Poland opened up their 2023-24 basketball season with a home opener against the Springfield Local Tigers. After a disappointing playoff campaign the previous year, falling to Orange in the sectional semi-finals, Poland was left with a bad taste in their mouth and ready to avenge themselves.

With expectations soaring for this upcoming season, Jacob Hayes had this to say, “As a team, we need to compete with the NE8 this year, as we are one of the top teams in the conference and can hopefully win it all. We would also like to have a winning record.”

Poland’s defense was exceptional, denying the Tigers from scoring for the entirety of the 1st quarter, jumping out to a 13-0 lead early. It wasn’t until Dylan Sheely nailed a top-of-the-key jumper, cutting the lead to 13-3.

This defensive masterpiece led the way for the team, allowing them to never have a deficit throughout the entire game.

The final score of the game was 41-27 Poland.

Offensively, Poland was led by sophomore Carmine Tukalo who had 15 points; junior Jacob Hayes also had 9 of his own on the night.

When asked how he thought the game went, Jacob Hayes said, ”Game went well. We reached our goals as a team which was to out rebound Springfield by more than 10.”

Poland is looking to be able to improve their record to 3-1 and get off to a hot start to start off the year. 

Poland plays Girard on Friday at Girard. JV is at 5:30 and Varsity at 7 PM.