by Canton, Ohio – Akron Buchtel defeated Youngstown Chaney, 62-56, in the Division II Canton Regional semifinal Thursday night at the Canton Civic Center.
Buchtel led 17-8 after the first quarter, thanks in part to a 9-2 run that occurred earlier in the first quarter. Marcel Boyce Jr. was the ringleader for the Griffs, scoring six first-quarter points.
The Griffs scored the first points of the second quarter to up their lead to 19-8. Chaney responded with a 6-0 run to cut their deficit to 19-14.
However, Buchtel would respond, as Marcel Boyce Jr. scored another six points in the second quarter, making each of his three shot attempts. The Griffs held the advantage in rebounding and on defense, as they padded their lead to 32-21 going into the halftime break.
The Cowboys responded in the third quarter, outscoring the Griffins, 14-8. Cliff Scott had six points in the period, and Luis Febres added four, as Chaney cut their deficit to 40-35 going into the final period.
Chaney would eventually tie the score thanks to the efforts of senior forward and University of Michigan commit Jason Hewlett.
Akron Buchtel had another response to put the game away for good. A pair of Khoi Thurmon free throws put the Griffs ahead 44-42, midway through the fourth. Triples by Diaire Pride and Stevie Diamond, as well as a Jayden Maxwell putback, also added to the Griff lead. From there, the Griffins iced the game at the line, as Boyce Jr., and Thurmon each sank key foul shots.
Akron Buchtel, now 20-6, advances to the regional final, where they will take on Gilmour Academy. The Lancers were triumphant over Glenville in overtime, 64-56, in the nightcap of Thursday’s doubleheader. That contest will take place Saturday, March 11th. Senior guard Marcel Boyce Jr. led the Griffs with 23 points. Senior guard and IPFW commit Khoi Thurmon added 16.
Youngstown Chaney finishes their season at 19-9. Jason Hewlett led the Cowboys with 19 points, followed by Josiah Gonzalez and Cliff Scott, who each had 12.
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