DIVISION II Canfield, Niles on top, meet in final Saturday

The Cards defeated Salem while the Red Dragons dethroned Poland.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
AUSTINTOWN -- The Canfield High girls basketball team gave to those less fortunate -- last year's seniors -- because it enjoyed what the graduates could not.
A district semifinal victory over Salem.
The Cardinals avenged last season's tournament loss to the Quakers with a 63-54 win in a Division II district semifinal Thursday at Fitch High. Canfield (17-6) will play Niles in the title game Saturday.
The Red Dragons ended Poland's run of three straight district crowns, 44-38, and will play in their first district championship game since 1983.
Repayment: Canfield won its eighth straight game for 2000 graduates Kristy Booms, Ashley McCall, Julie Pakula and Carrie Playforth. They were part of Canfield's 46-39 tournament loss last season.
"We talked about doing this for the seniors from last year," Canfield coach Pat Pavlansky said. "So, when they read the paper or the Internet, they'll see Canfield on the left side and Salem on the right side.
"Those seniors brought us a long way and this win is definitely a tribute to them."
Salem coach Steve Stewart said, "We certainly reminded [our team] of last year's opportunities, but I have no doubt Coach Pavlansky reminded his team of last year, too."
Vlajkovich hits 21: That wasn't the only source of motivation, according to Canfield junior Nicole Vlajkovich, who scored a game-high 21 points on 10-of-16 shooting.
"We read an article in the paper and each of us got a copy," Vlajkovich said. "One of the girls from Salem said they were going to beat us, so that was also our motivation."
Canfield took its first lead (10-8) with 2 minutes, 34 seconds remaining in the first quarter and held it for the remainder of the game. The Cardinals held off several of Salem's late surges by making 13-of-17 fourth-quarter free throws.
Junior Erin Martin had 14 points and eight rebounds for Canfield, which defeated Salem twice during the regular season, while senior Julie Playforth added 12 points and six rebounds.
Salem (12-10) was led by freshman Alyson Cotter, who scored 19 points and made a school record five 3-pointers.
Niles 44, Poland 38: The Red Dragons ended Poland's reign while also ending their own 18-year drought of failing to reach the district title game. Niles lost to Tallmadge in 1983.
Still, the Niles players don't comprehend the magnitude of their accomplishment, coach Marc Morgan said.
"We were on the bus today and this is just like another game to them," Morgan said. "It's just like walking in the gym and having them say, 'Oh, we're scrimmaging today.'
"They have no concept of what they've done. Maybe that's a bonus for us."
Niles (13-10) won the slow-down, sloppy game by holding off Poland (13-8) down the stretch.
Sealed win: The Red Dragons secured the win when junior Marianne Krezeczowski grabbed an offensive rebound, and freshman Stacia Ray made two free throws for Niles' 42-38 lead with 31.1 seconds remaining.
Ray scored 19 points, while Krezeczowski added 15 points and six rebounds. Sophomore Taura Mitchell grabbed 11 rebounds. Poland was led by junior Julie Gallo's 19 points and 10 rebounds.
"We've had a nice run," said Poland coach Jamie Dunn, who led the Bulldogs to the state semifinals last season. "That [Niles] program has been down. Now, they've been given an opportunity and I'm happy for them."