Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division champion Kirtland got all it could handle from second-place Wickliffe on Tuesday but the Hornets came out on top, 70-63.
“It’s always a difficult task to go to Wickliffe and come out with a victory,” Kirtland coach Shawn McGregor said. “Wickliffe was well-prepared and played a great game. Fortunately for us, we were able to make enough plays down the stretch to get a win.”
Wickliffe led at halftime, 34-29.
The Hornets, who improved to 15-5 overall and 14-2 in league play, began their comeback in the second half.
Kirtland pulled to within 51-48 after three and outscored Wickliffe in the fourth quarter, 22-12.
“For us to advance in the (postseason) tournament, you need to be able to go into tough environments and win versus good teams,” McGregor said. “Defensively, Tommy Drazetic did an outstanding job on (Anthony) Olsen, who is a tremendously gifted player. He set the tone along with Anthony DeMarco on the defensive end in the second half. With their hustle on both ends, it helped spark a second-half comeback.”
Offensively, the Hornets were as balanced as they have been all season.
Joey Grazia led the team with 16 points, Julian Davis added 13 and Zach Samsa finished with 11. Drazetic and T.J. Green also scored in double figures with 10 each.
“Joe Grazia and T.J. Green made some clutch plays down the stretch and Zach Samsa was a steady force on both ends of the floor,” McGregor said. “It was a great team win. I couldn’t be more proud of these young men and the character they showed throughout the game. They are a selfless group that cares about each other’s success on and off the floor. I couldn’t be more proud of how they represent their families and community.”
Brenton Petras led Wickliffe with a game-high 14 points and Isaiah Bolon contributed with 14.
