DIVISION IV BOYS Western Reserve, McDonald win in sectional tourney openers

Reserve held off Sebring 44-36, while McDonald cruised 72-46.
By MARK W. MILLER
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
STRUTHERS -- The Western Reserve High boys basketball team built a 30-16 lead by the end of three quarters and held off a late surge by Sebring to post a 44-36 victory in a Division IV sectional tournament game Monday at the Struthers Field House.
In the second tournament contest, Andy Timko connected on 19 points in the first half as McDonald rolled to a 40-26 lead by intermission, then cruised to a 72-46 victory over Youngstown Christian.
Western Reserve's coach Steve Miller said, "I was pleased by our performance at the half and because our defense kept [Sebring] under 40 points."
Blue Devils build early lead
The Blue Devils (14-7) rushed out to a 16-5 lead in the first quarter and the two schools each scored three points in the second period to give Western Reserve a 19-8 lead at the break.
"Rebounding and our solid defense are the keys to what we do," said Miller. "And we kept them off the line."
The Trojans (8-13) didn't shoot a free throw during the contest. The Blue Devils outrebounded the Trojans 38-26.
Miller said he thought the third game between the schools this season was sort of like a chess match.
"We beat them at home, but they took it to us 50-37 at their place," said Miller.
Jeff Zachok and Chris Truitt sparked the Blue Devils with 10 points apiece.
Sebring comes alive
It took three quarters before the Trojans' offense came alive and in the final period they racked up 20 points to the Blue Devils' 14.
During that surge, Jesse James caught fire, scoring 13 of his 15 points, which included three 3-pointers.
Jon Springer, who pulled down nine rebounds, added 11 points.
McDonald-Youngstown Christian
With the scored tied 15-15 at the end of the first quarter, Timko ignited the second quarter attack for McDonald as he hit 5-of-7 shots and was 4-of-4 from the foul line. He ended up with 24 points.
"It was close, so we came out in the second quarter with our full-court pressure and made several easy baskets," said Timko. "I just came out and popped a few."
Kevin Haynie, McDonald's coach said, "Timko was on fire in the second quarter. He hit 15 and had a good game.
"After the first quarter, we switched out zone traps and that confused [Youngstown Christian]."
McDonald takes control
A 14-2 run in the second period and a 13-3 spurt in the third quarter by McDonald (14-7) put the contest out of reach as the Blue Devils had a 57-32 margin heading into the final session.
Bradley Hinton scored seven of McDonald's points in the first quarter and he had 10 in the third period to finish with 20. He also grabbed 15 rebounds as the Blue Devils controlled the boards 43-23. Steve Hughes added 10 points.
Ed Gonda was the spark plug for the Eagles (6-15). He connected on 8-of-18 shots for 19 points. Three of his baskets were from 3-point range.
Aaron Agresta and Donnie Vitullo added eight apiece.