Minerva boys rebound with big win over Fairless

Unfortunately, the Minerva boys’ team made the naughty list last week as the Lions saw their three-game winning streak end during their final game before Christmas in a 75-46 defeat at Steubenville.

The good news is that Minerva didn’t stay that way for long. The Lions were back on the good list soon after a home game in which Minerva doubled up Fairless, 68-34.

First on the calendar for Minerva was the Big Red in a nonconference matchup Dec. 23. Steubenville jumped out to a 15-9 lead as the first quarter ended, but that was just a portent of what was to come.

In the second period, the Big Red went off, scoring 27 points to put the game, for all intents and purposes, out of reach at 42-24. Steubenville (5-0) entered the game ranked in the top 10 among Ohio Div. III schools, and it was easy to see why as the Big Red’s defense came up with 17 steals and caused 22 Minerva turnovers.

Rowen Hoffee scored 14 points to lead the Lions, while Braydon Wood chipped in 12 points as well as eight rebounds. Steubenville was paced by Santino Haney, who scored 21 points.

After a well-deserved rest, Minerva again remained out of conference in welcoming Fairless Dec. 27. In a polar opposite of the Steubenville game, the Lions pounced on the Falcons, roaring to a 15-4 advantage after one quarter. Minerva ended up taking a commanding 37-15 lead into the intermission to put this one out of reach early.

Balanced scoring was key as Minerva had three players reach double digits. Hoffee again led the parade, scoring 16 points while Wood and Owen Shick added 13 points apiece for the Lions (5-3). Ontrell Hunter led Fairless (2-5) with 12 points.

Girls Basketball

In a nonconference contest, the Lady Lions couldn’t keep pace with Ridgewood, losing 35-25 as Minerva saw its brief one-game winning streak come to an end.

The Generals extended their slight advantage every quarter, leading by two after one quarter, six at the break, then by eight as the teams entered the final period of play. Ireland Kirkpatrick netted nine points to lead the Lions (1-8) while Peyton Beaumariage added six. Ridgewood (3-6) was led by Taylor Hahn’s 15 points.

Wrestling

The Lions competed at the prestigious 65th North Canton Holiday Wrestling Tournament, hosted Dec. 19 and 20 by Hoover High School. In a field of 54 teams, Minerva placed 19th overall with 66.5 points while Louisville was crowned team champion with 214.0 points.

Minerva had one wrestler work his way to the podium as senior Lincoln Wallace finished in sixth place at 165 pounds. Wallace lost a tough 4-1 decision to Talon Boyd of Ashland in the fifth-place match.