URSULINE TAKES OUT REIGNING STATE CHAMPION

By Tim Corso 

YOUNGSTOWN OH- Ursuline fought its way past Akron Hoban Tuesday night 55-52.

A highly anticipated matchup lived up to the billing between the Irish and Knights as the game came down to a potential game-tying shot that fell short at the buzzer.

Despite outscoring Ursuline 15-9 in the final frame, Hoban’s comeback attempt fell short.

It was Ursuline going on a 13-0 run to end the first half that carried its momentum to the win.

The work on both ends of the floor for Jayden Payne sparked the Irish win, as well as forcing countless Knights’ turnovers.

Payne finished with a game-high 15 points while grabbing double-digit rebounds.

Akron Hoban’s push back was in thanks to the hot shooting of Joey Hardman.

Hardman used a couple big shots to cut down the lead to just one for Ursuline after they held a 7-point advantage following the third quarter.

Hardman finished with a team-high 14 points in the setback.

Jonas Nichols added 8 for the Knights, while Jaylen Gunther finished with 13 for the victorious Irish.

Ursuline (15-3) will host Bristol next on Friday 2/16. Akron Hoban (13-7) will travel to Gilmour Academy on 2/16.

Game Photos HERE: https://ysn.smugmug.com/2-13-b-bb-ursuline-hoban/2-13-b-bb-hoban-ursuline/105EOS1D