HERALDS LATE GAME COMEBACK FALLS SHORT
Photo Credit: Mickey Zheng Photography
Ashtabula, OH- The game between the St. John Heralds and the Mathews Mustangs unfolded in a series of closely contested quarters that kept the spectators eagerly anticipating each play. The opening quarter saw both teams matching each other point for point, with a balanced score of 13-13. However, the second quarter proved to be a turning point as the Mathews Mustangs surged ahead, outscoring the Heralds by a notable margin, establishing a 36-20 lead by halftime. Despite the Heralds’ efforts to close the gap in the third quarter with a 16-point effort, the Mustangs maintained their advantage, heading into the final quarter with a 56-36 lead. The Heralds showed resilience in the fourth quarter, putting up 23 points, but the Mustangs managed to secure the victory with a final score of 69-59. The back-and-forth nature of the quarters highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams, making for an exciting and hard-fought game.
Top Performers:
St. John Total Points:
- Anthony Severino: 16 points
- Aaron Wychock: 2 points
- Aj Henslee: 11 points
- Brady Cole: 7 points
- Vin Narducci: 23 points
- Anthony Petrochello: 3 points
Mathews Total Points:
- Dom Spagnoletta: 35 points
- Jake Petak: 10 points
- Dom Toto: 10 points
- Cody Kuhn: 3 points
- Ty Grimes: 6 points
- Anthony Marinkovich: 2 points
- Billy Woodall: 3 points
Long Range Success:
Anthony Severino showcased his three-point shooting prowess, sinking 3 shots from beyond the arc, including 2 crucial baskets in the fourth quarter. Vin Narducci also made an impact from long range, hitting 2 three-pointers, with a pivotal one in the final quarter.
Despite the individual standout performances, the Heralds couldn’t overcome the Mustangs’ consistent scoring throughout the game.
Game Analysis:
The first half saw both teams neck and neck, with St. John and Mathews tied at 13 points each after the opening quarter. However, Mathews surged ahead in the second quarter, outscoring the Heralds by ten points and establishing a lead they maintained until the final buzzer.
Vin Narducci’s impressive 23-point contribution for the Heralds and Dom Spagnoletta’s stellar 35-point performance for the Mustangs were standout moments, showcasing the individual talents on display throughout the game.
Despite the loss, the Heralds exhibited resilience and determination, making it a hard-fought battle for Mathews.
Looking Ahead:
The St. John Heralds, now with a record of 0-6, will hit the road for their next challenge against the Chalker Wildcats (2-4) on 01/05/24. The Wildcats, coming off a tough loss to the Bristol Panthers, will be eager to bounce back.
Meanwhile, the Mathews Mustangs (6-1) will enjoy home-court advantage in their upcoming matchup against the Cardinal Huskies (2-4) on 01/02/24. The Huskies, fresh from a defeat against the Pymatuning Valley Lakers, will be seeking redemption in this clash of rivals.
As the season progresses, both teams will strive to leave their mark on the league, and fans can expect more exciting matchups and memorable performances in the games to come.
