GRIT PAYS OFF FOR DEVILS OVER SPRINGFIELD

McDONALD, OH- Senior Wyatt Wolford and sophomores Brady Klockner and Joey Cappuzzello each contributed 12 points to lead McDonald (7-6) to their seventh win of the season, matching their previous year’s total. Notably, this victory marks the Blue Devils’ first triumph over the Tigers since January before the pandemic.

The McDonald Blue Devils, led by a youthful roster of eight sophomores, appear to be finding their groove as they navigate the challenges of the season. The team’s recent hard-fought 57-54 home victory against the experienced Springfield Tigers is a significant win that they hope will fuel their momentum moving forward.

In a closely contested matchup, Springfield (9-3) held a slim 9-7 lead after the first quarter. However, McDonald kicked off the second quarter with a quick three-pointer from Klockner, sparking a pivotal 7-0 run for the Blue Devils. The teams traded blows, with Tigers junior Carson Cunningham scoring eight points in the second quarter, giving Springfield a 32-31 lead at halftime.

The turning point came in the second half, as McDonald’s Casey Miller hit a crucial three-pointer, and Cappuzzello made a pair of free throws to give the Blue Devils a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. A decisive 9-0 run, featuring clutch threes from sophomores Jonathan Black and Drew Zajack, kept the Tigers at bay until the final minutes.

For Springfield, Aiden Appel led the scoring with 13 points, while senior Sean Guerriero added 12. Dylan Sheely (11) and Carson Cunningham (10) also reached double figures.

McDonald Blue Devils now look ahead with confidence, building on this significant win as they continue their season journey.