Canton Charge controls the court against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants
Canton Charge fans had a chance to show off their patriotism as the team hosted Military Appreciation Night as the Canton Charge (22-17), powered by the Cleveland Cavaliers, defeated the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (22-16), 121-116, in front of 3,414 at the Memorial Civic Center. Those attending the game were given a souvenir T-Shirt courtesy of Terminix (which was appropriate considering the opponent). The evening was sponsored by Constellation and The Patriot Project (a North Canton-based, nationally reaching organization that provides free chiropractic care to the military, veterans and blue star families).
Off the court, fans were able to take photos of themselves with various military and police vehicles in the plaza. During the game various Stark County police officers were also honored for their service.
Prior to the game 20 young men and women were sworn in as United States Marine Recruits, Leroy A. Petry presented the game ball and an American flag covering nearly half the court was unfolded as a local school choir sang the National Anthem. Over the course of the game a number of marine recruits were challenged to participate in the various on court contests.
The team was outfitted in camo jerseys which were auctioned off with the money going to The Patriot Project. After the game the players along with Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Leroy A. Petry autographed the jerseys and presented them to the highest bidding fans.
As for the game, the Canton Charge controlled all aspects of the contest with the Red Ants only able to take a brief 2 point league twice during the third quarter. The rest of the time, the Charge was able to stay ahead especially during the crucial final fourth quarter stretch.
Kay Felder (on assignment from the Cleveland Cavaliers) netted a season high 41points hitting a perfect 13-of-13 from the foul line while making 11-0f-20 shots from the field with five assists and four steals in 37 minutes of playing time.
Eric Moreland put his 19th double-double of the season into the record books scoring 11 points and 11 rebounds and two blocks in 35 minutes. Roosevelt Jones hit for 15 points and five steals in 37 minutes. John Holland scored 16 points, seven boards and two steals in 40 minutes while Jonathan Holmes added his contribution of double figures with 15 points and seven rebounds in 36 minutes. This is the ninth overall victory against the Mad Ants and the sixth straight win at home against Fort Wayne.
For the Mad Ants it was Alex Poythress leading the way with 20 of the team’s 28 points in the first half along with four steals in 35 minutes. Coming off the bench Travis Leslie hit 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds in 25 minutes. Tyler Hansbrough posted a double-double in his second only game with Fort Wayne with 15 points and 10 rebounds and two blocks in 37 minutes of play.
Both teams currently occupy the two Eastern Conference Wild Card Spots.
The Canton Charge is part of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena organization and also owned by a group led by Cavaliers Majority Owner and Quicken Loans Founder and Chairman Dan Gilbert. The group also owns and operates the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena Football League and the Cleveland Monsters of the American Hockey League, both of which play their games at Quicken Loans Arena in downtown Cleveland.