MANSFIELD -- Two taut results tightened the Ohio Cardinal Conference boys basketball race considerably after Tuesday night's action.
Mansfield Senior racked up a 68-58 road win at West Holmes, while New Philadelphia upset Lexington 55-53 to complete a dramatic turn of events.
The Minutemen started the season 12-0, but have dropped two of their past three games. This one was their first conference loss, leaving coach Scott Hamilton's squad with a 9-1 mark atop the league ladder. The Quakers are now 11-3 overall, 9-2 and a half-game behind Lex. Meanwhile, the Tygers improved to 10-5 overall, 8-2 and just a game back from the lead.
Adding to the intrigue, Mansfield Senior plays at Lexington on Friday night, with a shot at the top of the conference hanging in the balance.
At Millersburg, the Tygers used a superb 21-5 burst in the third quarter to put away the Knights.
Senior High earned a 20-18 first-quarter edge, but fell behind 31-29 at the half. That big third-period spree staked Marquis Sykes' squad to a 50-36 bulge heading to the final eight minutes.
The Tygers' pressure was simply too much for West Holmes, which committed 16 turnovers. Mansfield Senior also dominated inside the arc. Senior High drained 26-of-46 two-point field goals (56.7 percent).
LaLa Owens topped the Tygers with 21 points and seven rebounds, while sophomore Kyevi Roane contributed 18 points and five rebounds and Rashad Reed notched nine points.
West Holmes got 18 points from Zander Schultz, while Sam Sprang and Mason Wolfe each added 10. The Knights dropped to 2-15, 1-9, and host New Philadelphia on Friday night.Â
At Lexington, the Minutemen started off on the right foot, grabbing a 12-7 first-quarter lead, and maintaining a 28-25 margin at the half. But the game turned after intermission. New Philadelphia moved on top 42-40 after three periods, and hung on late for the victory.
Baden Forup was the catalyst for Lex with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Hudson Moore added 12 points. No one else reached double figures.
Owen Miller pumped in a career-high 17 to pace the Quakers. He was backed in double-figure scoring support by Michael Vickers (13), Colton Slaughter (12) and Carter Vandall (10). New Philadelphia won the game from behind the arc, connecting on 10-of-22 treys, while Lex hit on 4-of-9 from distance.
I've lived in Richland Co. since 1990, married here, our children were born here. This is home. I have two books published on a passion topic, Ohio high school football. Others: Buckeyes, Cavs, Bengals, Reds, History, Disney.
