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Copley, Ohio – Behind a dominant performance from senior forward Caleb Laurich, the Copley Indians clinched the Suburban League American Division with a 77-69 win against visiting Tallmadge Friday night.
Tallmadge came out strong in the first quarter. Behind baskets from Ty Hurst (he had six), and junior guard Caiden McCullogh’s seven, the Blue Devils led 21-15.
In the second quarter, Tallmadge added to their lead.
Freshman Kaden Davis had a pair of triples in the stanza, and scored all eight. With additional baskets from Noah Gergely and Collin Dixon, the Blue Devils led by as much as 30-18.
Copley cut their deficit to six before Tallmadge pulled away to end the half up 38-28, thanks to Davis’ second triple of the evening.
In the second half, the Indians would cut into their deficit, to the delight of the home crowd.
Copley connected from long range five times in the third to claw their way back into the game. Leo Gerber and Trent Wininger each had two, and senior guard Preston Taylor had the other.
Plus, they got huge efforts from Ohio Dominican commit Caleb Laurich. The 6’7 senior grabbed multiple rebounds and knocked down key shots in the third quarter. He also had the first of two big slams on the night, and a put-back to give Copley its first lead late in the third.
Tallmadge countered with the efforts of junior guard Ty Hurst. He had a pair of triples, and a steal and layup to put the Blue Devils ahead, 51-50 at the end of the third.
The momentum swung in favor of the Indians in the fourth.
Behind baskets from Laurich, Wininger, and junior wing Christian Hood, Copley would pad their led to double digits down the stretch. The Indians would make it hold up at the charity stripe, and held off a last-ditch comeback effort from Tallmadge. Said effort was punctuated by an emphatic dunk at the end of the game by Caleb Laurich.
Four players scored in double figures for the Indians, led by Laurich’s 24. Sophomore guard Trent Wininger had 19, followed by 12 from Leo Gerber, and 11 from Christian Hood.
Tallmadge was led by junior Ty Hurst’s 22 points (15 of them coming in the second half). Senior forward Aaron Gergely had ten.
Copley (14-4, 11-1 Suburban American) travels to Barberton Monday for a conference matchup Monday evening. They finish the regular season with trips to Medina (Tuesday) and Medina Highland (Friday).
Tallmadge (12-5, 8-4 Suburban American) hosts Cuyahoga Falls Monday evening in conference play. They finish the regular season with a home game against Woodridge and a road game at Barberton.
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