LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — It was time for the annual Lima Cup showdown as Lima Senior squared off with Lima Central Catholic at the Msgr. E.C. Herr Gymnasium. The Spartans entered the rivalry leading the all-time series 29-13 and having won 10 of the last 11 meetings.

Lima Senior came in at 16-2 overall, while the Thunderbirds sat at 11-7.

Early in the first quarter, Brevan Stolly drove inside and finished to tie the game at two. But from there, the Spartans wasted no time heating up.

Noah Simpson buried the long ball and took over the opening quarter. The junior poured in 13 points in the first, helping Lima Senior jump out to a 16-9 lead after one.

In the second quarter, the Spartans kept their foot on the gas. Elynn Stearns worked the ball to Amari Addy before getting it back, then rose up for a two-handed slam that pushed the road team’s lead to 18.

LCC continued to battle. Brady Parker knocked down a triple to try and spark a run, but Lima Senior answered immediately.

Simpson connected again from deep, finishing with a game-high 41 points as the Spartans built a commanding 56-35 advantage at halftime.

In the second half, Jordan Priddy fought to keep the Thunderbirds within reach, scoring 33 points to lead LCC.

And the crowd got another highlight moment when viral sensation Willie Foster brought everyone to their feet with a powerful two-handed jam.

When the final buzzer sounded, Lima Senior claimed the Lima Cup with an 80-55 victory, improving to 17-2 on the season.

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