NTL BOYS BASKETBALL: DEFENSE, BALANCED SCORING CARRIES ATHENS TO 52-41 WIN OVER CANTON (2025-01-22)

Valley Sports Report
ATHENS — Athens rode a strong defensive effort to a 13-point halftime advantage on its way to a 52-41 win over Canton here Wednesday night in NTL boys basketball action.

"I was very pleased with two things tonight," said Athens coach Jim Lister.

"First our defensive effort — the kids were working very hard, and putting a lot of pressure on their guards and creating a lot of turnovers.
 
"Second, the team basketball we played on the offensive side," added Lister. "We had three kids, and almost a fourth, score in double-digits tonight, and that is what it takes to win basketball games.
 
Junior Nick Grazul knocked down a 3-pointer and scored seven points in the first quarter, and junior Talon Baglini added a 3-pointer to help Athens to a 12-7 lead after the first eight minutes.

Baglini canned a 3-pointer and scored six points in the second quarter, and junior Adam Kemp scored five points, including a 3-pointer, to fuel an 18-10 run that gave the Wildcats a 30-17 lead at the halftime intermission.

Junior James Friend scored six points in the third quarter, but the Warriors closed the game to 38-30 entering the fourth quarter with a 13-8 run.

The Wildcats knocked down 8 of 11 free throws in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

Baglini led Athens with a career-high 14 points, including a pair of 3-pointers.

"A big shout out to Junior forward Talon Baglini, who had his best game of his season tonight," said Lister. "Proud of him."

Grazul and Friend scored 12 points apiece for the Wildcats, and Kemp added nine points.

Ben Fitch, who hauled down his 500th career rebounds in the game, led Canton with 16 points, and Talon Williams added 10 points.

Athens, now 4-10, returns to action Friday at NEB.

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IN PHOTO 1: Athens junior Talon Baglini. .... VSR STOCK PHOTO.

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