The Stow Bulldogs won a big NOC River Division game Tuesday in their home gymnasium, taking down northern rival Hudson 48-24. Stow held the Explorers to just 11 points in the second half, and only 3 in the final quarter, as their stifling defense complimented an offense built on David Walker's 24 points. Hudson took the early lead and was ahead 7-2 on a Zack Brandy 3 before Walker hit for 7 straight points to put Stow ahead. The game was tied at 9 after one period. Randall Berkley hit an early 3 in the second, but Walker and the Dawgs responded with a 9-1 run to finish the half ahead 18-13. Walker had 12, Brandy 5 at the break to lead their teams.

Berkley hit another 3 early in the third, but Mike Waggoner threw a trey in on top of it, and a Walker basket made it Stow 25-17. Kyle Scelza had been quiet offensively up till now, but he exploded with a 3 and a free throw to squash a small Hudson run. Walker scored on a put-back, and Scelza did the same to follow, as the Bulldogs surged to a 33-21 lead after three. The fourth started with Walker pulling down a big board then finding Nick Levitsky open underneath for a bucket, then Scelza continued to sear the nets with a three, followed by a Davey Dunk. Scelza got another rebound and put-back, and Walker capped off the big run with a 3 pointer before both coaches emptied their benches.

Walker led all scorers with 24 points, but David also had 7 rebounds. Scelza caught fire late and ended with 10 points and also had 7 boards. Waggoner added 3 to his 3 pointer for a total of 6 and pulled down 3 rebounds. Blake Podnar battled an ankle injury for 4 points and added a pair of rebounds. Levitsky had his basket, an assist and a pair of steals. Mikio Ikeda had a basket for 2 points. Tyler DeVitis had 3 rebounds and a steal, while Matt Beech added 3 rebounds. Jacob Williams pulled down one as well, and Sam Parsons blocked a shot. Stow remains tied atop the River Division standings with Brush, who defeated Solon. Twinsburg dropped Cuyahoga Falls Tuesday to round out River Division action.

The JV game was a high scoring affair, but the Pups came out on the losing end 50-48. This was a 3 point bonanza. Stow took an early lead at 12-7, as Zach Schratz scored 11. Bryan Ritchie hit a 3 at the end of the first for an 18-18 tie. Hudson continued to hit threes, and Ian Laver hit an off-balance basket at the buzzer to give the Explorers a 30-24 edge. Stow trailed 37-28 in the third, but Schratz was not going to let this one get away. He took the Pups on his back and was able to forge a 42-42 tie after three. Hudson went ahead 47-42, but Stow got back within a point when Ritchie pilfered a steal and made a lay-up, and it was Hudson 47-46. Kevin Zullo hit a big 3 for Hudson's final points, and Stow had a few late chances, but it just wasn't to be. Schratz ended with 28 points and had 5 rebounds, while Ritchie pitched in for 15 points and 10 rebounds. Trent Barsody had Stow's other 5 points.

Stow now travels to Brush for the Big Game this Friday night, with the winner likely to take the River Division crown. JV begins at 6:00 pm, followed by the varsity contest at 7:30 pm. Stow will return home Tuesday February 21st for a non-conference game against Tallmadge, on Senior Night. (sha.com will be enjoying 85 degree weather in Cancun!), and then the regular season ends on the road with a tough River Division game against Twinsburg.

The Stow Bulldogs Boys' Basketball team used a strong fourth quarter to win a key NOC River Division road game against the Solon Comets on February 10th. David Walker led the Dawgs with 31 points, while Matt Beech scored in double figures, adding a dozen. Blake Podnar had a strong night as well, canning four buckets for 8 points, while Kyle Scleza netted 4, and Nick Levitsky added a pair. Stow led 8-6 after the first period, then extended their lead to 4 at the half, 21-17. Solon cut the advantage to just two as the teams entered the final period, but the Bulldogs pulled ahead with a 27 point period, and won the game comfortably. Brush beat Twinsburg to keep pace in the River Division race, while Hudson toppled Cuyahoga Falls. Stow take on Hudson Tuesday, Valentine's Day, at home with the varsity game at 7:30, preceded by the JV at 6: