TIGERS COME OUT ON TOP IN AAC CLASSIC IN CLEVELAND

CLEVELAND OH- In a special edition of an All-American Conference (AAC) matchup, The Howland Tigers did battle with The Austintown Fitch Falcons in a girls and boys doubleheader, hosted in Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. In the home of The Cavaliers, the two conference opponents did not disappoint on the big stage!

Exchanging multiple buckets in the first quarter, Zayda Creque got it going from distance for Fitch, while Jessie DeSalvo found responses for The Tigers, thus creating a very competitive first quarter. As the first eight minutes saw high levels of scoring, for the second eight, that was not the case. With defense taking center stage for the second quarter, Howland kept themselves in front by creating live-ball turnovers. However, Fitch kept within striking distance with the one-two punch of Jocelyn Jourdan and Kylie Folkwein controlling the glass and getting plenty of second chance points. The Tigers led after the first half by a score 26-20.

The second half saw much of the same as the previous. With the back-and-forth battle carrying over the halftime break. Fitch got a bucket better to end the third, trailing Howland by four points heading into the fourth quarter. The Falcons were able to even the game up 37-37 at the start of the final quarter, creating a heightened sense of drama for the first contest of the day in Cleveland. 

A couple of players showcased their “clutch” gene in the final frame on the big stage of an NBA court. Rachel Spalding for Fitch came up with two big-time shots, including one from distance that served to be blows to Howland. However, The Tigers had a response in the ever-confident, ever-clutch Alyssa Massucci! Sooch earned Player of The Game honors with her 23 point performance, including multiple big time baskets in the winding moments of the game. Helping lead her team to the 49-44 victory over Fitch, the win helps Howland keep pace in their conference hopes! 

Following the loss, Fitch will continue to look for their first conference victory, with their first matchup with The Warren Harding Raiders slated to visit on Wednesday, January 4th. While The Tigers had a matchup so nice, they will do it twice! With a second consecutive matchup with Fitch scheduled in Austintown on Monday, January 9th. Be sure to stay tuned to the YSN “standings” page to keep up with all the changes!

*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell