SPARTANS NEVER SAY DIE

HOWLAND CENTER, OH – The Boardman Spartans pulled off a comeback age for the ages. On the road at Howland, they would claw back from a 30-11 second-quarter deficit as they edged the Tigers 53-49 to open up AAC play. It all started when they used a 17-4 run to end the first half to only be down 34-28 at the break. In fact, the Spartans trailed throughout the majority of the game before they took the lead with less than two minutes to go.

The win was sealed by the Spartans’ own Mackenzie Riccitelli. The junior sank two clutch free throws and then got a layup off of a steal, all in a matter of the game’s final ten seconds. She led all scorers on the night with 26 points while going a perfect 10/10 from the line.

Despite being picked apart by the Howland offense with 24 first quarter points, the Spartan defense adjusted by shutting down the lanes and crashing the boards. Other key contributors behind Riccitelli include Faith Walston with her 9 points and Bella Martin (6 points) grabbing key offensive rebounds in transition. Sarah Bero also came in with 5 points and 9 boards.

Boardman (3-3. 1-0 AAC) will stay on the road this Saturday when they travel out to Girard. The Spartans will look to go above .500 for the first time since the 2018-19 season. The Indians are currently 4-2 and will play at Hubbard before Saturday’s game.

Howland (2-4, 0-1 AAC) will drop their second-straight as they will take a week off before starting their annual Toni Ross Holiday Tournament next Wednesday against Warren Harding. The Tigers won this tournament last year by beating Maplewood 67-35 and Champion 60-35. They swept the Raider last season by scores of 68-32 at home and 52-20 on the road.

Boardman coach Jeff Hammerton talked to YSN’s Noah Ricks as he reflected on the Spartans’ miraculous win. The full interview can be watched below.

*Contributed By YSN’s Noah Ricks