DARNEY JOINS 1,000 POINT CLUB; BOARDMAN WALKS AWAY WITH WIN
BOARDMAN, OH- It’s not easy to cross the 1,000 point threshold in the first place, having to do it in enemy territory presents an additional challenge, but last night in Boardman, the community gave Warren JFK’s Ava Darney a warm, standing ovation as the JFK Senior sank the first bucket of the game from beyond the arc. Darney came into the contest with 998 points in her historic career, and as JFK and Boardman did battle, the Boardman Spartans took center stage to celebrate their senior players in a 62-47 victory over the Eagles.
The game unfolded with a thrilling rhythm, as the Spartans’ seniors—Sam Duble, Mackenzie Riccitelli, and M.C. Werth—lit up the court with an impressive display of three-point shooting. All 11 of Boardman’s three-pointers came from the hands of these seasoned players, with Werth sinking 5, Duble nailing 4, and Riccitelli contributing 2.
Boardman’s dominance wasn’t just about long-range shots. They showcased a balanced offense, with four players reaching double digits. Duble and Sarah Bero led the charge with 16 points each, while Werth added 15 and Riccitelli battled foul trouble to secure 10 points.
Despite the intense competition, the Spartans’ victory was more than just about the scoreline. It was a heartfelt farewell to the seniors, who bid farewell to their home court in style. As the game concluded, Mikayla Rivera and Jocelynn Torres stepped up, allowing the seniors to bask in the well-deserved applause from the crowd.
Warren JFK’s Ava Darney led her team admirably with 17 points, reaching the milestone of 1,000 career points during the contest’s opening bucket. Didi Ryan and Gianna Pompelia also contributed with ten and eight points respectively for the Lady Eagles.
The Spartans expressed immense gratitude to their fans, whose energy and support fueled their performance throughout the game. With the regular season drawing to a close this Saturday against Salem, the team now gears up for the playoffs, with a home game scheduled against Massillon Perry on February 17th.
