News Archive
Eagles Storm Past Harrison In Boys Basketball Tourney Opener
Milford rode a red hot start to a victory in the opening round of the OHSAA Tournament on Friday night as the Eagles knocked off Harrison 55-37. The Eagles jumped out front by a 20-3 score and never looked back as the No. 17 seed advanced to the second round of the tournament where they will face No. 6 seed LaSalle on Tuesday night, back at Lakota West.
GAME REWIND
The night couldn’t have started any better for the Eagles as they made 9 of 11 (81.8%) first quarter shots to jump to a big early lead. Three-pointers were the key to a 16-0 run to start the game as Jack Liles knocked down a pair of triples and Steven Huxell connected on one.
As efficient as the Eagles were in the first eight minutes, they struggled to find their scoring touch in the second period as they made just 1 of 6 field goals and were outscored 8-6. Harrison really cranked up its defense in the second, holding the Eagles scoreless for a period of almost five minutes.
Milford didn’t let the tough second quarter deter its effort after halftime as they got back on track, opening a game-high lead of 23 nearly halfway through the third. The big lead was built by a second half opening 11-0 run by the Eagles.
Harrison tried to make a game of it in the fourth quarter, but could get no closer than 12 points. Despite being held to just two field goals in the period, the trio of Jake Ayler, A.J. Dickerson and Huxell combined to go 7 of 9 from the foul line to send Milford to next round.
RECORDS
Milford 11-11, 6-6 ECC
Harrison 10-13
KEY PLAYERS
Milford
Steven Huxell 20 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals
Jack Liles 13 points, 4 rebounds
Harrison
Will Nieman 13 points
Connor Kinnett 12 points, 6 rebounds
NUGGETS OF NOTE: Harrison’s leading scorer Spencer Kinnett was held in check by the Eagles, specifically by the duo of Dickerson and Caleb Farrell. After averaging nearly 16 points this season, Kinnett was held to just four points as he was frustrated by tough defense and foul trouble throughout.
Huxell scored 20 points, marking the sixth time this season and fourth time in the last six games, he’s recorded at least 20.
