ELIDA, Ohio — Bath overpowered Elida 58–38 on Friday night in the Tipoff Classic, ending the Bulldogs’ recent dominance in the matchup and earning a spot in Saturday’s championship game against LCC.

Elida, which had won five straight against the Wildcats and defeated them 46–26 in last year’s Tipoff Classic, opened with promise.

Marcus Hill drove left and kicked out to Jonathan Payne, who spun past a defender and dropped in a floater. Moments later, Hill pulled up and hit a step-back jumper to keep the Bulldogs within reach.

But Bath responded with a surge that quickly swung momentum. Josiah Clark found Dagan Hawkins wide open beyond the arc for a 3-pointer that pushed the Wildcats’ lead to 12.

Clark continued to fuel the offense throughout the night, knocking down another triple off sharp ball movement and finishing with 15 points.

Elida attempted to claw back as Payne connected with Payton Hinkle for a left-handed floater in the lane, but Bath’s offense proved too consistent. Senior Logan Markley added to the lead with a clean jumper as the Wildcats continued to separate.

Bath maintained control through the fourth quarter to secure the 20-point win and move on to face LCC in Saturday’s Tipoff Final.

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