Bedford District: Elyria Catholic meets Warrensville Heights for district championship
On Monday night, Warrensville Heights pulled off a 100-96 overtime thriller against top-seeded Fairview to advance to the district final. Tuesday night, it was Elyria Catholic that pulled off a late comeback to defeat Crestwood 58-56. Crestwood never trailed through…
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Continue ReadingOn Monday night, Warrensville Heights pulled off a 100-96 overtime thriller against top-seeded Fairview to advance to the district final. Tuesday night, it was Elyria Catholic that pulled off a late comeback to defeat Crestwood 58-56. Crestwood never trailed through the first three quarters. That’s when Edward Wright Edward Wright 6'0" | PG Elyria Catholic | 2020 State OH and Branson Taylor took over for Elyria Catholic throughout the fourth quarter. No shot was bigger than Wright’s, however. With just over 20 seconds remaining, the senior guard sunk a go-ahead 3-pointer that proved to be the shot that put Elyria Catholic through to the district championship set for Friday night at Bedford High School.
Elyria Catholic vs Crestwood (Standouts)
Edward Wright Edward Wright 6'0" | PG Elyria Catholic | 2020 State OH , Elyria Catholic
Here is a player that knows how to push the ball up the court and get quick baskets for his team. Edward Wright Edward Wright 6'0" | PG Elyria Catholic | 2020 State OH comes off screens well and had a couple of pull up jump shots fall through. The 6-foot-1 guard attacks the rim with a purpose and was clutch for his team when it mattered the most. He scored a team-high 19 points to lead his team to the district final set for Friday night. Back on Fe. 8, the senior scored his 1,000th point for the Panthers.
Trent Jakacki, Crestwood
Trent Jakacki was the star of the night in Bedford Tuesday night. The junior guard is a pure shooter, one that trusts his jump shot more than anyone on the court. He let it fly all night long and poured in a game-high 30 points during the loss. He knocked down three 3-pointers and has exceptional ball-handling skills that allowed him to beat his defender constantly throughout the course of the night.
Branson Taylor, Elyria Catholic
The University of Pittsburgh football signee, Branson Taylor was a mismatch nightmare inside the paint for the Red Devils all night long. The 6-foot-7 center used his size well when near the basket, drawing constant fouls late in the game to put his team up on Crestwood. He’s very physical and has impressive footwork to go along with his size. Taylor will bring a challenge again to Warrensville Heights as you can only do so much to contain the big guy within the paint.
@btay1k starting to take over for @ECBOYSHOOPS. Six straight points to put Elyria Catholic up over Crestwood in the 4th Q. pic.twitter.com/jr4iF8kqWm
— Michael Trivisonno (@Mike_Triv) March 4, 2020
Mason Jakacki, Crestwood
The senior guard ended the night with six points but his play goes well beyond just scoring the ball. He had three steals in the first half alone and created problems all night with his active hands on the defensive side of the ball. Jakacki was a pass-first guy Tuesday night and used his body well to absorb contact to get to the free-throw line late in the game. He attacked the basket well and was able to get past his defenders due to his quick feet and low dribbles.
Fairview vs Warrensville Heights (Standouts)
Luke Howes Luke Howes 6'1" | PG Fairview | 2020 State OH , Fairview
The Walsh signee scored a game-high 36 points in what was the last high school game of his career. One of the most dynamic guards in the area, Howes had a field day getting to the rim Monday night with his quickness. A premier ball-handler, Howes was able to finish at the rim through contact all night long and was nearly unguardable when he caught fire near the end of the fourth quarter.
Ramelle Arnold Ramelle Arnold 6'0" | PG Warrensville Heights | 2021 State OH , Warrensville Heights
With 40 seconds left in regulation, the junior point guard came up with a four-point play to tie the game at 85 apiece. He also had a game-high 12 of his 30 points in the third quarter and hit six 3-pointers in the second half alone. Arnold constantly hit big shots for the Tigers all night and showed confidence in his game when his team relied on him the most.
Omahn Dobbins, Warrensville Heights
The senior guard finished with 23 points for Warrensville Heights Monday night, shooting an efficient 9-13 from the field. One aspect of his game that helped propel his team to an upset win was his game-high eight assists. The 5-foot-9 guard had the final go-ahead 3-pointer in overtime to give Warrensville Heights the lead for good and does not back down from contact despite him being a bit undersized.
Noah Mesaros, Fairview
The senior guard impacted the game in a number of ways Monday night. He was a force on the boards all night for Fariview, doing what he’s done all regular season long. His physicalness seems unmatched in Division III and ended his last game with 22 points and proved to be a force inside the paint.