Dover boys roll over Massillon Perry 59-32 to end six game losing streak
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| (Chuck Cordes - Ohsfbmedia.com) |
DOVER, Ohio--Dover did not seem like the team who had not won a game since Jan. 22, jumping out early on Massillon Perry walking off a solid 59-32 victory in a late regular season game.
Playing with energy was key for Dover, as they were one step ahead of the Panthers all night in all phases of the game.
After opening up the first quarter where both teams played in half court sets and passing the ball around could only come up with 12 points combined to end the quarter with Dover ahead 8-4.
Things would heat up for the Tornadoes as hot shooting from junior Robbie Copple and sophomore Luke Leggett would combine for four three pointers and 22 points and also a 22 point quarter to stretch the lead 30-14 going into the half.
"When I come out making three's its a rare sight, so I know what I'm good at I know I can make my teammates play better, I know I can get to the hole but when I can get extra three's its always good," said Copple.
Interesting second half, Mason Grewell scoring 15 of his game high 18, would take over where his teammates left off shooting the ball, rebounding the ball, and scoring the ball with an uptempo style that the Panthers could not figure out.
Needed that!!
— Dover Basketball (@doverbasketball) February 15, 2025
Grewell 18p
Copple 15p
Leggett 14p
Tourney begins Tuesday @ Home vs Zanesville pic.twitter.com/uXgAw7cZLR
"I tried to do my job on defense and then the second half it opened up and I made them pay," said Grewell. "Coming off six games losing it's not a hard game to win the next one so a lot of energy, do my job as a leader to really involve these guys and get them up and ready."
Perry would pace with senior Darnell Mcleod scoring the majority of the points for an off night for the Panthers who just looked a step behind all night, Mcleod would lead in points in first half with second half help from Preston Dazey pacing with six.
Dover Head Coach Matt Von Kaenel was pleased with the play of his group, "One of our goals was to make them burn the first timeout, came out so fast and such intensity," said Von Kaenel. "We were happy to win the rebounding battle for sure going into if your not going to win the rebounding battle its go be a big uphill battle."
Dover moves to 10-11 heading into a matchup against Zanesville capping off the 2024-25 season before heading into tournament play, Perry will regroup, falling to 9-12 taking a trip to Alliance followed by an away game against Amherst to finish off the regular season.