Boardman’s tournament rivalry with Hoover could hit a bump

By Tom Williams

Federal League rivals Boardman and North Canton Hoover have played each other nine straight years at the Division I girls district basketball tournament.

Five times, the Vikings have eliminated the Spartans (from 2002-04 and 2006-07). Four times, the Spartans won (2000-01, 2005 and 2008). Three times, the winner of the game advanced to the state final four. In 2002, the Vikings won the state title. In 2005 and last March, the Spartans were state semifinalists.

For Boardman and Hoover to play again this year, there will need to be a major upset at the Alliance district. That’s because Canton McKinley (16-3), the Federal League champion, is the team to beat.

The Spartans (13-7, 6-4) finished third in the Federal League this season, trailing second-place Lake (15-4, 7-3) and McKinley. Hoover (8-12, 5-5) tied for fifth place with Perry.

Because they are on opposite sides of the bracket, Boardman can meet Hoover only in the district final.

“Our goal is to win the district,” said Boardman coach Ron Moschella, whose 2008 team was one of three in Valley to play for a regional championship.

Read the story in Friday’s Vindicator and on Vindy.com.