Tuesday Hoops Preview, 1/3
Western Reserve (5-1) at Crestview (6-1)
-A dream match up in football is a reality in hoops. The Rebels have allowed just one school (Springfield, 57) this season to score more than 45 points. Crestview is led by CJ Collins, who is averaging 13.9 points per game. Western Reserve is coming off of a 49-46 victory over Lake Center Christian on Friday. The Blue Devils were led by Thomas Benyo’s 18 points. Reserve’s lone loss was to South Range on December 23, 48-24.
Struthers (4-0, 6-2) at Howland (3-0, 5-2)
-The Wildcats last lost a league game on February 17, 2009 when Struthers dropped a road contest to Hubbard, 56-52. The ‘Cats are in the midst of a four-game win streak. During that stretch, senior Jake Jacubec has scored an average of 25.5 points per game. Howland began 2011-12 with a 3-0 mark. Since December 15; however, the Tigers are just 2-2. Bill Bogan’s bunch is 1-2 in games decided by 8-points or less.
Brookfield (6-2) at Newton Falls (6-2)
-A key midseason matchup pits the Warriors against Newton Falls. The Tigers began the season with a 4-0 start. Since December 20, the Falls are 2-2. Cody Dillon has scored 19.4 points this season. Brookfield lost two contests by a total of five points in the middle of December to Conneaut (47-45) and LaBrae (45-42). Preston Sirochman is averaging 20 points over his last two games.
Poland (3-3) at Boardman (3-4)
-The Bulldogs began the season with a surprising 1-3 mark. Within the last week, Poland has evened out their record by defeating Campbell (66-35) on Tuesday and Fitch (54-47) on Friday. In their victory over the Falcons, Colin Reardon posted a 23-point effort. Boardman also began the campaign with a 1-3 record. The Spartans have won two of three since December 20. Senior Dayne Hammond has registered an average of 12.7 over the course of their last three.
The Area’s Undefeated Teams
Beaver (1-1, 6-2) at New Castle (1-0, 8-0)
-Beaver won the Mohawk Holiday Tournament last Wednesday by knocking off the host Warriors, 62-41. The Bobcats have won three straight; however, Beaver has yet to defeat New Castle in Section 2 (AAA) competition. Since the Hurricanes dropped down to Class AAA in 2008, the ‘Canes have been victorious over Beaver each of their past six meetings. Shawn Anderson leads New Castle in scoring (21.3) over their last six games.
LaBrae (9-0) at Garretsville Garfield (2-5)
-The G-Men are reeling after three straight losses to Ravenna, Woodridge, and Cardinal. Now Garfield welcomes unbeaten LaBrae on Tuesday night. The Vikings are led by 6’7 sophomore Peyton Aldridge who is averaging 15.4 points.
Minerva (3-3) at East Liverpool (7-0)
-The Lions have lost their last two contests entering their match up against East Liverpool. Minerva has scored just 96-points over their past two games. The Potters have been led by senior Mow Mow Thompson who has posted 21.6 points per game for Nate Conley’s group.
