Marks sparks Boardman

The senior scored 35 to lead the Spartans past Chaney.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Chaney High basketball team runs more often than a track team. But on Friday night, it was the Boardman Spartans who went on their "Marks."
Boardman senior guard Matt Marks provided the spark, especially at the free throw arc, scoring a career-high 35 points to lead the Spartans to a 71-67 victory at Chaney High School.
"I don't know what happened," Marks, whose previous high was 24, said with a smile. "I'm just so tired."
With good reason. For the first three quarters, the Cowboys used their speed and quickness to force 23 Boardman turnovers and take a 48-45 lead.
But Marks took over, scoring 15 points in the final period -- including 10-for-10 from the line. Marks' biggest shot came with 55 seconds left -- hitting what became the game-winning 3-pointer to give Boardman a 69-67 lead.
"Boardman battled back and made a couple more shots at the end," Chaney coach Don D'Alesio said. "They attacked the hoop and we had a big size disadvantage. They just beat us up on the boards."
Using their size
The Spartans (1-1) held a huge advantage in free throw attempts (28-5) and rebounds (40-28).
Boardman senior Mike Villagrana, who did not play basketball last season, had 15 points and a game-high 15 rebounds.
Junior forward Jay "Curly" Davis added 17 points and seven rebounds.
"We had 18 first half turnovers and they had 11 offensive rebounds and we were only down by one (30-29)," Boardman coach Dan Gorski said. "That was a big key for us."
The Spartans also played much better against Chaney's press in the second half.
"I think our guards grew up tonight," Gorski said.
Senior guard Ed McElroy led Chaney (1-2) with 19 points and senior forward Chris Childers added 11 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Senior guard Idris ElAmin had nine points, seven rebounds, five assists and four jersey numbers (don't ask).
"We're learning as a team and I'm learning as a head coach," D'Alesio, in his first-year at Chaney, said. "But I loved the effort we gave. It's like I told the kids -- the only thing I'm disappointed in is the loss."
It was the second disappointing loss for the Cowboys, who lost a heart-breaker to Salem in the opener, then beat Campbell.
"We're a couple shots away from being 3-0," D'Alesio said.
For Boardman, it was a nice rebound after an opening loss to Niles in which the Spartans missed 22 layups.
When asked if it was the Spartans' biggest win of the season so far, Gorski laughed and said, "Yeah, and I hope it's not the only one."
scalzo@vindy.com