Ferns, Melewski carry Canfield

The Cardinals, Poland and Salem won their conference openers.
CANFIELD -- Jordan Ferns and Kyle Melewski scored 19 points apiece, and the Canfield High boys basketball team made eight 3-point baskets in a 79-55 victory over Niles in a Metro Athletic Conference game Tuesday.
Melewski made three 3-pointers, including two in the first quarter, as he scored eight of the Cardinals' 10 points. Canfield led 29-27 at halftime and took control by outscoring the Red Dragons 27-15 in the third period. Melewski scored seven points in the third period and Sean Baker, who finished with 11 points, sank two of his 3-pointers.
Ferns scored 10 points in the fourth quarter, when Canfield outscored Niles 23-13.
The Red Dragons were led by Jake Schimley, who sank five 3-pointers and scored 17 points. Bill Frech added 15 points and Sean Cleary scored 14.
Poland 57, Alliance 45
POLAND -- Chad Fender finished with 20 points and eight rebounds, leading the Bulldogs to their second consecutive win.
Jim Shurilla added 18 points and three steals for Poland (2-0, 1-0 MAC), while Lou Coppola had 10 rebounds. Cameron Marchese finished with seven steals.
Bylynn Hatcher scored 12 points for Alliance.
Salem 71, Howland 57
HOWLAND -- Tyler Pierce had 17 points and nine rebounds to lead Salem (2-1, 1-0 MAC).
Tommy Jesko added 14 points and four assists, while Jarin Heath finished with 13 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and three steals. Ryan Benchwick had 10 points and six rebounds.
Howland was led by Dario Hadzovic, who finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Greg Hawes added eight points and seven rebounds, while David Kennedy had five points and three steals. Jared Bartholomew scored eight points.