The Bulldogs beat Struthers 70-43; they'll play Niles next.

The Bulldogs beat Struthers 70-43; they'llplay Niles next.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
BOARDMAN -- Three minutes into the third quarter, Struthers High senior Jim Tabak caught a long rebound off a Poland miss, drove down-court and had his layup blocked. Tabak argued that he was fouled, picked up a technical and watched Poland shoot two free throws and hit a field goal.
That pretty much sums up how things went for the Wildcats' basketball team Thursday night.
Poland took a 23-5 first quarter lead -- out-rebounding Struthers 13-2 in the process -- en route to a 70-43 victory in the Division II district semifinal at Boardman High School.
"We got beat in all phases of the game," Struthers coach Joe Fuline said. "What else can I say?"
Niles next: The Bulldogs advanced to Saturday's district final against Niles. Poland beat the Red Dragons in two meetings in the regular season.
"Entering the season, we said that Niles was the best team in the Metro Athletic Conference," Poland coach Ken Grisdale said. "They're a great team.
"We're very nervous."
Grisdale was also very cautious -- he didn't allow the Bulldogs to talk to the media after the game.
Poland's student section was slightly more chatty. The fans began chanting, "Bring on Niles," with 3 minutes, 56 seconds remaining in the game.
Jamie Dunn led the Bulldogs (20-2) with 14 points and five rebounds. Neil Harris added seven points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Chad Fender scored 13 points and David McGarry added 10.
The Bulldogs have won their two tournament games by an average of 26 points, but Grisdale stopped short of saying they are playing their best.
"At times, we're really clicking," Grisdale said, "and at times there's some sloppiness. When we're in transition is when we're really clicking."
Out-rebounded: Jason Mitchell led Struthers (11-11) with 12 points, which was out-rebounded 22-5 in the first half. The Wildcats never got closer than 19 points in the second half. Nick Leiter, Tabak and Jason Martin each added four rebounds.
Poland lost to Chaney 44-41 in last year's district final on a last-second buzzer beater.
"We used the Chaney game as off-season motivation," Grisdale said. "Four of our top six kids played in that game and when you lose the way we did, there's a little extra motivation."
scalzo@vindy.com