Sullivan Gymnasium – It was a known fact that the path for the Wildcats would not be an easy one in pursuit of another District Final game and another shot at Saint Edward. Brecksville-Broadview Heights made the road for the Wildcats more difficult than expected Saturday night. With the help of Neeko Melendez, the Wildcats fought off a charging Bee’s offense with a 56-48 victory in one last game at Sullivan Gymnasium.
nine points
It began as another slow night for the Wildcats, which gave flashbacks to games against University School, Beachwood, and Kenston–games where, on paper, the Wildcats should not have had any struggles. Offensive struggles allowed the Bees to remain in the game for a lot longer than the Wildcats expected. The Wildcats quickly fell behind 5-0 which was quickly countered by a Wildcat full court press to disrupt the Bees fast start. The Bees controlled most of the first quarter until the Wildcats were able to show some life and tied the game up at 10.
It was the deep ball that gave the Wildcats the slight advantage they would need. Neeko Melendez knocked down four three pointers in the first half (including one from DEEP in Sullivan Gym) and would knock down two more in the second half. Melendez would finish the game with a team high 18 points. Jon Barnes knocked down back to back three pointers from the corner to give the Wildcats a 32-24 lead at halftime. Chase Toppin and Josh Ozanne also added their share of the deep ball in the first half.
back to back three pointers to help
grow an Ignatius lead
The Bees of Brecksville-Broadview Heights outscored the Wildcats 18-13 in the third quarter and only trailed by three heading into the last quarter of play. The Wildcats continued to slow down their offense and take time off the clock. Both sides of the crowd unexpectedly rose to their feet including a large and noisy section of Ignatius students who weren’t ready to see their team’s season end. The Bees failed to make some shots down the stretch and the Wildcats were able to hang on to the 56-48 victory.
What’s Next?
A relocated Strongsville District that has been dominated by the Saint Ignatius/Saint Edward duo is now set in the Akron/Toledo Region. Along with the relocation of the Strongsville District, some new talent was also added to the District. Brunswick, who has impressed all season, entered the year with a plan to disrupt the Ignatius-Eds domination of the Strongsville District. Brunswick took the #2 seed away from Ignatius and added a potential road block to the District Final vs. Saint Edward.
#2 Brunswick was upset by #7 Medina last night which means Medina will be the next opponent for Ignatius in the District Semifinal this Thursday at Strongsville HS.
Medina sits at 7-16 on the year and is yet another team that at first glimpse, the Wildcats should have no trouble with. Taking a deeper look, Medina has had their shot at competing with some top teams and undoubtedly played a tougher schedule than Brecksville-Broadview Heights. Even though Medina has suffered 16 losses throughout their season, they made some extreme improvements only losing to Solon by six and Garfield Heights by eight. Medina was not able to keep up with Shaker Heights in both matchups they had but have the experience of playing top teams which will come in handy this Thursday and further on in the tournament.
Experience is something the Wildcats have as well. The Wildcats have had their share of challenges with top teams in the area including Solon, Garfield Heights, Cleveland Centeral Catholic, and Saint Edward and have had close games all season long. The Wildcats are now one win away from another District Final vs. Saint Edward, which this year would would be played at the Wolstein Center on the campus of Cleveland State, an opportunity that the team is looking forward to. The Wildcats look to do what the Eagles did to them a year ago after loosing both regular season matchups against the Wildcats and knocking the Wildcats out of the tournament in the District Final at Strongsville High School. It is always said it’s hard to beat a team three times in a season, and with a fully healthy squad, there is no doubt in player’s minds they can compete with Saint Edward. #1 Saint Edward will play #4 Lakewood Wednesday night at Strongsville HS. Anything can happen during play off basketball.
during a timeout late in the fourth
quarter Saturday night
The Wildcats will have three days to prepare for the District Semifinal at Strongsville HS. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. As always, Matt McKenzie ’18 and Brad Anderson ’18 will have the call on SIBN and I will be keeping you up to date with twitter and snapchat updates.
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