Mustangs top Rams to grab N-O lead

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 22 December 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Jalin Cooper (1) soars to block a shot attempt by Roy-Hart’s Justin Heschke as Tyler Ames (22) helps to defend for the Mustangs. The action took place during Medina’s key win at Roy-Hart this evening.

Sparked by a swarming, aggressive defense, Medina posted a key 50-34 victory over host Roy-Hart this evening to take over sole possession of the Niagara-Orleans League lead.

The victory boosts the Mustangs N-O record to 3-0 while the Rams slip to 2-1.

Daryl Haynes scored a game high 19 points for Medina as Jalin Cooper and Justin Morgan both netted 9, Johnny Salone 6, Dylan Lewis 3 and Ronnie Koonce and Tyler Ames 2 each.

Andy Xapsos led Roy-Hart with 15 as Chris Anderson and Matt Borel both tallied 7, Jacob Bruning 3 and Brendon Hess 2.

Justin Morgan puts up a shot for Medina.

Breaking away from a 21-21 halftime deadlock, Medina regained the lead for good by opening the third period with a 10-2 run. Morgan hit back-to-back threes to ignite that uprising which also included jumpers by Haynes and Morgan vaulting the Mustangs out to a 30-24 advantage.

Roy-Hart did close to within three, 34-31, late in the period after a three by Xapsos and a pair of buckets by Anderson but the Rams would get no closer.

Medina maintained a six point, 37-31, lead at the three-quarter mark on a dramatic three at the buzzer by Haynes.

Roy-Hart’s Ben Maynard puts up a shot as Johnny Salone defends for Medina.

The Mustangs quick, swarming defense then blanked the Rams from the field in the final period.

Haynes hit four straight baskets and Cooper followed up with a dunk off a steal to spark Medina out to a 13 point, 47-34, advantage midway through the period.

Roy-Hart’s Chris Anderson reaches for a rebound over Medina’s Tyler Ames.

CSAT 56, Barker 40

Leading by a single point, 30-29, at the half, CSAT used a 12-5 third period scoring edge to key a 56-40 victory over visiting Barker.

Nate Luckman scored 15 and Eddie Wasnock 11 for Barker.

Both teams are now 1-2 in N-O competition.