Sports

Boardman holds off Poland 44-39 in 11th annual United Way Holiday Basketball Classic

By Mike Brown

December 10, 2023 10:19 AM

Poland head coach Eric Fender, bottom, second from left, talks strategy with his team during a timeout in Saturday night’s game against visiting Boardman in the 11th annual United Way Holiday Basketball Classic held at Poland. Mike Brown/Mahoning Matters

POLAND — Boardman and Poland, two of the top unbeaten boys’ basketball teams in the Mahoning Valley, clashed Saturday night in the final game of the 11th annual United Way Holiday Basketball Classic on the Bulldogs’ home floor.

Boardman wins physical game

In a physical, defensive-dominated game, it was the Spartans who emerged at the end with a hard-earned 44-39 win over the Bulldogs.

“We knew it was going to be physical, we scouted them (the Bulldogs) a couple games and their size inside was scary, but our guys really answered that challenge tonight,” said Boardman head coach Pat Birch. “I was very happy that they didn’t back down.”

“We knew that coach Birch and the assistants over there preach being physical and they knew we played a game last night and I’m sure they were trying to make it a little extra just to tire us out a little bit, and it ended up working,” said Poland head coach Eric Fender.

Spartans remain undefeated with the win

With the win, Boardman improved to 3-0 on the season, while Poland, which has three new starters in its lineup this season, dropped its first game and is now 2-1.

“This is a place that over the years when you come in here and get any type of win, you’re proud of it,” said Birch.

Boardman was led by 6-4 senior Nico Holzschuh who finished with 12 points, while 6-3 senior Noah Ziak finished with nine markers, Jeff Markovitch had seven, Terrell McDowell had five and Kaden Mayhew and Grayson Eichler had four points each.

“Nico Holzschuh battled all game and Jeffrey Markovitch had some big shots,” praised the Boardman mentor. “We put our bodies on the line and really battled and that’s all you can ask for as a coach.”

“You have to give them (the Spartans) credit where credit’s due, they hit some shots in the second half,” said Fender. “Markovitch hit a nice three and then he stepped up and knocked some free throws down towards the end of the game and you’ve got to tip your cap to them. They made a few more shots than we did.”

Poland was led by its talented sophomore point guard Carmine Tukalo who took game-scoring honors with 19 points, including three of the Bulldogs’ four three-pointers in the contest, while 6-1 senior Cole Fulton was next with nine points and Andrew Todd had four markers.

Poland hurt by turnovers

Fender said some early turnovers in the game provided Boardman with extra possessions.

“We just have to figure out some mistakes,” said the Poland coach. “We had too many turnovers in the first half, way too many turnovers, and again, that’s a testament to them (the Spartans) because they got us sped up and we have to do a better job of taking care of the basketball.”

In a game in which baskets were hard to come by because of the great defense played by both teams, the score was close throughout. Boardman’s biggest lead was five points on three occasions in the second half, including at game’s end, while Poland’s biggest lead was four points (4-0) to start the game and at 22-18 to open the third quarter.

“For us, we’ve still got a long way to go,” said Fender of his growing team. “We’re going to go through our growing pains, there’s no doubt about it, and we went through one tonight. We had a little adversity, facing a back-to-back, especially an early back-to-back when you’re not even at a 24-hour rest.”

The Bulldogs led 11-9 after one quarter and 19-18 at intermission, but Boardman outscored the hosts 15-11 in the third quarter to chisel out a 33-30 lead heading into the fourth stanza.

Boardman took a 40-37 lead on a layup by Holzschuh with just 3:03 left, but Poland eventually pulled within a point of the Spartans at 40-39, following a layup by Danny Nittoli with just 1:25 showing.

Boardman called a timeout and went to a deliberate style of offense, forcing Poland to eventually foul the Spartans with just 25.1 showing. The Spartans connected on both charity tosses to take a 42-39 lead. Poland attempted to tie the game but its three-point attempt missed the mark with 7.3 seconds left. Boardman collared the rebound and was fouled and finished off the five-point (44-39) win on two free throws by Kaden Mayhew.

“We had some big throws down the stretch and execution out of the timeouts,” observed the Boardman head coach. “Those are things that really make you proud as a coach when guys take what you’re asking them to do and execute it and win a close game.”

Birch said the Spartans love being a part of the tournament.

“We’re just proud to be part of this United Way Classic,” he said. “I’s a great event and they do a lot for our valley and so we’re happy to be a small part of that.”

Poland will host Hubbard Tuesday night.

“It’s take a day off tomorrow and get back at it on Monday for a quick turnaround on Tuesday,” said Fender. “We’ve got to come ready to go and come ready on our home floor.”

Boardman will travel to Youngstown East Tuesday evening.

“We have Youngstown East on Tuesday and I would imagine it will be much like this, a tough, physical battle,” closed Birch.