HERALDS LOSE HEARTBREAKER IN FINAL MOMENTS
Saybrook, OH- In a competitive NAC matchup on January 31, 2025, the Saint John Heralds (7-7) hosted the Bristol Panthers (12-6) at Saint John High School in Ashtabula, Ohio. Both teams entered the game seeking a key conference win as the regular season winds down.
Game Summary:
The Heralds came out firing in the first quarter, fueled by an energetic crowd and sharp offensive execution. They put up an impressive 23 points while holding the Panthers to 15. Sophomore standout Chase Newsome showcased his scoring prowess early, setting the tone for the Heralds’ strong start.
Bristol, however, would not be rattled. The Panthers rallied in the second quarter, outscoring Saint John 19-9 behind a dominant performance from Jack Berry, who proved to be a scoring machine throughout the night. By halftime, the Panthers had seized a narrow 34-32 lead.
The third quarter saw both teams struggle offensively as defenses tightened. Bristol edged Saint John 9-6 in the frame, extending their lead to 43-38 heading into the final quarter. Despite trailing, the Heralds refused to back down.
Saint John mounted a valiant fourth-quarter comeback attempt, with senior guard Vin Narducci and sophomore Chase Newsome leading the charge. They combined for key baskets, cutting into Bristol’s lead. The Heralds scored 15 points in the final frame, but the Panthers’ balanced scoring and clutch free throws secured a hard-fought 56-53 victory.
Key Performers:
Saint John Heralds:
- Chase Newsome: 16 points
- Vin Narducci: 12 points
- Dyln Newsome: 10 points
- Grayson Petros: 9 points
- Aaron Wychock: 5 points
- Gus Petros: 1 point
Bristol Panthers:
- Jack Berry: 23 points
- Kaiden Kohler: 13 points
- Brody Smith: 10 points
- Diesel Williams: 9 points
- Croc Thorp: 1 point
Jack Berry’s 23-point performance was instrumental in Bristol’s win, as he consistently found ways to score against Saint John’s defense. Kaiden Kohler and Brody Smith provided solid secondary contributions for the Panthers.
Looking Ahead:
Saint John (7-8) will look to bounce back quickly as they host fellow NAC member Maplewood Rockets on February 1, 2025. Bristol (13-6) will aim to maintain their momentum when they return home to face the Chalker Wildcats on the same night.
Despite the loss, the Heralds’ resilience and balanced scoring highlighted their growth as a team. With key contributions from both upperclassmen and underclassmen, Saint John continues to be a formidable presence in the NAC.