Russia shooting for gold and perfection

11 seniors will play their last game on Ohio's biggest stage (All photos by Cara Daugherty)

When the high school basketball season tipped off in November, Ohio welcomed a new era unlike any other in OHSAA history. As we head into the state finals this weekend, Russia fans will say farewell to an era unlike any other in school history. The 103rd annual boys state championships begin on Friday. The Raiders will be in the state spotlight on Saturday at 5:15 versus the Cornerstone Christian Patriots.

Stroh Center was perfect for the state semifinals

Seven divisions, state semifinals at smaller venues, and two weekends for the state tournament. Now that this inaugural season is coming to a close, even the basketball purists have to admit the changes are good. Over the years I've personally witnessed numerous state semis at St. John Arena, the Schottenstein Center, and the University of Dayton Arena. There was no more electric atmosphere than last Friday night at Stroh Center in Bowling Green. Crowded, loud, and zero AAU teams taking advantage of divisional enrollment counts. Reports are similar from other parts of the state. Exactly the way it should be. Reminiscent of those regular season league rivalry nights when the gymnasium attendance exceeds the maximum capacity sign. The weeklong wait for the finals at UD Arena is appropriate too, deservingly giving 14 teams the opportunity to prepare for their one shining moment. Contrary to the Gen Z cliché that everyone gets a trophy, only seven of the almost 800 schools will call themselves champions this weekend. Less than 1% is rare air. 

I attended a class reunion last summer in my hometown of Ft. Loramie. One of my classmates who roots for the Redskins asked me, "are you Russia people about out of athletes yet?" Much to his displeasure, I informed him the upcoming Class of 2025 was still really good. I just didn't realize the 11 seniors on this year's basketball roster were going to be this good. It should come as no surprise. I've documented their athletic success on these pages before. If this is your first time reading my blog, the class has been part of eight total state tournaments, including three straight in basketball. Their hardwood record the previous three years is a mind-boggling 80-6. These boys are the last members of a culture changing phenomenon that began at Russia in 2022 during their freshman year. That's when the Raiders won a state baseball championship and raised the bar of expectations that's continued to carry on for every other boys sport at Russia. Golf, cross country, and just as impressive as the baseball team, has been the basketball program. It's a four-year run that will be talked about for ages.

Russia players claim they play better when the rowdy Raiders are loud 

If you're not aware, a program with 11 seniors is an anomaly. That's because most players can predict their futures in the first couple years of high school. If five or six classmates already have more talent, that equates to years of tough practices making the starters better and minimal floor time on game nights. Most other classes might think, ain't nobody got time for that. However, if you've recently heard the Russia starters talking to the press, leaders like Braylon Cordonnier and Vince Borchers are quick to tell reporters those "scout team" seniors are the reason for the Raider's success.

Speaking of Braylon and Vince, calling them leaders doesn't do justice. Those two titans will forever be debated among the best to wear a blue & gold uniform. If Russia suddenly started a ping pong team, they'd both figure out a way to beat everyone. Braylon's heroic 29 points at Friday's state semifinal versus Arlington vaulted him into 3rd-place on Russia's all-time scoring list. Vince recently broke Russia's single season steals record and might also unofficially be the first pure point guard to lead the Raiders in total rebounds.

Senior sharpshooter Jaxon Grogean

Then there's the supporting cast of four that have assisted in all 28 wins and could be MVP's at a lot of other schools. Benjamin York's regional final performance with a game-high 18 points wasn't what Botkins planned for, but just what Russia needed for a state berth. Dominic Francis is a human highlight, thrilling crowds on both sides of the floor all season with acrobatic layups and dunks. One of those slams went viral on social media with 3.5 million views. Anytime I watch Zeb Schulze play, I envision him clocking in at practices in work boots and carrying a lunch pail. That's just me, but it's obvious his teammates trust him for his workmanlike performance every time he takes the court. Finally, here's something you need to know about Jaxon Grogean. At a pre-state tournament pep rally, Jaxon was summoned to the free throw line during a shooting contest. His coaches confidently directed him to back up from 15 feet to 30 feet from the basket. With no stretching or warm-up, Jaxon swished a three-pointer that would've made even Steph Curry proud.

Head coach Spencer Cordonnier ended his postgame press conference after Friday's state semifinal win talking about the past. He said he not only wanted a state championship for these guys, but wanted it for anybody that's ever put on a Russia uniform. The program has been close before. Raider fans remember the heartbreak of losing the 2002 state finals. This year's players remember the disappointment of the 2023 and 2024 state semifinals. Yep, it's going to take a helluva effort to beat Cornerstone Christian and OHSAA all-time leading scorer, Quinn Kwasniak. How many opportunities in history does Russia get to finish 29-0 and earn all-time win #1000? Just one. See you Saturday.

Coach Spencer Cordonnier with his two All-Southwest Co-Players of the Year, Vince Borchers and Braylon Cordonnier