On a night belonging to seniors, one junior led the way.

Zach Johnson poured in 28 points in leading the Cavaliers to a 57-38 win over Gallia Academy Friday night, the final home game of the season.

Johnson scored all of Chillicothe’s points in the first period for a 13-3 lead. Then Aaron Elliott got into the act with a 14 point second quarter, knocking down three consecutive 3-pointers. The two combined for 33 points as the Cavs steam rolled their way to the intermission, holding the Blue Devils to just 9-points in the half.

Chillicothe’s largest lead of the night was 49-17.

MaLik London finished with just 3 points, but had seven rebounds and six blocked shots. London was playing in front of 20 family members from his native North Carolina who drove in for his national letter of intent signing with Cleveland State Saturday. London’s points came on a single hand throw down accompanied by a free throw to finish off an old fashioned three-point play.

Six Cavaliers were playing their final game at Hatton Memorial Gymnasium, London, Elliott, Charlie Demint, Marcus Dunn, Jalen Jones and Nathan West.

The win gave the Cavaliers their 12^th win heading into this Sunday’s Division II Sectional Tournament drawing at Jackson.

In the tournament at Southeastern High School’s Larry Jordan Gym, the Cavs are one of ten teams battling for a return trip to the District at Ohio University. The opposing teams include some familiar faces, Unioto, Waverly, Circleville, Hillsboro, Jackson, McClain, Miami Trace, Washington Court House and newcomer Proctorville Fairland. Chillicothe has failed only twice to get past the Southeastern Sectional since dropping down to Division II (63-52 vs McClain 2006 and 45-43 vs Waverly in 2010).  

Chillicothe (12-6/7-2) closes out the regular season next week with two tough road games, at Ironton Tuesday night and a battle for sole possession of second place in the SEOAL at Warren Friday night.

NOTES: With his final start at home, MaLik London appeared in his 75^th game as a Cavalier, moving him ahead of Anthony Humpty Hitchens (74) for third on the all-time list behind Caleb Knights (91) and Seth Dawes (96)… Portsmouth defeated Logan 78-58 to earn their first SEOAL title and first league title of any kind since 1991.