GIRARD BREATHES EASY DOWN THE STRETCH

NILES OH- Last time these two met, it came down to one point. This time, it was different as a tough first half battle soon turned into a one sided affair in the second half as the Girard Indians remain undefeated in the NE8 after sweeping and beating rival Niles by the final of 66-37 on Tuesday at Niles McKinley High School. 

For Niles, the only one who scored in the double digits was Matthew Kozak with 11 points.  That would be followed up by a combined 14 by Anthony Budak and Robert Strickland, six for Keyshon Talley, four for Sam Perrone and two for Stephon Dorsey. 

For Girard, it was Gus Johnson leading the pack with 19 points.  Thomas Cardiero finished with 15 points, combining 18 for Mike Palmer and Jordan Johnson, six points for Ryan Fitzgerald, five for Bobby Alejars, two for Tuff Mcconahy, and a point for Melvin Dixon. 

Girard (12-2, 8-0 in NE8) will travel to Struthers to take on the Wildcats (7-5,4-3).  Niles (9-5 4-4 in NE8) will travel to North Lima to take on the South Range Raiders (5-6, 3-3)  in hopes of sweeping them.  After the game, Ian O’Brien caught up with coach Craig Hannon and player of the game Gus Johnson about the game and what to expect Friday against the Wildcats. 

*contributed by YSNs Ian O’Brien*