VANDALIA, Ohio (WLIO) — The Marion Local Flyers are heading back to the state tournament after defeating the Tri-Village Patriots 57-43 in the regional final at Butler High School.

The Flyers, who came in with a 24-1 record, faced an undefeated Tri-Village squad at 26-0. Marion Local was looking to secure back-to-back regional titles and did just that with a strong second half.

In the third quarter, Kale Ahrens used a pump fake before driving to the basket for the score and the foul. Ahrens led the Flyers with 19 points on the night.

Later in the quarter, Grant Kremer knocked down a three-pointer to help Marion Local extend its lead to 40-30 heading into the fourth.

The Flyers continued to pull away in the final period as Brayden Mescher added another basket. The senior finished with 11 points to help seal the victory.

With the 57-43 win, Marion Local advances to the state tournament for the second straight year.

The Flyers have a date with Lincolnview in the DIV. VI State Semifinal on Friday, March 20th at Wright State's Nutter Center at 8 p.m.

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