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The Kenston and Chagrin Falls boys basketball teams renewed their rivalry in the Chagrin Valley Conference opener for both teams Friday night at Chagrin Falls High School.
The contest did not start out how the Bombers would like, but after a lively speech by coach Josh Jakacki at halftime, Kenston got going. The Bombers used a decisive third quarter to defeat the rival Tigers, 52-45, to open CVC play.
The Tigers came out strong and led 13-8 after one quarter. They still led, 22-19, at halftime.
“We played absolutely awful in the first half,” Jakacki said. “It felt like we were down 15. We played like we were overwhelmed. It was very frustrating.
“We came out and responded well. We dominated the third quarter. And I’m very pleased we were able to close out with some free throws.”
However, Kenston really controlled the third quarter as the Bombers outscored the Tigers, 19-9, to take a 38-31 lead heading into the fourth quarter. That eight-minute run is what really decided the game.
Chagrin Falls coach Dave Bargar said: “They played really well in the third quarter. When they got their run, we panicked a bit. We didn’t show poise. That was the difference in the game.”
With all five starters returning, not responding well to Kenston’s run surprised Bargar.
“We talked about that in the locker room,” Bargar said. “We have a veteran team returning. I thought we were very good at that last year, not panicking.”
Chagrin Falls dropped to 1-2 as the Tigers defeated Painesville Riverside and lost to Hawken on a half-court buzzer beater.
That attitude helped the Tigers win the Chagrin Division last year. But now Jakacki and the Bombers have an early leg up.
“It certainly is a big win early, early in the conference race,” Jakacki said. “We’ll enjoy the win, but the game is just one step in the journey to another potential title.”
Jakacki said he was surprised at home the Bombers came out at the start of the game. Kenston played well in its first two games of the season, an emphatic win over Euclid and a close loss to Brush where the Bombers made just 41 percent of their foul shots.
“I was surprised, especially based on our preseason and our first two regular season games,” Jakacki said. “We turned the ball over. We had defensive breakdowns. We were stagnant on offense.
“At the half, we got on them. We needed to play with a sense of urgency.”
Jay Weemhoff led Kenston with 18 points followed by C.J. Maynard with 15 points.
“Jay is rounding into form,” Jakacki said. “He took some good shots and played team basketball.
“C.J. is an outstanding guard who will soften the blow of losing (Bernie) Porter. He did an outstanding job of controlling the offense and running the ship. He hit free throws, got to the basket and got the ball to other guys.”
Kenston lost Porter for the season when he was injured during the football season.
Sawyer McGuire paced the Tigers with 15 points; Nate Diedrich came next with 14 points.
“Sawyer got off to a real good start, and then they worked hard to take him away,” Bargar said. “Nate hit some big 3s to keep us close (in the fourth quarter).”
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