ERIE, Pa. – After a heartbreaking loss to Erie in the 2023 D10 Class 6A title game, McDowell flipped the script on Thursday, topping the Royals 52-47 for the 2024 crown.
Erie’s Jaheim Mims hit a shot to get the Royals back within two, 49-47 with 19 seconds to play.
But McDowell’s Andrew Mitchell hit a free-throw on the ensuing possession, and after McDowell got a stop, Quentin Orlando hit two from the charity stripe to put away the win.
After leading at halftime, 20-18, McDowell (19-4) trailed 35-28 going to the fourth quarter after a 17-8 Erie run.
McDowell answered, however, outscoring the Royals (16-7) 24-12 over the final eight minutes.
Tyler Grove led the charge for McDowell, scoring 17 points, while Stephon Porter had 12 and Kamden Kramer eight.
Layveon Gore had 17 points, Mims 15 and Jamarius Johnson eight for Erie.
It was the rubber game between the two teams after each won on the other’s home floor during the regular season.
With the win, McDowell advances to play District 8 champion Allderdice in a subregional semifinal on Wednesday.
