In a game that will be remembered for years to come, two Ohio Valley basketball powerhouses, St. Clairsville and Steubenville, faced off on John Jenkins Court, delivering an unforgettable match filled with intense action and multiple lead changes. The contest saw the home team, St. Clairsville, narrowly triumph over their visitors, Steubenville, by a score of 71-69. With 11 ties and 14 lead changes in the second half alone, this game showcased the best of high school basketball, captivating a packed audience that filled the gymnasium to capacity. Both coaches praised the quality of play, acknowledging the significance of such a competitive encounter as both teams prepare for the end-of-season challenges.

The evening's drama unfolded with the teams locked in a fierce battle throughout the game. After being tied at 64 points, St. Clairsville managed to secure a crucial 7-5 run towards the end. Griffin Straub's twisting drive to the basket gave his team the final lead at 66-64 with just over a minute left. Following a missed shot by Steubenville, Gage Wolfe was fouled and successfully converted a free throw, extending the lead to 67-64. Despite Steubenville's valiant efforts, including a runner in the lane by Aiden Davis and a three-pointer that narrowed the gap to 70-69, St. Clairsville held on to win the game.

Steubenville’s Santino Haney led the scoring with 22 points, while Aiden Davis contributed 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, completing a double-double. Will Taylor added 15 points before fouling out in the fourth quarter. On the other side, St. Clairsville's trio of Pastor, Brady Schafer, and Straub dominated the scoring, combining for nearly all of their team’s points. Pastor scored 27 points, Schafer added 18, and Straub chipped in with 21, along with 11 rebounds and four blocked shots. The game saw several pivotal moments, including Tre’Von Wiggins' buzzer-beating shot at the end of the third quarter, which tied the game at 52-all heading into the final period.

St. Clairsville head coach Ryan Clifford emphasized the importance of maximum effort from every player to secure the victory. Meanwhile, Steubenville's coach Mike Haney reflected on the loss, noting the need for smarter play and improved defensive coordination. Despite the defeat, Haney remains focused on how his team responds moving forward, especially with another important game against Wheeling Park looming. This thrilling encounter not only highlighted the talent and determination of both squads but also set the stage for what promises to be an exciting remainder of the season.