GAME PHOTOS: http://smu.gs/2007FML
The Chagrin Falls boys basketball team erased an early deficit with a 13-0 run in the first quarter and never looked back in a 63-45 victory over rival West Geauga on Friday night at Chagrin Falls High School.
The Wolverines had an early, 8-6, lead, but the Tigers responded with a 13-0 run to end the first quarter. That gave Chagrin Falls a 19-8 lead, and the Tigers never trailed again.
With the victory, Chagrin Falls upped its record to 8-2 and 4-2 in the Chagrin Valley Conference while West G fell to 4-8, 0-6.
Chagrin Falls coach Dave Bargar was pleased with the Tigers’ effort.
“We played pretty good basketball the entire game,” Bargar said.
First-year West G coach Jeff Javorek said the Wolverines never really recovered from that early Tiger run.
“Oh yeah, big time, that was the turning point of the game,” Javorek said. “It was a lack of execution.
“Give it to Chagrin Falls. They are a tough group that plays within themselves.”
The Wolverines hung in the game until halftime behind a stellar effort from Micah Young, who led all scorers with 19 points, including 12 in the second quarter. That kept the Wolverines within 34-25 at halftime.
“He really is the definition of a scorer,” Bargar said. “In the second half we did a much better job of making his shots difficult.”
Javorek said he knows he can count on Young for about 20 points or more per night.
“He’s been lights out for us,” Javorek said. “He’s our go-to scorer. He has a scoring mentality.”
The Tigers switched defenses early and often, with a 1-3-1 zone being most effective.
“I know, as a coach, when teams switch on us it takes you out of your offensive rhythm,” Bargar said.
Next, the Tigers outscored the Wolverines 14-7 in the third quarter to increase their advantage to 48-32.
In the second half the Wolverines’ shooting touch went cold as they managed only 20 points after halftime.
“We get hot and cold from the three-point line,” Javorek said. “It’s tough. I thought we had some good looks that we could have knocked down. They kept switching defenses.”
No one else for West G, other then Young, had more then six points. Will Snyder led the Wolverines with six rebounds along with six points.
The Tigers had balanced scoring and production as Joey Vinci and Mac Mazzola each scored 14 points for Chagrin Falls. Mazzola also had seven rebounds and four assists. Corey Tull had a very good all-around game for the Tigers with 10 points, six rebounds, six assists, two blocked shots and two steals.
Overall, nine different Tigers entered the scoring sheet.
GAME PHOTOS: http://smu.gs/2007FML