Kenston rallies from 21-point deficit to reach first district final since 1971

Junior wing Adam Barr sparks Bombers' comeback win over Rocky River in OHSAA Division III tournament

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Kenston rallied from a 21-point deficit in the third quarter to beat Rocky River 66-58 and reach its first district final since 1971. Junior wing Adam Barr scored 12 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, including a pair of critical 3-pointers, to fuel the Bombers' comeback. Ethan Burge added 16 points and Kahlil Hinton had 12 for Kenston, which will face Archbishop Hoban in the district final on Saturday.

Why it matters

Kenston's comeback victory highlights the resilience and determination of the team, overcoming a large deficit to advance to their first district final in over 50 years. The win also showcases the talent and leadership of players like Adam Barr, who stepped up when his team needed him most.

The details

Kenston jumped out to an early lead, but Rocky River responded with a 16-4 run to take control. The Pirates led 37-21 at halftime and increased their advantage to 47-26 in the third quarter before Kenston began to chip away. Barr drew a foul on a corner 3-point attempt to end the third and sank all three shots to cut River's lead to 50-40 entering the fourth. Barr then hit two more 3-pointers to spark Kenston's comeback, and Burge's tying basket and go-ahead free throw put the Bombers in front for good.

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  • On July 29, Quinn allegedly damaged a Waymo's tires and driver's side mirror.
  • On August 11, Quinn allegedly stomped on a windshield while someone was inside.

The players

Kenston

A high school basketball team that rallied from a 21-point deficit in the third quarter to beat Rocky River and reach its first district final since 1971.

Adam Barr

A junior wing player for Kenston who scored 12 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, including a pair of critical 3-pointers, to spark the Bombers' comeback.

Ethan Burge

A sophomore player for Kenston who scored 16 points, including a tying basket and go-ahead free throw in the fourth quarter to put the Bombers in front for good.

Kahlil Hinton

A sophomore player for Kenston who scored 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to help the Bombers advance to the district final.

Rocky River

The high school basketball team that led Kenston by 21 points in the third quarter before the Bombers rallied for the comeback victory.

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What they’re saying

“I knew that I had to bring the energy because I didn't want this to be my last game. I didn't want this to be my last opportunity to play basketball at a high level, and I didn't want to go out like that. I didn't want to get blown out.”

— Adam Barr, Junior wing player, Kenston (Cleveland.com)

What’s next

Kenston will face Archbishop Hoban in the district final on Saturday night at Cloverleaf.

The takeaway

Kenston's remarkable comeback victory demonstrates the team's resilience, determination, and the leadership of players like Adam Barr, who refused to let their season end without a fight. The Bombers' ability to rally from a large deficit highlights the unpredictable nature of high school basketball tournaments and the importance of never giving up.