AKRON, Ohio — Throughout the year, high school basketball teams work hard for a chance to compete at the state tournament. 

The coaches and players at Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary know exactly what it takes to get there. 

What You Need To Know

  • LeBron James' alma mater is heading to the state basketball semifinals

  • The team from Akron has nine basketball state championships under its belt 
  • They are hoping to hold on to their 2021 state title

Head coach Dru Joyce said they have a history of success. 

“Here at this school, we have nine state championships,” Joyce exclaimed, "which is the most in Ohio high school history.” 

The high school holds the title of 2021 state champions, and they are hoping to defend it this weekend at the University of Dayton. 

“The only season that counts is the postseason,” Joyce said. “We have been playing very well right now, and have been playing some of our best basketball.” 

This coach knows good basketball. Having been at St. Vincent-St. Mary for 23 years — the head coach for 21 years — he’s led the team in winning six state championships and he even coached NBA legend LeBron James. 

“I have been blessed to be around a lot of great players,” Joyce said. 

He attributes this year's success to some of the strong senior leaders on the team, like Sencire Harris.  

“I play (basketball) every day,” explained Harris. “I have got a lot of love for basketball.” 

The combo guard said playing basketball at the high school changed his life for the better. 

“It separated me from all of the bad stuff,” Harris said. “When I am in the gym, I’m not out doing bad stuff so, it kind of took me to a better place.” 

Next year, the 6-foot-3 athlete is heading to the University of Illinois. He is the second Big Ten-bound St. Vincent-St. Mary basketball player in just two years.

“It’s my time to lead this team,” he said. “We are going to go get a state (title).” 

Joyce said having hard-working and talented players like Harris on his team is the secret to success. 

“You know, you are able to get a group of guys to come together and work for something that is bigger than themselves,” Joyce said. “When you can get a group of people to anytime work together for something bigger than themselves, great things can happen."

The Fighting Irish will take on Kettering Archbishop Alter High School in the state semifinals Friday at 5 p.m.

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