HOWLAND, OH – The Howland Tigers boys’ basketball team needed a signature win on Tuesday to start their home schedule. They would answer that call when they took on the Newton Falls. Howland used a 31-14 second-half (including a 19-6 third quarter) to take down the visiting Tigers by a score of 55-40. Coach Dan Bubon was happy with the way his team adjusted in the final sixteen minutes.

 

“We started making some shots,” he said. “In the first half, I thought we played, [but] we missed a lot of easy shots, and our defense actually got better. To hold that team to 40 points is a real testament to our defense. We gave up 26 points in the first half, which is not a lot, but, man the second half, we really shut them down and kind of wore them out, I thought, so it was a nice win.”

 

The host Tigers were not without their struggles, especially in the first half. Leading 24-18, Newton Falls went on an 8-0 run to close out the second stanza, all thanks to decent shooting from deep, in which they got seven three-pointers on the night. Bubon used the halftime break to make necessary adjustments and keep his guys focused.

 

“[I told them] to relax, because you can’t play offense if you’re tensed up and nervous. I thought on offense we passed up a lot of opportunities in transition. We weren’t sure if we were supposed to shoot, or pass, or what. I told them to relax and play and take the shots when they’re there and I kind of calmed us down. We’ve had a hard time finishing halves so far.”

 

Howland had a well-balanced attack with four players scoring in double figures: John Perry (15 points, seven rebounds), Alex Henry (14 points, three rebounds), Ben Bronson (12 points, one rebound), and Brandon Null (10 points, two rebounds). They also crashed the boards on defense, an aspect that was vital as Howland outrebounded Falls 17-14. Bubon likes how this is benefiting the team as a whole in the long run.

 

“[It’s] great, honestly great. It’s the second game in a row. Last game, we had four in double figures, and one with eight, so almost five in double figures. Four more today is great.”

 

Howland, with the win, will start their season 3-0 for the second year in a row. They will now have a big challenge heading their way on Friday when they welcome the Chaney Cowboys to town. The Cowboys gave the Tigers their first loss last season when they won 55-35 down in Chaney. Coach Bubon and his team will take on the challenge as he says that this is the one team that always has their number.

 

“They’re very good. They’ve been District Champs multiple times lately. They’ve had our number. Last year, we played them tough for a half, and then in the second half, they pulled away from us, so the kids know it’s a big game. They [Chaney] were District Champs last year, we were District Finalists last year, so if we want to get to their level, these are the teams that you’re going to have to start beating. They’re one of the few in the area that we haven’t beaten in the last few years. I think every other team around, I think Chaney and Boardman are the only two that we haven’t beaten at least once, so it’s a good challenge, and will let us know right where we’re at, and we’re looking forward to it.”

 

Newton Falls will drop their first game of the year as they drop to 4-1 on the year. They were led by Mac Haidet’s 13 points (including three threes and one rebound) while Dom Greathouse trailed with 10 points. They will take a 10-day break before trying to get back in the column on December 16th at Champion.

 

YSN’s Noah Ricks spoke with Howland head coach Dan Bubon following Tuesday’s contest. You can watch the full interview below.

*Contributed By YSN’s Noah Ricks