Thu Mar 11 2010
by Devan Matthews
Correspondent
The Nordonia High School boys basketball team dropped a pair of decisions to tough opponents this past week, as the Knights suffered losses to both Kenston and Strongsville.
The Knights lost to the Bombers by the score of 51-40 at home Jan. 26.
Kenston led 13-12 after one quarter, and both squads scored nine points in the second period. However, the Bombers pulled away in the second half, outscoring Nordonia 11-8 in the third stanza and 18-11 during the final frame.
"We were in it until the fourth quarter," said Nordonia head coach Matt Cash. "Then our shots just stopped dropping. That hurt us."
The Knights didn't have any players reach double digits in scoring. However, junior guard Brandyn Clark tallied nine points, junior forward Nick Robertson contributed eight points, senior guard Kory Clark accounted for seven points and sophomore guard Patrick Osborne posted six markers.
In addition, sophomore guard Jarred Ruffin scored four points, and sophomore guard Nick Rodriguez and junior center Zach Lewis added two points apiece.
Nordonia did not enjoy a good start against Strongsville. The Mustangs seized an 18-8 lead by the end of the first quarter and were on top 34-21 at intermission.
After both teams scored 20 points in the third period, Strongsville outscored the Knights 16-8 during the fourth quarter to put the icing on the 70-49 victory.
"We did not play well [against Strongsville]," said Cash. "We had some open shots, but we didn't knock them down, and we got into foul trouble. They kept making their shots, and we kept missing ours. Their rebounding advantage hurt us, too."
Once again, no Nordonia player reached double figures, but the Knights' scoring was balanced. Robertson tallied nine points, Rodriguez and Lewis both produced eight points and sophomore guard Oliver Jefferson contributed seven markers.
Ruffin and Clark both scored four points, Osborne totaled three points and Brandyn Clark, Brown and senior center Kezmei Spencer rounded out the scoring with two points apiece.
With those two losses, both of which were against non-division opponents, Nordonia's overall record on the season slid to 5-8. The Knights are currently 3-2 in the Lake Division of the Northeast Ohio Conference.
Nordonia has a pair of games scheduled for this week, both against non-division foes. The Knights were set to travel to Solon Feb. 2, but results weren't available at press time, They'll host Brush Feb. 5.
Cash indicated that both opponents are extremely tough. His team will have its work cut out for it.
"We have to cut down on our turnovers," said Cash. "We play hard and never give up, we're just young right now. Four sophomores played on Friday night. We also have four juniors and two seniors. We just have to continue to grow, keep playing hard and get confidence in our shots."
The Division I district tournament draw is scheduled Feb. 14 at Copley High School.
E-mail: stowsports@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3113
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