Meeting for just the second time on the hardwood, the Tinora Rams hosted the Delphos Jefferson Wildcats on a chilly night outside, but a cozy inside at Tinora High School.

The Wildcats jumped out to a quick 5-0 early in the first quarter, however the host Rams rallied for nine straight points, grabbing a 9-5 lead before exiting the initial eight minutes with a 9-7 advantage.

Tinora would continue it’s offensive success into the second quarter. The Rams Dylan Schaufele nailed a deep three from the right corner with just under two minutes in the half, giving the Rams 19-12 lead. Delphos Jefferson would respond with the final five points of the half, including a Kellen Brotherwood three, cutting the Tinora lead to 19-17.

Alex Homier led the Rams at the half with seven points while the Wildcats were paced by Gavin Howell and Karder Agner, both with seven each.

The visiting Wildcats would tie the game at 22-22 midway through the third on a steal and score by Gavin Howell. Tinora would answer and take a 24-22 lead on a give and go from Adam Spychala to Alex Homier at the 4:15 mark of the third quarter, Tinora would never trail the rest of the contest.

Tinora would stretch their lead to 28-22 through three quarters. Despite being undersized against the taller Wildcats, Tinora battled Delphos Jefferson on the boards the entire night.

Tinora would start the forth quarter with a mini run, stretching their lead out to 30-22 on a Schaufele offensive rebound and score. Connor Welling increased the Tinora lead to 32-22 on two free throws at the 6:40 mark of the final stanza.

Connor Welling with a up and under move with 4:30 left in the contest gave the Rams a 36-23 advantage.

Tinora would go on to score 14 points in the final quarter while holding the Wildcats to just five points in the quarter, and just 10 in the second half, and go on to a 42-27 win.

What a great defensive effort by the Tinora Rams tonight.

Jefferson 7-10-5-5=27
Tinora 9-10-9-14=42

Jefferson scoring: Wiltsie 2, Brotherwood 3, Howell 10, Agner 12

Tinora scoring: Schaufele 7, Ferrell 3, Welling 11, Homier 12, Spychala 5, Hancock 0, Lieb 4

Delphos Jefferson falls to 0-1 to start their season.

Tinora improves to 2-0 and will host Delta on Friday Night (no coverage)

The Higbea Embroidery Player of the Game went to Alex Holier, congratulations!

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