Brecksville-Broadview Heights Boys Topple Avon Lake, 65-53

The weather conditions for Saturday’s afternoon boys basketball match-up between host Avon Lake and Brecksville-Broadview Heights was more suited for football – wet, cool, snowy conditions. But the cool outdoor elements would not keep away faithful fans from viewing rivals battling for a conference title in a match-up coined “War on The Shore.” At stake for the Shoremen was an undefeated regular season and outright Southwestern Conference (SWC) title. For the Bees, role of spoiler and a share of the SWC crown.

On this day, Avon Lake’s gym was rockin’, but it was Brecksville-Broadview Heights who rolled over Avon Lake, 65-53.

“We followed what we set out to do, the kids did everything we asked of them. I couldn’t be more proud of them,” said Brecksville-Broadview Heights head coach Steve Mehalik. “The kids were upset (at having game rescheduled from Friday night due to weather). They wanted the pressure and they wanted the crowd.”

The Shoremen (19-1 overall, 13-1 Southwestern Conference) came into the game undefeated, having beaten the Bees (16-4, 13-1 SWC) at their home gym a month earlier (Jan. 25, Won 42-34). They left knowing that they had work to do before they start the regional tournament – Grafton District held at Midview High School. Avon Lake is schedule to play the winner of the Berea-Olmsted Falls match-up on March 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Brecksville-Broadview Heights was undaunted and confident, despite missing two key players out with injury – junior Bryan Willey (concussion) and senior Kyle Coronel (foot injury). Coronel, a starter, is the team’s leading rebounder.

The Bees raced out to a 14-8 lead in the first quarter led by strong efforts from senior Kenny Cunningham and sophomore Tom Tupa. The Shoremen, anchored by seniors Ron Willoughby and Dan Reichlin, kept Avon Lake close – trailing at half, 26-19.

Brecksville-Broadview Heights’ accurate shooting and deft passing allowed them to edge further away in the third quarter, as Cunningham, junior Danilo Radjen, and senior Dave Haba hit clutch three-pointers to give the Bees an 11-point lead (43-32) heading into the final frame. The Shoremen, however, would not go down without a fight with so much at stake.

Avon Lake started the fourth quarter with an 8-2, cutting Brecksville-Broadview Heights’ lead to four points (46-42). It was Haba’s key three-point play that stopped the Shoremen’s momentum, and they never recovered.

“These were two good teams, two very evenly matched teams. If we played them 10 times, we’d probably each win five,” said Avon Lake head coach Eric Smith. “Shots we normally make just weren’t falling. Their defense slowed us down, and they have great depth.”

The Bees were paced by a game-high 20 points from Cunningham. Other contributors included Haba (16 points), Tupa (10), and Radjen (10).

The Shoreman top scorers included Willoughby (18), junior guard Eric Stuczynski (16), and Reichlin (14).

Brecksville-Broadview Heights, who is also seeded in the Grafton District, will play Lorain on March 2 at Midview High School at 6 p.m.