PREP BOYS ROUNDUP Lowellville's Nero gets hot at the end

Mario Nero scored 14 points in the fourth quarter as the Rockets beat Leetonia.
LOWELLVILLE -- Mario Nero scored 14 of his game-high 20 points in the fourth quarter, leading the Lowellville High boys basketball team to a 55-51 victory over Leetonia on Thursday.
Nero scored all but two of his team's 16 points in the final period, as the Rockets (5-3) held onto a slim margin. Lowellville led 39-36 entering the fourth quarter.
Nero also had three assists. John Wilaj added 13 points, making three 3-pointers. Rocky Nolfi and Justin Smith had nine and eight rebounds, respectively, and Vince Broll had three steals.
Aaron Merrill pumped in 15 points for Leetonia (2-5).
Springfield 67, East Palestine 35
NEW MIDDLETOWN -- Aaron Wood had team-highs of 18 points and seven rebounds to lead Springfield (5-2).
Zack DeJane added 16 points, while Wood and Andrew Schuler had three steals apiece. Wood, Mason McCambridge and Dane Dobson all had three assists for the Tigers, who led 20-6 after the first quarter.
East Palestine (0-8) was led by Brett Young, who had 20 points and three assists. Jake Harvey also had three assists.
Beaver Local 81,Columbiana 77, 2 OT
LISBON -- Jared Patton scored 27 points for Columbiana.
Dave Vitko added 19 points and six steals for the Clippers (4-3), who outscored Beaver Local 18-10 in the fourth quarter to draw even, 61-61. The score was tied at 69 following the first overtime.
Eric Bailey finished with 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists for Columbiana.
Farrell 77, Riverside 52
FARRELL -- Chris Blue and Domonique Blackwell led Farrell with 15 points each.
Ramone Williams added 13 points for the Steelers (7-1, 4-0 Section 2), who led 20-8 after the first period and 43-20 at halftime.
Jake Wickline scored 13 points to lead Riverside.