HIRAM, Ohio – The Archbishop Hoban girls basketball team didn’t have time to feel sorry for itself after losing its season opener on Saturday night to Brush. Instead, the Knights returned to the floor Sunday evening at the second annual Ohio Tip-Off Classic at Hiram College’s Price Gymnasium and defeated Canton McKinley, 57-35.

Hoban (1-1) trailed 13-11 after the first quarter but a 14-6 advantage in the second gave the Knights a 25-19 lead at the half and after the Knights went on a 13-5 run to start the third, they held a 38-24 lead.

McKinley (0-1) chipped away at the lead and finished the third quarter by scoring the final seven points to cut it to 42-35 after three.

But that’s when Hoban did what Hoban does – the Knights harassed the Bulldogs defensively on every possession.

Through the first 6:30 of the final quarter, Hoban held McKinley scoreless and forced seven turnovers while going on a 12-0 run to put the game away before pulling the starters out of the game.

Junior guard Niera “Zig” Stevens was the Player of the Game for the Knights with a game-high 16 points. She was also a defensive catalyst for Hoban, staying step for step with McKinley guard Mya Taylor for most of the game.

MaKenzie Grant had 10 points for Hoban, Finley Kennedy had nine, Milan Pearson scored six, Zoey Hodge finished with five, Taylyn Banta added four, Jazze Golden and Ella Brockmore each chipped in with three and Amaiya Davis had one.

For McKinley, K’Lynn Carter took home Player of the Game honors with 12 points, Taylor had nine and Kam Gisentaner scored five while three other players had two each.