Newark 62, Westerville S. 57

By Mike Conley

March 09, 2008, 11:24PM

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Greg Avery scored 20 points -- including Newark's final field goal with over 2 minutes remaining -- and the Wildcats hit foul shots for thier last seven points to beat Westerville South 62-57 Sunday night in a Division I regional championship game at Columbus Fairgrounds Coliseum.

Cody Dennison added 14 points and Rahlin Watson had 12 for Newark (22-4), which punched its ticket to play in a state semifinal game Friday at 8:30 p.m. at Ohio State's Value City Arena.

Michael Fletcher had 16 points and Jason Davis 10 for Westerville South (18-8).

Avery scored 10 of his points in the fourth quarter, none bigger than his three-point play with 2 1/2 minutes left that put the Wildcats ahead to stay, 55-52.

Westerville South cut the lead to one point on two occasions, but each time Newark -- which was 7-of-7 at the line after Avery's field goal -- hit free throws for some breathing room.