Northridge protects home court against Utica in boys basketball battle for LCL-Cardinal lead

JOHNSTOWN — Justin Townley admitted the pressure Thursday was “scary,” but he has waited four years for this opportunity.

The standout senior post player delivered with the game on the line for the Northridge boys basketball team. Townley made the go-ahead basket on a fadeaway from the right block in the Vikings’ 62-58 victory against visiting Utica.

"It's a big responsibility when they throw it down low," said Townley, who scored nine points in the first quarter, sending Northridge to a fast start and then helped the Vikings across the finish line as they hold sole possession of first place in the Licking County League-Cardinal Division.

Townley scored three times inside and also a hit 3-pointer in that first quarter as Northridge nearly led wire to wire, forcing Utica to play from behind the entire night.

"It definitely feels different. Going for first place brings so much energy," Townley added.

A matchup of the LCL’s top scorers — Utica senior Trenton Collins, who totaled 21 points, and Northridge junior Carter Mallernee, 18 points — did not disappoint. The Vikings (9-2, 7-1), however, did their most damage in the post as Townley, who grabbed nine rebounds, and junior Ethan Payne, who distributed five assists, enjoyed a size advantage against Utica (10-3, 5-2).

"Justin finds a way to carve out space down there against them," Northridge coach Bill Mallernee said. "He enjoys playing against them."

Northridge led 18-12 after one quarter, but Utica fought back in the second before senior Ian Travis banked in a shot from just inside mid-court at the halftime buzzer to put the Vikings up 31-26.

Utica quickly cut the deficit to 33-32 on 3-pointers by junior Dylan Yates and senior Brody McDaniel before Northridge answered, pushing the lead back to 47-37 after three quarters. Utica came clawing back again and tied the game for the first time at 52 on junior Roman Gamble’s 3 with 1:44 left.

"I am really proud of our grit and resilience the entire game," Utica coach Brian Radabaugh said. "The game could have easily gone our way with a play or two here or there."

Townley scored on a post feed from classmate Zach Holder. Payne then stole inbound pass, one of three Utica turnovers in the final minute.

Townley and Carter Mallernee made two free throws apiece to help increase Northridge’s lead to 59-52. Thanks to Gamble’s 4-point play with 3.8 seconds left, however, the win was not sealed until Carter Mallernee made two more free throws.

"I love being with my team. It feels great being back with them. I missed playing with all of my friends. It's amazing," said Holder, who missed last season because of a soccer injury. He started each half strong, hitting a 3 in a five-point first quarter and scored off a steal in a six-point third quarter.

"Coach just gives us all an assignment, and we try to execute the best we can," Holder added. "I just try to follow our game plan. I was to lock down everybody on 'D' and get some buckets if I can. Just go with the flow of the game."

The Vikings needed all of its depth to stay just ahead of Utica. Travis scored nine points off the bench, continuing his return from an injury, and junior Drew Bingham and senior Lane Hess helped Holder with the defensive assignment of slowing down an explosive offense led by Collins.

"(Holder) gave great energy tonight, gave everything he had," Bill Mallernee said. "We rested him last game a little bit with a sore ankle. He gave up minutes last game to play this game. He wanted to play for first place."

Gamble scored 18 points to support Collins’ 21 for Utica. Senior Zach Heckman scored seven of his nine points in the fourth quarter during the final charge.

"It was a great atmosphere, and our guys handled it very well all night," Radabaugh said. "We just have to put this behind us and continue to improve and be ready for another tough game Tuesday against Watkins."

Northridge will take a quick breather before playing Bishop Ready at 8 p.m. Sunday at Ohio Dominican. The Vikings’ two losses came to Division I Licking Heights in LCL play and Division II Bishop Watterson, and the Silver Knights are regarded as one of the top Division II teams in central Ohio.

Those experiences paid off Thursday in front of a capacity crowd. The Vikings must do it again and again if they are to stay on top in the LCL-Cardinal and make a deep tournament run in Division III.

"It makes a difference in games like this with the physicality and handling the pressure," Bill Mallernee said. "The non-league is set up to win the league and then move on in the tournament."

ksnyder@newarkadvocate.com

740-973-4541

Twitter: @newark_sports

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Northridge protects home court against Utica in boys basketball battle