BIG FINISH IN BULLDOG COUNTRY; EP WINS OVER EAGLES

EAST PALESTINE, OH- Bulldog Head Coach, Bill Stanton knew how teams would approach his offense this year.  “Stop number 11.”  What he had up his sleeve was that if he could carve out a scorer or two with the heart his team possesses, it could give teams fits.  To open up the new year, East Palestine did things a bit different in their 64-57 victory over United, they found confidence with the basketball, which in turn, made them a very dangerous team.

John Bertovich, AKA “Number 11”, was able to muster up 31 points in what was an impressive showing all around the floor.  Dazzling buckets on the inside, and shots from beyond the arc that would make Steph Curry blush.  However, it was the combination of Tyler Bistarkey, Brandon Turcola, Zion Figley, and Westin Jones that sealed the deal in this one.  Figley showed incredible heart and determination when he splashed a pair of three’s at crucial moments to keep the Bulldogs surging while finishing with 12 tallies on the night.  Bistarkey had 10 points, but his defense was his calling card on Friday, as he was tasked with defending 6’7 Nate Miller down low, and at one point had a rejection that sent the Dog Pound into a frenzy.  Brandon Turcola and Westin Jones combined for 11 points, but the hustle and drive throughout the game closed out the victory for East Palestine.

United continues to look for its first victory on the season.  Nate Miller finished with 22 for the Eagles on the inside, while Keaton Baker had 14.  Parker Berdine would finish with 6 on the night for the Eagles as well.

East Palestine (2-5) will now prep for EOAC leader, Columbiana on Tuesday in the Dog Pound.  Tip is set for 7pm, with Dan and Tim Figley on the call on YSN.