Bulldogs Kicks Off 2024 In Style with 74-42 Win at Hudson
The Stow-Munroe Falls Bulldogs defeated the Hudson Explorers in a dominating 74-42 victory. The Bulldogs, who returned from the Cactus Jam tournament in Phoenix, Arizona, are looking to overcome their 64-55 loss to fellow NEO’s own Cleveland Heights in the championship game over the Christmas break. The Explorers were coming off their 55-52 win in overtime over Howland.
Bulldogs Catching Fire Quickly:
Kicking off the game, the Bulldogs instantly started catching fire, ending the first quarter with a 28-6 lead over the Explorers. Keeping their foot on the pedal, the Bulldogs added 20 more points in the second quarter to extend their lead to 30 points over the Explorers, ending the first half up 48-18. The Bulldogs tallied up 10 3-pointers in the half, with Guard Cam Marconi and Guard Austin Wilhoit making 3 each.
Bulldogs Defeats Rival in Fashion:
Continuing their dominance from the first half, the Bulldogs never looked back as they tallied up 26 more points in the final 16 minutes to extend to a very comfortable lead over their crosstown rival. Despite the Explorers making a desperate attempt to make a comeback, it wasn’t enough as the Bulldogs came out victorious with a final score of 74-42.
Dave Close’s 600th win as Stow’s Head Coach:
With the win over one of their biggest rivals, Bulldogs Head Coach Dave Close also earned his 600th win as Head Coach for Stow-Munroe Falls. After 3 seasons at Painesville Riverside, Close took over the boys basketball program at his alma mater and has since posted a 600-238 record in 36 seasons.
Final Stats:
Bulldogs Forward Reece Raymond-Smith led the night with 23 points, while Guard Austin Wilhoit followed with 18 points, and Guard Cam Marconi adding 12 points in the win. Sophomore Guard Daylon Keeling also accomplished a milestone of his first career varsity points in the final minutes of the game for the Bulldogs. For the Explorers, Forward Nathan Judy finished with 15 points, while Forward Nolan Yanak followed with 8 points.
What’s Next?
The Bulldogs advances to a 7-4 record with the win, as they will host the Brecksville Broadview-Heights Bees on January 12 at 7:30pm. The Explorers fell to 7-4, as they will travel to Wadsworth to take on the Grizzlies on January 12th at 7:30pm.