Balanced Attack, Stifling Defense Lift Bucks Past Valley Forge, 53-32

Buckeye used a dominant defensive effort and a balanced scoring attack to pull away from Valley Forge for a 53-32 conference road victory Friday night at Valley Forge High School in Parma Heights.

The Bucks seized control early, building a 14-6 lead after the first quarter behind active hands on defense and efficient half-court execution. Buckeye continued to dictate the tempo in the second period, limiting the Patriots’ clean looks and turning stops into transition opportunities to take a 26-11 advantage into halftime. The 15-point cushion at the break set the tone for the rest of the night, as the Bucks never trailed and steadily widened the margin.

Any hopes of a Valley Forge comeback were quickly quieted after halftime. Buckeye again outscored the Patriots in both the third and fourth quarters, answering each small run with timely baskets and defensive stands. The Bucks’ perimeter pressure forced Valley Forge into tough, contested shots, while defensive rebounding kept the hosts from generating second-chance points. By the middle of the fourth quarter, the lead had grown to 20, where it would stay as Buckeye closed out the 21-point conference win.

Offensively, guard Austin Hyre sparked the Bucks with a game-high 19 points, knocking down two 3-pointers and consistently finding seams in the defense. Hyre’s shooting helped stretch the floor, opening driving lanes and interior touches that kept Valley Forge off balance. His ability to score at all three levels provided a steady scoring option throughout each quarter.

In the frontcourt, Turner Dolata gave Buckeye reliable production around the rim, finishing with 13 points. Dolata’s work in the paint complemented the outside shooting, as he converted interior looks and capitalized on defensive rotations created by dribble penetration. Fellow scorer Jacob Snyderburn added 10 points, including two 3-pointers, giving the Bucks a third double-figure option and further extending the Valley Forge defense.

With the win, Buckeye not only secured a convincing 53-32 road result but also reinforced a formula built on early energy, four-quarter defense and multiple offensive threats. The Bucks’ ability to control each period — winning the first quarter 14-6, taking a 26-11 edge into halftime and then closing out both the third and fourth quarters — highlighted a complete team performance as the conference schedule continues.