CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio -- Despite only taking 32 shots the entire game, Logan Elm (7-7) used stellar zone defense tonight, limiting Fairfield Union to its lowest scoring output of the season. Behind double figures from three sophomores, the Braves defeated the Falcons, 41-30.

The first quarter started off slowly with neither team cracking the other’s defense. While it looked as though Logan Elm would gain control several times throughout the first frame, they could not make a commanding run and headed into the second stanza tied 9-9.

The second quarter showed much of the same from both teams, grinding out the half-court offense. Behind seven huge points from sophomore combo guard Isaac Ward, the Braves led 15-11 halfway through the quarter. After trailing most of the second frame, the Falcons entered the locker room at a 19-19 standoff that was thanks in large part to a pair of triples by senior point guard and West Liberty commit Evan Conley.

Logan Elm opened the third quarter with an 8-0 run, giving them a 27-19 advantage early in the third. While Fairfield Union looked to battle back, they could not chip away at the deficit, scoring a mere five points the entire third quarter. After three quarters, the Braves led 32-24, showing to be the lead they needed to pull off the MSL-Buckeye upset.

Trailing for most of the second half, the final quarter nearly summed up the off-night for the Falcons as they connected on just three field goals in the frame. Through a combination of free throws and patience on the offensive end, Logan Elm finished strong and pulled out a 41-30 win over MSL-Buckeye frontrunner Fairfield Union.

Fairfield Union gave a solid defensive effort on Wednesday, not allowing any easy looks for Logan Elm. However, the Braves proved just how well they can guard and take care of the ball, committing only seven turnovers the entire night. Unfortunately for the Falcons, they fell a little short on the offensive end, unable to knock down timely shots against Logan Elm’s superb 2-3 zone.

Junior power forward Huston Harrah tallied nine points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, leading the way for the Falcons. Usual standout and leading scorer Evan Conley had an off night for the Falcons, scoring just eight points in the loss. Fairfield Union now sits in a three-way tie in the MSL-Buckeye with Hamilton Township and Teays Valley. The Falcons look to avenge Wednesday night’s loss on Tuesday at Vinton County.

Sophomore wing guard Gabe Chalfin led the Braves by pouring in 12 points along with a team-high five rebounds. Ward also contributed 12 points and five rebounds, while sophomore wing guard Jason Sailor tallied 10 points and four steals for the Braves. Logan Elm is now only half a game back in the league with a record of 5-3. The Braves continue league play on Saturday as they travel to Amanda-Clearcreek (10-5).

Gabe Chalfin (5’10 WG / Logan Elm / 2021): Chalfin, showing why he is one of the best two-way guards, put together 12 points with three steals in Wednesday’s showing against the Falcons. His impressive speed and quickness allows him to turn the corner and blow by defenders, plus his ability to finish at the rim is remarkable given his size. The relentless 5-foot-10 sophomore guard is willing to take on any challenge put in front of him. On a team full of underclassmen, Chalfin’s athleticism is what sets him apart from the others, as he grabbed a team high of five rebounds. Defensively, Gabe has great vision. He follows the ball well and puts himself in passing lanes. Also, with a quick set of hands, the young guard has proven to be a great on-ball defender. He plays with his heart and leaves everything he has on the court. Chalfin is just one of the impressive sophomore guards from Logan Elm, don’t be surprised to see them make a run in March.

Huston Harrah (6’5 PF / Fairfield Union / 2020): Leading his team in every major category on Wednesday night, Harrah showed just how important he is to his team. Huston led the Falcons with nine points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Offensively, the 6-foot-5 power forward makes his presence felt continuously in his ability to score and grab offensive rebounds. Harrah has soft hands, a great touch, and a knack of knowing where to be at all times, putting him in the best position to grab rebounds and score when necessary. When in the high post, he did an excellent job seeing the court and distributing the ball to his teammates against the Logan Elm zone. Defensively, Huston held Logan Elm power forward Luke Watson to zero points and only one rebound. Huston’s presence on both ends of the court will be crucial to his team’s success the rest of the season. Harrah, only being a junior, has loads of potential and could take on an even greater role next season for the Falcons.