HARROD, Ohio (WLIO) — Northwest Conference play tipped off at Allen East High School as the Mustangs opened league action with a 61–35 victory over the Jefferson Wildcats.

Allen East entered the night undefeated at 5–0, while Jefferson came in at 2–2. The matchup marked the first conference game of the season for both programs, with the two teams having split their previous six meetings.

The Mustangs set the tone early in the first quarter. Deacon Jones was in the right place for an offensive rebound and putback to get Allen East on the board. Moments later, sophomore Cam Smith finished a fast-break layup to give the Mustangs an early edge.

Jefferson responded behind senior Kellen Carder, who knocked down a three-pointer to pull the Wildcats within one. Allen East quickly answered as Brady Brooks buried a triple of his own, followed by another three from Keagan Jones to stretch the lead and force a Jefferson timeout.

Despite Carder converting a floater to slow the momentum, the Mustangs continued to pull away. Crisp ball movement led to an easy basket as Deacon Jones found Keagan Jones, who dished to Ethan Hershberger for the lay-in.

Allen East’s defense tightened as the game went on, limiting Jefferson’s scoring opportunities and allowing the Mustangs to build a comfortable cushion in the second half. 

Final score: Allen East 61, Jefferson 35