PERRY PUTS ON A DEFENSIVE CLINIC
CANFIELD, OH — The Massillon-Perry Panthers earned a significant win over the Warren JFK Catholic Eagles, posting a 53-44 victory on Saturday night during the South Range Holiday Hoops Classic.
The Panthers came out strong, leading 16-12 after the first quarter and extending their advantage to 26-16 by halftime. A dominant third quarter saw Perry push their lead to 41-26. Though Warren JFK mounted a late comeback effort in the fourth quarter, the Panthers maintained control to seal the nine-point win.
Lila Kleve led Perry’s offensive charge with 22 points. Tatianna Evans added eight, while Katelyn Randulic and Jenna Haynes contributed seven and six points, respectively. Riley Minor chipped in six points and recorded three critical blocks to anchor the defense.
For the Eagles, Didi Ryan and Gianna Pompelia each tallied 14 points, with Addy Odille adding five. Despite their efforts, JFK was unable to overcome Perry’s balanced attack and defensive intensity.
Massillon-Perry (8-3, 3-2 Federal League) returns to Federal League action on Saturday, January 4, facing the league-leading Green Bulldogs (7-1, 5-0) at 1:15 p.m. Warren JFK (9-2, 2-0 Portage Trail Conference) will aim to rebound against the undefeated Maplewood Rockets (7-0, 4-0) on Friday, January 3, with a 1:45 p.m. tip-off.