LIMA, Ohio — The last time Lima Central Catholic was in the final four was in 2016. This year, they have a new coach on staff, Sean Powell, and although it’s his first season coaching the Thunderbirds, he’s no stranger to their program.

What You Need To Know

  • Lima Central Catholic is heading to the final four for the first time since 2016

  • It's head coach Sean Powell's first year coaching for the Thunderbirds 

  • Powell said it's everything he's dreamed of 
OHSAA High School Basketball

“I’ve always admired LCC and what the program was to this community and to be able to lead them now, it means everything,” he said.

Powell grew up in the area. He played at Shawnee and then coached at Bath and Botkins. In 2021, he won a state title with Botkins. Now, he’s searching for title number two in year one with LCC.

“It’s my first year, first time, getting down there. The season is developing is developing into exactly what we wanted to do,” he said.

Parker Judy, a senior on the team, said he didn’t have any expectations for this season. 

“I just wanted to go out and enjoy it for my senior year,” Judy said.

Judy credited a lot of the team’s success this year to Powell.

“Coach Powell’s gave me everything that I’ve, you know, ever dreamed of,” Judy said.

Powell said bringing the team this far in his first year is a dream come true.