PHOTO CREDIT: GARY LEININGER

LIONS CLAW PAST SOUTHERN

SALINEVILLE — Heartland Christian rode a massive second-quarter surge to secure a 75-53 victory over Southern Local on Wednesday night. A dominant 30-point second quarter and sharp three-point shooting propelled the Lions past a strong individual performance by Southern freshman Braxton Sloan.

Isaiah Matthews led Heartland with 18 points, knocking down four shots from beyond the arc. Collin Kalaher added 16 points, while Brody Conaway contributed 15 in a balanced team effort. The Lions’ hot shooting, including nine three-pointers, proved to be the difference.

Heartland took control early, building a 47-18 lead by halftime and extending it to 64-28 by the end of the third quarter. With the win, Heartland improved to 9-4 on the season, while Southern dropped to 5-7.

For Southern, Braxton Sloan was a standout, finishing with 30 points, including seven three-pointers, while also adding four rebounds, four steals, and three assists. Richie Sloan chipped in nine points and three steals, Mason Pitts led the team with eight rebounds, and Landon Heffner recorded two assists.

Both teams are back in action later this week. Southern will host Leetonia on Friday, while Heartland welcomes Youngstown East on Saturday.