Connect with us

Basketball

Johnsonburg Boys Claims AML Playoff Spot with Win Over Kane

JOHNSONBURG, Pa. – A strong start and a better second half helped Johnsonburg wrap an AML playoff berth with a 65-50 win over visiting Kane in AML North action.

(Photo of Eric Christoff of Johnsonnburg, who scored 21 points for the Rams in the win over Kane Monday. Photo by Jared Bakaysa of JB Graphics. See more of Bakaysa’s work here)

Also see: Feb. 10, 2020 Boys’ Hoops: DuBois Rolls to Big Win at W. Shamokin, Clarion Tops Brockway

The Rams (15-6 overall, 8-2 AML North) raced out to a 19-11 lead after one quarter thanks to six points from Gabe Watts.

Kane (13-8, 6-4) was able to get back within five by halftime, 35-30, thanks to six points apiece from Carson Whiteman and Chad Greville, with Greville hitting pair of 3-pointers.

But Johnsonburg’s Austin Green hit a 3-pointer and scored seven third-quarter points to help the Rams ger the lead up to eight, 48-40.

Watts then scored six more fourth-quarter points to help push the game into double digits.

Free-throw shooting played a big role in the win with the Rams going 14 of 14 from the free-throw line while Kane was just 2 of 4.

Eric Christoff scored a season-high 21 points to lead Johnsonburg with Watts adding 18 and Green added 16.

Greville paced Kane with 18 points and three steals with Whiteman recording a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

With the win, Johnsonburg claimed second place in the AML North and will play AML South champion, Ridgway, in the AML semifinals Thursday at Ridgway.

JOHNSONBURG 65, KANE 50

Score by Quarters

Kane 11 19 10 10 – 50
Johnsonburg 19 16 13 17 – 65

KANE – 50

Chad Greville 7 0-0 18, Carson Whiteman 8 0-0 17, Caleb Holt 0 0-2 0, Mason Zuzek 2 2-2 6, Zuke Smith 0 0-0 0, Matt DeLuca 2 0-0 6, Bryce Bizzak 1 0-0 3, Andy Jekiclek 0 0-0 0. Totals 20 2-4 50.

JOHNSONBURG – 65

Eric Christoff 7 6-6 21, Garrett Gregori 3 0-0 6, Clay Zikofksi 0 0-0 0, Gino Gregori 1 0-0 2, John Douglas 0 0-0 0, Austin Green 6 2-2 16, Gabe Watts 6 6-6 18, Cameron Stelene 1 0-0 2. Totals 23 14-14 65.

Three-pointers:Kane 8 (Greville 4, DeLuca 2, Whiteman, Bizzak). Johnsonburg 3 (Green 2, Christoff).