Tnl-News.com - Title up for grabs this Saturday

Adam Wackerly

By TODD REED

News Leader Sports Editor

www.tnl-news.com

Malvern advanced to the sectional finals at New Philadelphia with an 83-58 win over Toronto.

Adam Wackerly exploded for a career-high 27 points to lead the Hornet attack. The senior also dished out five assists.

Travis Tucci recorded a double-double with 14 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.

Sean Kettering came off the bench to score 12 points, pull down five rebounds and swipe four steals.

Max Kapron had nine points and 10 boards, Nick Palleschi had eight points and eight rebounds, and Nolan Champer had six rebounds and four points.

"It was good to get that first tournament win," commented Head Coach Dennis Tucci. "We were the faster team tonight. We beat them to every rebound. Those rebound numbers were unbelievable.

"Adam had a great shooting night, as he tied his career high with 27 points. Travis played an excellent all-around game, Max was tough inside. Nick and Nolan combined for 12 points and 14 rebounds.

"Sean was outstanding again. He has really played well recently. I am not surprised. This is what I expected from him all along. He is certainly playing his best basketball at the right time.

"Doug Wood has also been strong and consistent throughout the last half of our schedule."

Malvern was 30-of-62 from the field and 17-of-23 from the line, while Toronto was 22-of-55 from the floor and 13-of-17 from the line.

The Hornets held a huge rebounding advantage, 48-16.

Joey Shimmel tallied 23 points for Toronto (7-14).

Malvern will face Tusky Central for a sectional title this Saturday, March 6, at 8 p.m., at New Philadelphia High School. The teams split their two regular-season games, with each school defending its home court.

"We have a tough one on Saturday night," noted Coach Tucci. "It should be a classic IVC match-up."

The winner will play in a district semifinals contest at Meadowbrook High School on Wednesday, March 10, at 7 p.m.

Malvern 66 - Strasburg 53

Earlier in the week, the Hornets won a road game at Strasburg 66-53.

Malvern led 14-12 after the first quarter of play, 24-23 at halftime and 43-40 heading into the crucial fourth stanza.

Over the final eight minutes of play, Malvern dominated at both ends, outscoring the hosts 23-13.

Tucci had a monster game with a career-high 28 points, five assists and four rebounds.

Wackerly had 17 points, five assists and four rebounds; Kettering had nine points and four boards; Kapron had five points and six rebounds; Wood had four points, three rebounds and three assists; and Palleschi grabbed six boards.

"This was our last game in the old Strasburg gym and we won there for the fifth consecutive year," stated Coach Tucci. "That is an unbelievable accomplishment.

"We had some outstanding individual performances. Travis had a career high with 28 points. Adam had a great all-around game. Doug and Sean continued their steady all-around play, and Nick and Nolan were once again outstanding on defense. They held their leading scorer to four points.

"It seemed like every possession was important for us on defense. Our seniors have done an excellent job of instilling that thought process into our younger players. We dominated them on the boards, and played a great game."

Malvern was 27-of-50 from the field and 10-of-15 from the line, while the Tigers were 20-of-50 from the field and 8-of-13 from the line.

Hunter Schneiter scored 22 points for Strasburg, while teammate Tyler Bell chipped in with 13.

Malvern 76

Newcomerstown 54

The Hornets closed out the regular season with a convincing win against host Newcomerstown.

Malvern led 19-9 after one period of play, 38-27 at halftime and 55-36 entering the final eight minutes of play.

Wackerly paced the way with 20 points, Tucci added 19, Kettering had 11 and Kapron had nine points.

Malvern (14-7) finished up tied for second in the Inter-Valley Conference with a 12-4 record, game behind league champion Hiland.

treed@the-review.com