Goodwin and UA win district title

Upper Arlington junior scoring machine Dane Goodwin didn't have his shot falling on Saturday morning, but he found other ways to contribute as his Golden Bears team pulled away from Hilliard Bradley in the second half to win their second straight Central District title.

Goodwin scored 10 points in the game, after dropping more than 40 on Northland in the district semi-finals. But Upper Arlington came through with a complete team effort. All five starters finished in double figures.

"Everyone just stepped up," said Goodwin. "When I'm getting denied, the guys know how to move around and get open."

While frustrated at times, Goodwin took the game as a good sign. A sign that Upper Arlington can find ways to win big games that don't involve him going off for 30 or 40 points.

"I definitely have worked on (his all-around game) over the last couple of years," he said. "The way they were guarding me really took away a lot of what I like to do. I tried to setup my teammates because I knew they were going to be more open than me. Best shot wins."

The district title was just one goal for Goodwin and his teammates, however. Now it's on to the regional tournament where the junior guard is confident in his team's chances.

"Yeah I think we can (win the region)," he said. "If I'm not playing my best game, I know that other guys are going to step up."

Upper Arlington will face Pickerington North in the regional semi-final on Thursday evening.