Inside story: Cards cruise

Canfield's size was too much for Wilson in the 68-44 win.
By MARK W. MILLER
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
BOARDMAN -- Size was the difference as Canfield High's boys basketball team advanced to next week's Division II district tournament.
Senior Mike Rounsavall took advantage of his 6-foot-4 frame to score most of his 22 points inside as the Cardinals posted a 68-44 victory over Woodrow Wilson Friday in a sectional final at Boardman High School.
Rounsavall was matched up against Wilson's 6-1 junior forward, William Johnson.
"I knew Johnson was a good player, but I was able to take advantage of my size to go inside and score," said Rounsavall.
"When we didn't telegraph our passes, we did well scoring inside," said Canfield coach John Cullen. "Rebounding and finishing up inside was why Rounsavall was tough.
"Our kids did a good job of breaking their press and our bench came through when we needed it," added Cullen.
"The thing about us is, if a team's scouting report is to try and stop two of us, we have guys who can come off the bench and get us points," said Rounsavall.
Stepping up
Gurpreet Singh, a 6-4 senior forward was one of those substitutes who came in and made 3-of-4 shots, one of them a 3-pointer, for seven points.
Canfield rushed out to a 9-0 lead. After Glen Brown made a basket for the Redmen (10-11), the Cards pushed it to 17-4. Wilson answered with four points to trail 17-10 at the end of the first quarter.
"I am proud of our kids," said Wilson coach Mark Cherol. They gave it everything they had."
"Their hustle and desire got us within five points twice early in the second quarter, but Canfield was tough on the boards and we couldn't match up," said Cherol.
Rounsavall pulled down 14 rebounds, helping the Cardinals to a 36-15 advantage on the boards.
The Cardinals built a 28-15 margin by the intermission and increased it to 48-29 heading into the final eight minutes.
Canfield will play Niles at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
Wilson had three players score in double figures.
"Canfield was one of the best teams we played this season," said Johnson, who scored 12 points and added six rebounds.
Spurts
The Redmen seemed to play in spurts. Early in the second quarter they had a 12-4 run, only to have the Cardinals answer with an 11-3 surge.
Each time Wilson would get four or five points, right back came Canfield with the same amount or more. The Cardinals led by 24 points, 60-36, midway through the final quarter.
Canfield connected on 29-of-58 field goals and they were 6-of-13 at the foul line.
Rounsavall hit 10-of-15 shots, but could only make 2-of-7 free throws.
Sean Baker, a 6-1 junior guard for the Cards, chipped in with 12 points, which included a pair of 3-pointers. He was 5-of-7 shooting overall.
Glen Brown, a 6-0 senior guard, paced the Redmen with 13 points. He connected on 6-of-9 field goals. Justin Maxwell, a 6-2 senior guard, added 10 points.
miller@vindy.com