Northern Tier Sports ReportCANTON — Canton out scored Montgomery 30-21 in the second half to pick up the 55-52 non-league boys’ basketball win Thursday.
The victory helps preserve Canton’s third place spot in the District IV, Class AA standings.
Isaiah Niemczyk went off for 26 points to lead Canton as Caiden Williams finished with 16. Brendan Matthews netted six, Weston Bellows notched three as Tyler Jannone and Gavin Morse had two points apiece.
The Warriors made just one 3-pointer on the night but were 12-for-17 from the free throw line as Niemczyk was 7-for-12 just by himself.
Logan Almeida led Montgomery with 31 points, netting five 3-pointers in the contest as Montgomery had nine for the game.
Niemczyk started off hot, netting 10 first quarter points to help Canton to a 14-12 lead. A 19 point second quarter by the Red Raiders, thanks to 12 points form Almeida, allowed them to pull ahead 31-25 at the half.
In the third Williams led Canton with six points as Niemczyk netted five, though the Raiders still led 42-41.
Then, in the fourth, the Warriors had their best defensive quarter yet, holding Montgomery to 10 points, all from Almeida.
Niemczyk came alive, scoring eight as he went 3-for-6 from the free throw line. Williams had four himself, going 2-for-2 from the charity stripe, and Canton pulled out the win.
The Warriors travel to Athens Thursday with a 7:30 p.m. start.
