GARY LEININGER

EAGLES INCH PAST NILES IN ANOTHER NE8 THRILLER

NILES OH- The NE8 delivered another nail-biter Thursday night as Hubbard rallied to edge out Niles, 57-54. The Eagles had to claw their way back after a rough start, with the Red Dragons jumping out to a 19-9 lead after the first quarter.

Hubbard got a big lift from Khamyah Howell, who poured in 19 points. Layla Songer added 16, Cara Green chipped in 10, and Claire Murphy put up 8 to help seal the comeback.

For Niles, Caroline Cormell had the hot hand, leading all scorers with 22 points. Ava Ferri and Kherington Stanford each dropped 13, while Maddie Yost added 6.

Hubbard stays in the NE8 on Monday, hosting Struthers, while Niles hits the road to face Poland.