TIGERS GET BACK ON TRACK

HOWLAND CENTER, OH – Coming off a rough loss to Chaney, Howland found a way to get back in the win column on Tuesday night. Despite a 13-11 first quarter deficit, the host Tigers outscored LaBrae in the final three quarters 47-17 en route to a dominant 58-30 victory. It was a splendid performance by a Tiger team that held LaBrae to just three points in the third quarter, including not giving up a single field goal in that period.

The Tigers found every opportunity as they were grabbing rebound after rebound and put some nice pressure on the Vikings offense to force turnovers and get nice open shots on the halfcourt sets, thanks to players like Alex Henry and Brandon Null, who both led the Tigers with 10 points. LaBrae could not find a rhythm on offense, despite 10 first quarter points by Austin Rowe. Rowe would finish the night with a game-high 13 points. The Vikings’ big man Blake Kahnell was shut down as the Tigers’ defense held him to single digits.

Howland’s Connor Durig made what was a lopsided game exciting late. The senior, who placed third at the OHSAA Track and Field Division I State Meet in the high jump, got a wide-open look, jumped, and slammed down a two-handed jam. Despite scoring single digits on the night, Durig added another dunk to his highlight reel to go along with his slam last year at Niles McKinley.

Howland (4-1) will now prepare for a big battle next week when they travel down to Louisville in what will be a rematch of last year’s District Final defeat. The Tigers fell short in that game 63-56 despite a furious second-half rally.

LaBrae (1-2) will fall below .500 for the first time since the 2019-20 as they will now travel out to Garrettsville on Friday to take on Garfield in what will be their first conference matchup of the year. The Vikings swept the G-Men last year by scores of 77-53 at home and 47-40 on the road. 

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