North Royalton Running Back Leads Deep Tournament Run

Point guard Sean Bunsey's return from injury sparks Bears' playoff surge.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:05pm

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North Royalton's boys basketball team is headed back to the state semifinals after a 40-38 win over Brecksville-Broadview Heights in the regional championship. The key to the Bears' success has been the return of senior point guard Sean Bunsey, who missed several games earlier in the season due to a knee injury. Though he didn't stuff the stat sheet, Bunsey's leadership and defensive intensity have been crucial in North Royalton's 10-0 run since he rejoined the lineup.

Why it matters

North Royalton is looking to build on last year's historic season, which saw the Bears make their first-ever state semifinal appearance. With Bunsey back in the fold, the team believes it has the "it factor" to make another deep postseason run and potentially capture the school's first state championship.

The details

Bunsey, a four-year starter at point guard, missed several games earlier this season, including two losses to rival Brecksville-Broadview Heights. Since his return, North Royalton has not lost, relying on Bunsey's defensive pressure, floor leadership, and ability to get teammates involved. Though he scored just 3 points in the regional final, Bunsey made key plays on both ends to help the Bears advance.

  • Bunsey was cleared to return the week after North Royalton's second loss to Brecksville-Broadview Heights in February.
  • North Royalton is 10-0 since Bunsey rejoined the lineup.
  • The Bears are making their second straight state semifinal appearance.

The players

Sean Bunsey

A four-year starting point guard for North Royalton who missed several games earlier this season due to a knee injury suffered in football. His return has sparked the Bears' playoff run.

Nick Lapsevich

The head coach of North Royalton, who praised Bunsey as the "it factor" that has made the difference for his team.

Lincoln Lee

A junior guard for North Royalton who highlighted Bunsey's ability to make teammates uncomfortable with his defensive pressure.

Antonio Escano

A senior teammate of Bunsey's who saw his determination in practice as he worked to return from injury.

Nolan Klingbeil

A North Royalton player who benefited from one of Bunsey's assists in the regional final victory.

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What they’re saying

“When I first hurt my ACL, this was the goal right here. We set out, we did it and we accomplished what we really wanted to do.”

— Sean Bunsey

“He moves the ball really well. Obviously, he's tough. All he does is get up in you, makes you uncomfortable. Nobody wants to play a guy like him.”

— Lincoln Lee, Junior Guard

“In practice, you could tell how bad he wanted to play. Look where we are.”

— Antonio Escano, Senior Teammate

What’s next

North Royalton will face defending state champion Westerville North in the Division II state semifinals on Saturday at Wright State's Nutter Center. The winner will advance to the state championship game the following day at the University of Dayton Arena.

The takeaway

Sean Bunsey's return from injury has provided the "it factor" North Royalton needed to make another deep postseason run. The Bears' relentless defense and Bunsey's leadership have them one win away from the state championship game, proving that a team can overcome early-season adversity with a determined effort in the playoffs.