Canton High School capped its season in championship fashion Friday night, defeating Holmes County Central 53-35 to claim the MHSAA Class 5A Boys Basketball Championship.
The Tigers relied on a balanced attack and strong defense to pull away in the second half. Taryl Hoskin led the charge with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Braylen Reaves chipped in 12 points and Jayden Cration added nine. Canton shot 45.5 percent from the field and went 10-of-17 from the free-throw line.
Holmes County Central struggled to find rhythm offensively, shooting just 33.3 percent from the floor. Devante Simpson paced the Jaguars with 11 points and four rebounds. Markennith Howard and Ja’Veon Howard each scored seven, while the team converted 8 of 13 free throws.
The game was tight early, featuring three ties and four lead changes, but Canton steadily pulled away, building an 18-point cushion in the fourth quarter before sealing the win.
The victory gives Canton the Class 5A Championship making them back to back champions.