Howland Upset: Tigers Top Poland in Thrilling Senior Night Victory | High School Basketball
- WARREN, Ohio – In a closely contested high school basketball game with local implications, the Howland Tigers upset the rival Poland Bulldogs Friday evening, securing a 59-54 victory...
- The game, played in front of a home crowd at Howland High School, was a back-and-forth affair characterized by strong offensive performances from both sides.
- The opening minutes saw both teams quickly find their range from beyond the arc, with a combined four three-pointers resulting in an early 6-6 tie.
WARREN, Ohio – In a closely contested high school basketball game with local implications, the Howland Tigers upset the rival Poland Bulldogs evening, securing a victory on Senior Night. The win concludes the regular season for both Ohio schools and sets the stage for their respective postseason campaigns.
The game, played in front of a home crowd at Howland High School, was a back-and-forth affair characterized by strong offensive performances from both sides. Prior to the tip-off, Howland honored its five graduating seniors – Demitri Gentis, Luca Naples, Steven Bubon, Wesley Fee, and Frank Hoso – recognizing their contributions to the basketball program.
The opening minutes saw both teams quickly find their range from beyond the arc, with a combined four three-pointers resulting in an early tie. Howland gained momentum in the second quarter following a dunk by Carter Saul, ultimately taking a lead into halftime.
The Tigers came out strong after the break, embarking on a scoring run fueled by four consecutive three-pointers – two each from Luca Naples and Steven Bubon. This surge extended their lead to as many as ten points. However, Poland refused to concede, with Carmine Tukalo responding with points in the third quarter, tying the game before a late layup by Wesley Fee restored a narrow advantage for Howland heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter proved to be a tense exchange of baskets. Poland continued to rely on the three-point shot, connecting on three more attempts, while Tashawn Fambro emerged as a key offensive contributor for Howland, scoring points. With just seconds remaining, Tukalo hit his fourth three-pointer of the night, narrowing the gap to a single point at . However, Howland held firm, securing the win with clutch free throws and a decisive steal leading to a transition basket.
Luca Naples led the Tigers in scoring with points, including four three-pointers. Tashawn Fambro and Steven Bubon added and points respectively. For the Bulldogs, Carmine Tukalo was the standout performer, finishing with a game-high points, all of which came in the second half, and four three-pointers. Nick Nitolli contributed points with three three-pointers of his own.
The victory brings Howland’s regular season record to , marking a successful conclusion to their home schedule and a celebratory send-off for their departing seniors. Poland’s season ends with a record of , halting a four-game winning streak.
Both teams now turn their attention to the Ohio high school basketball playoffs. Howland will travel to face Painesville Harvey in a Division 3 tournament opener on . Poland, competing in Division 5, will host Girard in a rubber match after the two teams split their regular season meetings. The Division VI playoffs are scheduled to begin on with regional round games.
The outcome of these games will determine which of these local Ohio teams will advance further in their respective state championship pursuits. The Division VI championship games are slated for at State Farm Center.