Top seeded Akron claims Class B1 title

HUB File Photo – Derren Brooks

Ending a 15 year post season title drought, top seeded Akron captured the Section VI Class B1 boys basketball tournament championship by besting No. 2 Olmsted 49-38 this afternoon at Buffalo State.

The championship is the first for Akron since the Tigers captured back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010.

Ben Gerstung scored 15 and Derren Brooks 12 to lead the way for Akron as Blake Gerstung added 9, Brayden Lamont 7 and Syras Jonathan and Coy Patterson 3 each.

Olmsted was led by Tacari McCray with a game high 25.

Improving to 22-1, Akron jumped out to a big 16-2 first quarter lead as Brooks had four baskets and Blake Gerstung and Ben Gerstung both hit threes.

The Tigers maintained a slender 20-17 lead at the half on a last second three by Jonathan which was Akron’s only basket of the second quarter.

Keeping the momentum from that long range basket, Akron outscored Olmsted 19-7 in the third quarter to open up a 15 point, 39-24, advantage.

Blake Gerstung, Lamont, Ben Gerstung and Patterson all took turns hitting threes during that uprising.

Olmsted could get no closer than 11 in the final stanza as a three and four free throws by Ben Gerstung along with a three by Blake Gerstung helped the Tigers lock up the championship victory.

The Tigers victory sets up an all Niagara-Orleans League matchup for the overall Section VI title and a berth in the state tournament as Akron will take on Class B2 champion Wilson at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Buffalo State.