by Akron, Ohio – The Akron East Dragons held off Massillon Jackson, 60-54, in a non-conference contest Saturday evening.
The Polar Bears got multiple connections from long range to get off to a hot start in the first quarter. Mitch Finefrock, Cam Weekley, Craig Lawrence, and James Bossart each hit at least one triple. Jackson jumped out to a 17-7 lead before Akron East stormed back. The Dragons went on a 7-2 run to cut the deficit to 19-14 after one.
And they would continue their run in the second quarter and took the lead thanks to a triple from Darshawn Sales. Alvin Altman would respond with a bucket for Jackson and and and-one to tie the game up going into the half.
Akron East would take the lead thanks to the efforts of Le’Grand Sowell. He had a steal and a dunk in the third for two of his six points in the quarter. These, and a De’Arion Holley layup, pushed the Dragons to a 46-41 lead at the end of three.
The Dragons would maintain their lead by hitting clutch free throws down the stretch. Mike Woodall went 6 for 6 from the charity stripe including four free throws late in the game. The defense also stepped up in a huge way, holding Jackson to four second half field goals.
Senior Le’Grand Sowell had 20 points to lead all scorers. He was followed with 10 from fellow classmate Mike Woodall.
Akron East (6-0) travels to John Hay for a non-conference game on Tuesday, December 20th.
Massillon Jackson (3-3) has a game against University School on Thursday, December 22nd. The Polar Bears were led by senior James Bossart with 14 points. Sophomore guard Kyle Monterrubio had ten.
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