by Stow, Ohio – The Stow Bulldogs defeated Walsh Jesuit, 45-41, Tuesday night.
Last season, Stow ended Walsh Jesuit’s playoff run in the sectional final on their way to a district final appearance. The Warriors, fresh off wins against St. Vincent-St. Mary’s and Chaney, looked to keep their momentum train going.
The Bulldogs would not make it easy, jumping out to a 10-3 lead in the first quarter thanks to the efforts of senior forward AJ Pestello. Pestello had seven points in the quarter and pulled down key boards throughout the game.
Walsh Jesuit would respond with a 7-0 run of their own to knot the score at 10 to close the quarter. Both teams traded baskets in the second quarter.
Down 19-16, the Warriors went on another run to close out the second quarter. Tyler Bell knocked down a game-tying triple, followed by three free throws from Sean Spicer. Bell would add another pair of charity stripe conversions, and the Warriors led 24-19 at the half.
The third quarter was a back-and-forth affair, as Reece Robinson-Smith and Nick Timberlake each knocked down a triple, and AJ Pestello had a basket and a pair of free throws.
Tyler Bell, Zach Halligan, and Ruel Tomlinson each had a basket in the third. Tomlinson had eight points off the bench for the Warriors, who led 32-29 after three.
Walsh Jesuit led 38-36 with less than two minutes remaining before Reece Raymond-Smith drilled a triple to give Stow the lead and send the crowd into a frenzy.
After a stop on the defensive end, Nate Boozer came up with a pair of free throws. Walsh Jesuit had a chance to tie when Sean Spicer was fouled on a three-point attempt.
However, Spicer was only able to make one of the three shots. Nate Boozer and AJ Pestello each split a pair of free throws, and the Bulldogs led 43-39.
Titus Baskerville IV sank a pair of free throws with :02.0 left to ice the game after a Zach Halligan layup.
Junior forward Reece Raymond-Smith had 15 points (10 in the second half). Nick Timberlake chipped in 12, and AJ Pestello had 11.
Stow (6-1) travels to Copley on Wednesday, Dec. 28th, to conclude the 2022 portion of their schedule.
Walsh Jesuit (6-1) plays Austintown Fitch in Hudson next Thursday, Dec. 29th. They were led with 13 from Sean Spicer and 11 from Zach Halligan.
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