by Jackson Township, Ohio – In the penultimate regular season finale for both teams, Massillon Jackson withstood a furious Medina rally to emerge victorious, 61-59, Tuesday evening.
Medina jumped out to a 15-8 lead after the end of the first quarter, sinking a pair of triples in the process. Massillon Jackson rebounded in the second quarter, thanks to the efforts of big men Caden Edwards and Owen Woolbert. Each of them had a pair of buckets in the paint. Additionally, Mitch Finefrock sank the first triple of the game for the Polar Bears. Massillon Jackson would take a 24-19 lead going into the half, holding Medina to four points in the second quarter.
They would pad the lead even further, capping off the third quarter with an Anthony Fuline triple to beat the buzzer at the end of the third quarter. Jackson led 44-33 at the end of the three, and increased their lead to as much as 48-33.
Medina started to rally in the final quarter, increasing the press on defense and forcing several Jackson turnovers. Senior guard Carter Hipp had 11 points in the fourth, sinking a trio of triples. Luke Klanac had seven points of his own, including a layup and a three-point play late in the game. He also hit a layup with :08.4 left to cut the lead to 59-
Mitch Finefrock responded with a pair of clutch free throws with :07.5 remaining to push the lead to 61-57. These proved to be the difference, enabling Jackson to hang on for the victory. Brock Beech added a layup for the final margin.
Massillon Jackson (16-5) hosts Shaker Heights Friday night to conclude the regular season. They were led by senior forward and Harvard volleyball commit Owen Woolbert, who had 17 points. Sophomore guard Mitch Finefrock added 16.
Medina (14-7) hosts Euclid Friday night to conclude the regular season. Carter Hipp had 17 points to lead the Bees. Luke Klanac followed with 14.
Extended highlights here:
Medina Bees at Massillon Jackson Polar Bears (Boys Basketball) (02/14/2023) – YouTube
