EAGLES GET BRAGGING RIGHTS IN BACKYARD BRAWL

HOWLAND CENTER, OH – The John F. Kennedy Eagles are a high-scoring unit that averages around 75 points a game. Despite first half struggles at rival Howland on Tuesday, the Eagles showed exactly why. The third quarter was monstrous as they outscored the Tigers 33-9 in the period and held off a late rally to take a 58-56 victory.

JFK was aggressive on defense all night, hustling to the ball carrier and being in places where the Tigers offense would least expect it. That would set up opportunities for their best scorers in Michael Condoleon and Nick Ryan to unleash their will. Driving guard play by Condoleon and Ryan picked up the hot hand from downtown to embolden the third quarter streak. On the night, Condoleon cashed in 15 points while Ryan contributed 13.

Howland saw themselves down 49-31 in the third as they would try to push with a 25-9 rally, but would get no closer than a two-point deficit. Three players scored in double figures to help the Tigers, a charge that was led by junior Alex Henry. The fourth quarter would be his shine as he helped push the team on his way to a 20-point night. 

Foul shots in the waning minutes helped JFK maintain two-possession leads. They would force the Tigers to quick fouls to help send shooters like Nick Ryan and Devonte Taylor to the line. The Eagles would hit four shots in the final 50 seconds to silence Howland.

Warren JFK (15-3) has now won two of their last three meetings with the Tigers as they will travel to St. Thomas Aquinas on Friday for the second game of a five-game roadstand to end the regular season. This will be the second meeting as the Eagles fell short to the Knights back on January 6th 67-54. Howland (9-10) will look to snap a two-game losing streak on Friday when they travel to Canfield for a rematch with the Cardinals. Canfield was victorious back on January 17th by a narrow 54-51 margin. 

YSN’s Noah Ricks got a chance to speak with JFK coach Mark Komlanc following the rivalry victory. The full interview can be watched below.

*Contributed By YSN’s Noah Ricks