CADIZ — It’s been an up-and-down regular season for Harrison Central. The Huskies, however, put their best paws forward Tuesday night in mauling Buckeye Trail, 68-33, in a Division III sectional tournament opener before a COVID-reduced but boisterous crowd.

Coach Justin Clifford’s sixth-seeded charges dispatched the 12th-seeded Warriors in impressive fashion, riding another stellar performance from All-Ohioan Kobe Mitchell. The 6-foot-4 Akron recruit poured in 28 points, including a breakaway dunk, and recorded six steals before leaving to a standing ovation with 1:28 to play in his final game on the home boards.

The lopsided victory was the 14th against nine losses for Harrison Central. The Huskies now advance to a sectional finals matchup against Ridgewood Friday night at West Lafayette. The Generals disposed of Coshocton, 62-41.

“The big thing was our effort. It always hasn’t been there this year,” Clifford said. “We challenged some people at practice this week, and they responded. Our kids gave us maximum effort.

“We got contributions from a lot of people. That hasn’t always been the case this season. We really played well tonight on the defensive end. What Kobe does every night speaks for itself. He didn’t need to drop in 40 tonight like he is capable of. He is the guy who makes us go. He closed out his home career with another excellent performance.”

Harrison Central grabbed control from the outset and were never challenged after the opening quarter. Mitchell tossed in seven points in the first period in staking the hosts to a 15-4 upperhand. The outmanned Warriors never recovered.

Youth was served for the Huskies in the second chapter. Freshman Hayden Cassidy netted seven markers in the frame, while sophomore Jon Vermillion chipped in with six lightings in helping Clifford’s crew boost its lead to 30-14 at halftime.

Harrison Central blew the contest wide open in the third quarter, as Mitchell showcased his Division I ability. The talented guard exploded for 14 points in the quarter, including two treys to go with a thunderous dunk that pushed the lead to 47-19 with 3:30 showing in the third. The hosts were on top, 55-25, entering the fourth frame.

Mitchell received solid scoring support. Cassidy’s fine shooting touch yielded 18 points, while Vermillion produced 13 counters.

Trail bowed out at 7-15. Sophomore Tyler Dodd enjoyed a solid effort in a losing cause with 16 points, including five treys. Junior Frank Rome ended with 10 tallies.

The Huskies’ active man defense forced Trail into seven first-quarter turnovers helping set the tone for the contest. The Warriors ended with 17 miscues. The Huskies took great care of the ball, ending wit just seven turnovers.”

“We know Ridgewood will be a challenge. They have athletes,” Clifford said. “They made the regionals last year in basketball, made the final four in football and have made the state baseball tournament. So, they do have athletes.”

Harrison Central 68, Buckeye Trail 33

Buckeye 4 10 11 8 — 33

Harrison 15 15 25 13 — 68

BUCKEYE TRAIL: F. Rome 3, 4-7 10; Dodd 5, 1-2 16; Beaver 1, 0-0 3; Clum 0, 0-0 0; Parry 1, 0-0 2; G. Rome 0, 0-0 0; Fannin 0, 0-0 0; Geiger 1, 0-0 2. TOTALS: 11, 5-9: 33.

HARRISON CENTRAL: Mitchell 12, 2-4 28; Mazeroski 0, 0-0 0; J. Vermillion 2, 9-12 13; Arbaugh 1, 2-4 4; Santille 2, 0-1 5; Cassidy 8, 0-0 18; Madzia 0, 0-0 0; Mattern 0, 0-0 0; Jurosko 0, 0-0 0; Moreland 0, 0-0 0; Jones 0, 0-0 0; C. Vermillion 0, 0-0 0. TOTALS: 25, 13-21: 68.

3-POINT GOALS: Buckeye Trail 6 (Dodd 5, Beaver); Harrison Central 5 (Mitchell 2, Cassidy 2, Santille).