Howland Tigers Upset Poland Bulldogs in Thrilling Senior Night Victory

Howland High School secures 59-54 win over rival Poland in closely contested high school basketball game.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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In a closely contested high school basketball game, the Howland Tigers upset the rival Poland Bulldogs 59-54 on Senior Night. The game was a back-and-forth affair with strong offensive performances from both teams. Howland honored its five graduating seniors before the game and was led in scoring by Luca Naples with 16 points. Poland's Carmine Tukalo had a game-high 20 points, all in the second half. The win concludes the regular season for both Ohio schools and sets the stage for their respective postseason campaigns.

Why it matters

This game had local implications as a rivalry matchup between two Ohio high school basketball teams. The outcome impacts the teams' regular season records and determines their seeding and matchups for the upcoming state playoffs. The Senior Night celebration also marked an important milestone for Howland's graduating players.

The details

The game was a back-and-forth affair with both teams finding success from beyond the arc early on. Howland gained momentum in the second quarter and extended their lead to as many as 10 points in the third quarter, but Poland fought back to tie the game before a late layup by Wesley Fee gave Howland a 42-40 advantage heading into the fourth. The final period saw continued three-point shooting from both sides, with Tukalo hitting a late three to make it a one-point game, but Howland held on for the 59-54 victory.

  • The game was played on Friday, February 21, 2026.
  • Howland honored its five graduating seniors prior to the game.

The players

Howland Tigers

The home team that secured the 59-54 upset victory over rival Poland.

Poland Bulldogs

The visiting team that lost to Howland in this closely contested high school basketball game.

Demitri Gentis

One of the five graduating seniors honored by Howland prior to the game.

Luca Naples

Howland player who led the team in scoring with 16 points, including four three-pointers.

Carmine Tukalo

Poland player who scored a game-high 20 points, all in the second half, and hit four three-pointers.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Both Howland and Poland now turn their attention to the Ohio high school basketball playoffs. Howland will travel to face Painesville Harvey in a Division 3 tournament opener on February 27th. Poland, competing in Division 5, will host Girard in a rubber match after the two teams split their regular season meetings. The Division VI playoffs are scheduled to begin on February 23rd with regional round games.

The takeaway

This game showcased the intense rivalry and competitive nature of high school basketball in Ohio, with Howland's upset victory over Poland providing an exciting conclusion to the regular season and setting the stage for the upcoming playoff battles between these local programs.