Developing new habits can be challenging, but Lloyd Memorial has embraced the challenge with ease.
The Juggernauts have turned winning district championships into a tradition, clinching a three-peat by defeating Dixie Heights 61-54 in the 34th District title game in Edgewood. It’s the first time Lloyd has 3-peated in district play in over 80 years.
While the last two titles were impressive, this one has the makings of something even more special.
With eight seniors on the 13-man roster, they finished their district tournament careers in unforgettable fashion.
“These guys are, I think, 21-3 overall and the juniors are 18-0,” Lloyd Memorial coach Michael Walker said. “It’s special because these guys have been here since the beginning. It’s kind of part of their farewell party and our district is tough. Dixie is a great team and St. Henry is a great team so it’s a big deal.
One of the eight seniors is Walker’s son, EJ. They get the unique privilege of sharing the moment with his father as his coach, a special experience few get to enjoy.
“It means a lot because he put a lot of effort into making sure I have what I need to be great. He puts in so much effort and we were able to do something good with it,” EJ Walker said. “This hasn’t been done in a long time at Lloyd, so it means a lot for the team, just to make history and keep making history.”
Walker, known for his own habit of stepping up in big moments, was named to the All-Tournament team after finishing the game with 15 points.
A lot of focus may have been on Walker, but it wasn’t just a one-man effort. The night became even more memorable for junior Anthony Blaackar.
Blaackar surpassed 1,000 career points while leading the Juggernauts with 19 points, earning tournament MVP honors.
“It wasn’t planned to happen like that,” Blaackar said. “A lot of people here and we got the win so it was good. The third one too. We haven’t lost a district game since I’ve been here.”
Jayden Humphrey was the third player to reach double digits for Lloyd, finishing with 10 points and earning an All-Tournament team selection.
The scoring and offensive balance created uncertainty, forcing the Colonels to adjust their defense multiple times.
“We played multiple defenses,” Dixie Heights coach Scott Code said. “The problem is Lloyd’s quickness. If you get too extended defensively, they’re lightning quick with their ball handlers and they can turn it into a layup fest. You’ve got to toe the line in terms of making them turn the ball over.”
The Colonels held the lead twice, both in the first half and by no more than two points. After a 17-15 first-quarter score in favor of the Juggernauts, Lloyd quickly made their mark in the second. They hit four of their six total 3-pointers in the frame, pushing their lead to 34-27 at the break.
“You’re down seven trying to draw even and unfortunately were never able to,” Code said. “It wasn’t anything we were going to force. You’d love to see a big momentum shift, something that would come out of just your traditional offense. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get many of those opportunities.”
Dixie Heights managed to close the gap to a one-possession game at times, but the Juggernauts held firm. They maintained a 46-40 lead heading into the final quarter, and never allowed the margin to shrink to less than four points.
Walker and Blaackar took over in the fourth, combining for 11 points and sealing the victory, Lloyd’s 13th straight win.
The Colonels were led by Griffen Derry with 20 points and Hunter Seng added 15. Seng, along with Owen Niehues were named to the All-Tournament team for Dixie Heights.
Lloyd Memorial enters the Ninth Region Tournament as a No. 1 seed and title contender. They’re looking at a matchup with either of the three No. 2 seeds Ryle, Holy Cross or Highlands.
Meanwhile, Dixie Heights, as the No. 2 seed, will face a tough opponent in Covington Catholic, Newport or Cooper.
JUGGERNAUTS 61, COLONELS 54
LLOYD MEMORIAL — 17-17-12-15 — 61
DIXIE HEIGHTS — 15-12-13-14 — 54
Scoring
Lloyd Memorial (61) — Blaackar 19, Walker 15, Humphrey 10, Bresser 8, Copeland 6, Collins 3
Dixie Heights (54) — Derry 20, Seng 15, Rubemeyer 9, Metzger 6, Niehues 4
Game Stats
3-Pointers: Lloyd Memorial 6, Dixie Heights 3
Free Throws: Lloyd Memorial 15/24, Dixie Heights 11/13
Fouls: Lloyd Memorial 12, Dixie Heights 19
Records: Lloyd Memorial 24-6, Dixie Heights 21-9