FITCH OWNS OVERTIME

By Tim Corso

AUSTINTOWN OH- Fitch used a big overtime push to get past Ursuline 73-64 Friday Night.

The Falcons got off to a fast start to begin the game with a 7-2 run. Unfortunately for the Falcons, that spark didn’t last long.

They held a slim lead after one quarter, but the Irish got things going.

Jayden Payne was a force in the paint and on the glass forcing the Falcons into many difficult shots.

His strong post-game helped bring the Irish back.

He would end up finishing the night with 12 points.

It was until the end of the first half that Ursuline got going. Down 20-18 late in the second frame, Ursuline went on a 15-0 run to end the first half. That run included multiple big three-pointers from Jaylen Gunther.

Gunther ended the game with 13 points.

Then, the second half…and it was all Fitch.

A once 15-point lead shrunk to just three after the third quarter. A lot of that was due to the stellar play of Deshawn Vaughn.

Vaughn hit a game-high four shots from deep as apart of his 26-point showing. His 19 points in the second half, and overtime was just the push the Falcons needed.

Vaughn made a big shot late that was answered by Gunther’s two free throws to send it to overtime.

In the extra session, Allen and Allex hill used their length and athleticism to shut down the glass and finish the game strong. Fitch outscored Ursuline 11-2 in the period.

On top of Vaughn’s big night, Marcel Finkley (14), Allex Hill (12), and Carter Owens (10) also reached double figures for the Falcons.

For the Irish, Geno Lucente (20) joined Gunther and Payne in double-figures in the setback.

For Fitch (10-6) they’ll take host Canton Glen Oak on Tuesday, 2/6.

As for Ursuline (12-3), they’ll have a quick turnaround and take on the South Range Raiders, tomorrow 2/3.