TOLEDO — In a matchup featuring two of the top 15 teams in the state regardless of division, Lima Senior went on the road and earned a statement win, rallying past Toledo Central Catholic 62-58.

The Spartans entered the night ranked No. 2 in Division II, while the Fighting Irish came in ranked No. 2 in Division III. Lima Senior struggled to find an early rhythm, but Shawn Foster kept the Spartans within striking distance with a steady midrange jumper.

Later in the first quarter, Foster tracked down a loose ball and kicked it out to Willie Foster in the corner, where the Northern Kentucky commit knocked down a three. Shawn and Willie Foster accounted for all 11 of Lima Senior’s points in the opening quarter, though the Spartans trailed 21-11 after one.

Lima Senior responded in the second quarter by attacking the basket. Noah Simpson slithered his way to the rim for a bucket, and senior Amari Addy followed with a strong move to the hoop while keeping his pivot foot down. Despite the surge, the Spartans went into halftime trailing 33-28.

In the fourth quarter, Lima Senior finally broke through. Simpson buried a corner three to give the Spartans their first lead of the night at 43-40, forcing Toledo Central Catholic to call timeout with six minutes remaining.

Once Lima Senior grabbed the lead, it did not give it back. Moments later, Willie Foster left the ball at the rim for Shawn Foster, who finished with a dunk as the Spartans closed out the win.

The victory lifts Lima Senior to 7-1 on the season with a 62-58 win over the sixth-ranked team in the state.

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