run to the state championship game 12 years ago, Port Clinton has won a sectional title.

The Redskins (15-9), seeded sixth in the Division II Millbury District, defeated Clyde, 69-52, at Bowsher High School to advance to the district semifinals.

It was also a special night for junior forward Adam Thorbahn, who scored his 1,000th career point in the victory. He led all scorers with 24 points and played good defense on 6-7 forward Grant McMaster, who scored just seven points.

“Adam did a good job guarding McMaster 1-on-1,” said Port Clinton coach Ryan Hicks. “He’s not one of their more dangerous players on offense. He’s more known for his defense, and Adam won that matchup.”

The ‘Skins led 16-9 after the first quarter and 30-26 at halftime before taking control in the third quarter as they outscored the Fliers 21-10 to take a 51-36 lead into the fourth.

With a 51-39 lead early in the fourth quarter, Port Clinton went on an 8-0 run to push the lead to 20 points.

Another key Redskin run came with Port Clinton leading 30-28 early in the third quarter as the ‘Skins went on a 12-0 spurt.

Thorbahn, who also finished with 13 rebounds, came into the program the same year that Hicks took over.

“Adam has meant everything to the program,” said Hicks. “He’s been leading the charge to get the culture turned around. He’s so versatile and so easy to coach. He’s definitely one of the most overlooked guys in our district.”

Josh Hurst had a great game as well, scoring 15 points and grabbing 13 rebounds while guarding Flier guard Jaden Cook, an all-league and all-district selection. Cook scored 18 points, but he was the only Flier to finish in double figures and was held in check.

“Josh’s all-around game was phenomenal,” said Hicks.

Tyler Webb chipped in with nine points and five assists, Brayden Spencer scored 10 points and Jackson Beasley finished with 10 points, six rebounds and six assists.

Clyde (12-11) actually beat Port Clinton, 69-49, on Feb. 12, but the ‘Skins redeemed themselves.

“When we played them the first time, we had played Huron and Margaretta in a four-day span, so I don’t think we were 100%,” said Hicks. “They played really well and they’re a good team.”

“We tried to take advantage of some things we saw and were able to capitalize on some things.”