Boys’ Basketball Stuns Nationally Ranked Word of God Christian Academy in Overtime, 76-73

The Central Catholic boys’ basketball team registered a thrilling 76-73 overtime victory against nationally ranked Word of God Christian Academy on Monday in the Sullivan Center. With the home victory, CCHS improves to 14-2 overall on the season.

The Fighting Irish, ranked No. 4 in this week’s Associated Press Division II state poll, overcame a 20-point deficit in the third quarter to stun the Holy Rams, who were ranked as high as No. 10 nationally by MaxPreps. CCHS trailed 50-30 at the 1:20 mark in the third period before outscoring Word of God 29-9 over the final nine-plus minutes to force overtime.

Junior Chico Johnson paced CCHS with a game-high 28 points, including three triples in the extra period, to stretch the Scarlet & Gray’s winning streak to five-consecutive contests.

Senior Micah Thames added 13 points, knocking down three of Central Catholic's 12 three-point field goals, and classmate Josh Lee had 13 points and a team-high 10 rebounds to post a double-double.

Freddie Dilione led Word of God (16-5) with 18 points, followed by Truman Claytor and Mehki Grant with 14 points each. Claytor is the grandson of former Scott High School legend Truman Claytor, who was a starter on the University of Kentucky's 1978 NCAA championship team.

Central Catholic will return to the hardwood against arch-rival St. John’s Jesuit on Friday, Jan. 28. Freshman will begin the action at 4:45 pm versus the Titans in the Sullivan Center, followed by the junior varsity and varsity at 6 pm and 7:30 pm, respectively. Earlier this season, the Fighting Irish secured a 53-45 road win vs. SJJ on Dec. 17. Tickets are available at centralcatholic.org/tickets.