BERTOVICH CALLS GAME IN LIONS WIN OVER JFK

Columbiana, OH- Jonathan Bertovich can be described as quiet and unassuming off the court, and he often tacitly performs his duties as Heartland Christian’s floor general as well. On Monday afternoon, a Presidents’ Day matchup between two Division IV teams hoping to make a deep run in the upcoming OHSAA playoffs, Heartland hosted Warren JFK in a thriller that ended with Bertovich calmly hitting a 30-foot jumper at the buzzer giving the Lions a 64-61 victory. “Silent Cal” Coolidge, would have been proud.

The first half was dominated by the Lions. Nate Garzanich carried the load in the first quarter hitting two threes, while the consistent efforts of Steven Baker and Joey Donofrio on both ends of the court led to a 32-19 Lions’ lead at the half. It was a half where the Eagles played well but couldn’t seem to buy a bucket. That would change.

The Eagles soared into the second half with a 26-point third quarter led by senior standout Cameron Hollobaugh. They trailed by just two, 47-45 heading to the fourth quarter. The game seemed destined for overtime after several lead changes in the final eight minutes. Twice JFK was able to take the lead only to see the Lions respond and lead 61-57 before the Eagles were able to knot it at 61 apiece with just seconds remaining setting the stage for the game-winner.

Coach Josh Scott drew up the play hoping to get Bertovich off a screen as the clock ran down, and he got just what he envisioned. The pristine looking silky smooth jumper from his sharp-shooting junior had that feel from the moment it left his hand.

Heartland was led in scoring by Joey Donofrio and Luke Reynolds with 14 each. Reynolds was outstanding throughout and was key to putting the Lions in position to win.

Hollobaugh led all scorers with 29 for JFK.
The Eagles dropped to 7-4, but their strong schedule has earned them a two-seed in their district bracket. The Lions improved to 15-4 and have earned the top seed in their bracket.

Brookfield comes to town to face the Lions on Thursday evening while Crestview will close out Heartland’s regular season on Saturday. Catch all the action on YSNLive.com

*Contributed By YSN’s Mark Franken