Field-goal flurry nothing new as all-stars open up

Boardman's Jay Davis had 24 points and 15 rebounds as Mahoning won 116-110.
By ERIC HAMILTON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
WARREN -- The third annual Frank Bubba Memorial boys all-star game had everything you'd expect: tons of offense, no defense and plenty of entertainment.
In a game that featured 220 field goal attempts, including 76 3-pointers, the difference was rebounding.
The Mahoning County all-stars beat Trumbull County on the boards to earn a 116-110 victory at Warren Harding High on Friday night.
"Our rebounding was the difference tonight," said Mahoning County coach Steve Miller. "We controlled the boards, and with only nine players, were able to give each one more playing time to stay in the flow of the game.
More prepared
"We were up on them [Trumbull County] Wednesday night, but they came back and beat us," he added. "We were just more prepared for their press this time around and were able to get the ball where it needed to go."
Mahoning County was led by Boardman's Jay Davis, who earned MVP honors with 24 points and 15 rebounds. Ursuline's Brett Neely added 19 points and five boards. Seven of Mahoning's nine players scored in double figures.
"We played a lot better as a team than we did Wednesday," said Davis. "I just tried to play as hard as I usually do and grab rebounds. It was a fun night, and more fun because we won this time."
The final outcome wasn't determined until the final minute as Trumbull rallied from 10 points down in the final 14 minutes to make a game of it.
Jason Garland's bucket with 10:10 left gave the yellow squad a short-lived 81-80 lead. But Mahoning surged back in front on a Chauncey Whitlow 3-pointer and led 89-84 with 8:31 remaining. The black squad never trailed again.
Harding's Josh Johnson got Trumbull within 114-110 with a bucket with just 19 seconds left. But Fitch's Mark Aikens sealed the victory with a pair of free throws with 10 seconds remaining.
Coach remembered
Trumbull County was led by Johnson, who earned MVP honors with 18 points and six rebounds. Despite his squad losing the game, he put the night in perspective.
"This game meant a lot to me," said Johnson. "I just wanted to come out here and win the MVP for Coach Bubba. He was my coach for two years, and I really miss him. I'm sorry he's not here, but if he were I know he'd be proud of me."
Harding's Joe Phinisee added 14 points for Trumbull County. Southington's Dave Motz and Liberty's Bradley Fletcher each chipped in with 11 points.
In the slam dunk contest, Harding Jonte' Stroud beat Springfield's Marc Russell in the finals. It was Stroud's second dunk contest win this week.
Warren JFK's Colin Clemente took top honors in the 3-point shootout, defeating Poland's Jim Shurilla 13-12 in the finals.