JACKSON CENTER, Ohio (WLIO) — Jackson Center opened league play with a 46–39 victory over Russia on Tuesday night in a Shelby County matchup.

The Tigers, playing their first conference game of the season, relied on balanced scoring and timely baskets to pull away late. Russia entered the contest at 1–1 in league play.

Jackson Center struck early by attacking the paint, as Preston Serr scored on an inside finish off the glass in the opening quarter. Russia answered when Paxson Bixler connected from beyond the arc after his defender went under a screen, trimming the gap.

Later in the first quarter, Carter Hoehne gave the Raiders a brief lead with a Euro-step finish following a screen on the wing. The Tigers responded quickly, as Brendan Serr knocked down a 3-pointer to swing momentum back in Jackson Center’s favor.

Russia found a boost in transition when Cash Grogean converted a driving basket and drew a foul, but Jackson Center maintained control down the stretch. Carter Klopfenstein added a key mid-range jumper after taking a handoff at the elbow to help seal the win.

Jackson Center closed out the game to earn the 46–39 victory, while Russia fell to 1–2 in league play.

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