Tigers down Mustangs to hold N-O lead

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 3 January 2025 at 8:33 pm

Pulling away in the second half, defending co-champion Akron posted a 70-55 victory over visiting Medina this evening to remain atop the Niagara-Orleans League boys basketball standings at 4-0.

Leading by a narrow two point, 29-27, margin at the half, Akron used an 18-10 third period scoring edge to extend the advantage to 47-37 at the three-quarter mark. Demen Brooks scored 6 and Blake Gerstung 5 to lead that surge.

The Tigers then closed out the win by outpointing the Mustangs 23-18 down the stretch. Ben Gerstung scored 11 and Blake Gerstung 7, including two three’s, during that stretch.

Ben Gerstung finished with 24, Syras Jonathan 16 and Brooks and Blake Gerstung 13 each.

Jerrell Nealy took game high honors with 26 for Medina as Preston Woodworth had 8, Christian Moss 7, Kolton Fletcher 6, Cole Callard 5 and Avion Johnson 3.

Trailing 18-13 after one quarter, Medina took its lone lead late in the second quarter at 27-26 after back-to-back threes by Nealy and Johnson.

However, Akron regained the lead for good by a 29-27 margin at the half on a basket by Brooks and a free throw by Blake Gerstung.

The loss drops Medina to 1-1 in N-O action.