Fighting Tigers bound for Elite 8!

Ironton rallies from early deficit to defeat Eastern Brown and advance to regional final

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:35am

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The Ironton Fighting Tigers overcame an early 12-point deficit to defeat the Eastern Brown Warriors 55-41 in the Division V regional semifinal at Ohio University's Convocation Center. Ironton junior Ashton Layne scored a game-high 19 points, including 12 in the third quarter, to lead the comeback. Senior Maddix Markel and junior Brycen Mullins each added 10 points for the Fighting Tigers, who outscored Eastern Brown 46-20 over the final 21 minutes and 21 seconds of the game.

Why it matters

The win sends Ironton to the regional final, the program's first appearance in the Elite 8 since 2013. It also continues Ironton's recent dominance over Eastern Brown, as the Fighting Tigers have now won six straight postseason matchups against the Warriors dating back to 2019.

The details

Ironton fell behind 21-9 midway through the second quarter but closed the half on a 10-3 run to cut the deficit to 24-19 at the break. The Fighting Tigers then took control in the second half, tying the game at 31-31 early in the fourth quarter before pulling away down the stretch. Ironton's defense forced 15 Eastern Brown turnovers, leading to 19 points, and the Fighting Tigers made 9 steals as a team.

  • Ironton trailed 21-9 with 5:21 left in the second quarter.
  • The game was tied 31-31 early in the fourth quarter.
  • Ironton took the lead for good with around 7 minutes remaining in the game.

The players

Ashton Layne

Ironton junior who scored a game-high 19 points, including 12 in the third quarter, to lead the Fighting Tigers' comeback.

Maddix Markel

Ironton senior who scored 10 points and made 6-of-9 free throws for the Fighting Tigers.

Brycen Mullins

Ironton junior who scored 10 points, including two crucial 3-pointers in the second quarter to help cut into Eastern Brown's lead.

Stephen Ison

Ironton senior who came off the bench to score 12 points, including three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter that helped the Fighting Tigers pull away.

Matt Dick

Eastern Brown junior who picked up three fouls in the first half, limiting his playing time in the second half.

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What they’re saying

“This is a dream. I told you from the start of this that we keep finding ways to win and the Convo has been our second home for a while. I told you before the game that we're going to fight. We're going to keep fighting and keep punching.”

— Drew Stevens, Ironton head coach

“When you let Ashton get going...”

— Drew Stevens, Ironton head coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.