CHANEY ROPES IN DISTRICT CROWN

POLAND, Ohio –

Almost two years ago, the Poland Bulldogs defeated the freshly re-established Chaney Boys Basketball program at Boardman High School for the Youngstown District title. While Chaney wouldn’t come away with the victory that day, the result would spark a fire in the basketball program.

Throughout the 2019-2020 season, the Cowboys adopted the rallying cry of “Unfinished Business.” The Chaney program had unfinished business and wanted to make it back to the district final. They would, defeating Struthers 53-50, earning the right to move on and face Akron Saint VincentSaint Mary in the regional semi-finals. Then, COVID-19 struck, and it seemed as if the world had stopped turning.

With their season cut short, Chaney never got their shot at Saint V’s. Coming into the 2020-2021 season, there was more unfinished business for the Cowboys. Their first step was to repeat as district champions and in today’s matchup between Chaney and Poland, the Cowboys would not only accomplish their first goal, but get revenge in the process.

On route to their 70-48 victory, three different Chaney Cowboys put up double digits in their win: Sharrod Taylor – 26, Cam Lawrence – 14, Josiah Gonzalez – 12.

UP NEXT:

With the district title secured, the Chaney Cowboys (12-6) will now move on to face off with the winner of the Northeast 4 District, the Gilmour Academy Lancers (10-9).

While it has been an easy ride to this point in the postseason for the Cowboys, winning each game by at least 22 points, the Lancers had to scrap and claw through their district. An upset win over #3 seed Warrensville Heights and a district final win over #11 seed Padua Franciscan, the Lancers have won their last two games by a combined 5-points.

Chaney and Gilmour Academy will vie for the chance at a Regional title Thursday the 11th at Barberton High School. Tip off is scheduled for 8:15 pm but could be delayed due to the Saint Vincent Saint Mary and Struthers game starting at 5:30 pm.

*Contributed By YSN’s Jamie Thomson