Leopards Dominate Defending State Champs Lutheran East 77-65

CANTON, OH- The Louisville Leopards played with mental toughness and chemistry in a dominate performance against defending State Champion Lutheran East in the nightcap of the Play-by-Play Classic held at the historic Canton Memorial Fieldhouse cruising to a 77-65 victory.

(Photo: Gene Simmons)

From the opening tip until the end of the first quarter Lutheran East looked like the team that went on a state title run just one year before keeping the game close 21-19 until Nigro and his talented underclassmen went on a 24 point second quarter surge that left the Falcons down by 12 and a bit frustrated heading into the half.

2x All-Ohio guard Hayden Nigro led with 20 points at the half and 31 by games end and could not be contained, Louisville was masterful in defense of 6'8" Michigan State commit Jesse McCulloch pinching and collapsing by Brayden Gross and Beau Siegfried making it tough although he managed to walk away with 24 points on the night.

(Photo: Gene Simmons ~ Hayden Nigro)

"We have a lot of mental toughness and a lot of that comes from there so connected they've been together for so long were a junior laden team." Siegfried said. 

Nigro as well as he plays offensively and defensively not having an offer on the table is mind boggling to most including Siegfried, "I don't know what else he has to do to start getting some offers." expressed Siegfried. 

Nigro mentioned about his teams mental toughness, "Who ever is on the court just play our game, we don't care how big they are or how huge they are just keep playing our game." Hayden replied. He also went on to speak when asked about college interest, "I'm talking to a couple coaches I don't have an official offer yet." said Nigro.

For the 19-2 Leopards this is a solid sign going into the OHSAA State Tournament