Frontrunning Tigers down Mustangs

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Justin Pitts puts up a shot against Akron defenders Brayden Lamont (10) and Coy Patterson (21) during the Mustangs home court loss to the Tigers this evening.

Improving to 4-0, Akron posted a 53-44 victory over host Medina in a Niagara-Orleans League boys basketball game this evening.

The victory keeps Akron a half game ahead of defending champion Newfane (3-0) which downed rival Wilson 67-54.

Ben Gerstung scored a game high 25 points to lead the way for the Tigers as Trace Hill added 9, Syras Jonathan 8, Jake Leach 5, Brale Abrams 4 and Brayden Lamont 2.

Jerrell Nealy scored 17 and Cole Callard 10 to pace the Mustangs as Justin Pitts added 8, Christian Moss 6 and Trevon Shine 3.

Akron held narrow leads of 12-11 after the first quarter and 24-21 at the half as Gerstung tallied 13 during that stretch. Nealy and Callard each scored 8 to keep Medina close.

The Tigers extended their advantage a bit to seven, 37-30, at the three-quarter mark as five players contributed points in the third period. Nealy led the Mustangs during that stretch with 8.

Akron opened up an 11 point, 46-35, advantage midway through the final period after a three and a layup off a turnover by Gerstung.

Medina did pull back to within five, 48-43, with two minutes to go after a pair of threes by Pitts. However, the Mustangs would get no closer as a three by Gerstung and a pair of free throws by Hill put a lock on the win for the Tigers.

N-O Standings: Akron 4-0, Newfane 3-0, Roy-Hart 1-1, Albion 1-2, Wilson 1-2, Medina 0-2, Barker 0-3.

Akron’s Ben Gerstung, who had a game high 25 points, drives on Medina’s Preston Woodworth.