HOBAN PROVES A TALL TASK FOR LEOPARDS

LIBERTY, Ohio –

In a rematch from early last season the Liberty Leopards (1-3) played host to the Akron Archbishop Hoban Knights (1-0). Coming off a regional final appearance in 2022, the Knights quickly showed why they’re considered one of the top teams in Northeast Ohio.

The duo of Will Scott and Jonas Nichols that helped lead the Knights to last seasons 20-8 record combined for 48 total points in Hoban’s 81-40 routing of Liberty. Scott started the game strong, dropping 13 first quarter points. Liberty sophomore forward, Evan Bates, paced the Leopards with 7 in the first period.

Following up Scott’s 13 point first, Jonas Nichols responded with 13 of his own points in the second quarter, helping Hoban take a 50-25-point lead into the half. KJ Turner led the Leopards with 7 points in the second quarter.

Scott and Nichols continued to dominate in the second half, totaling 8 points apiece as Hoban sprinted away with the game in hand.

LEADING SCORERS –

LIBERTY:

KJ Turner – 14 points

Evan Bates – 12 points

Bra’Sean Black – 8 points

HOBAN:

Will Scott – 26 points

Jonas Nichols – 22 points

Liberty – The difficult start to the season gets no easier for the Leopards with their next opponent, a road test against the Chaney Cowboys (2-1). The Cowboys are coming off back-to-back road wins against Warren Harding and Howland.

Hoban – The defending Twinsburg district champions continue their road trip to start the season, as the Knights will travel South to take on the Dalton Bulldogs (1-2).

*Contributed By YSN’s Jamie Thomson