The Mentor Cardinals have a lot to look forward to for the 2015-2016 season following a roller-coaster winter.
Mentor finished the season with a record of 15-10 following a tough 76-69 overtime loss to Warren Harding in a Division I district semifinal at Solon on March 12.
Led by senior Joey Zaugg (14 points per game) and a trio of juniors – Micah Potter, Kyle McIntosh and Andrew Valeri – the Cardinals were plagued by injuries and illness throughout the course of the season, but were able to secure signature wins on the road at Shaker Heights, sweeping D-I regional semifinalist Medina, and defeating Episcopal Academy at a holiday tournament in Nashville.
Mentor also held an 8-point lead late against Division I state semifinal qualifier Garfield Heights in the season opener before losing a heartbreaker in overtime.
Jack Korsok, Andrew Robinson and Austin Koss are all promising underclassmen who will return in key roles next season for Mentor.
Potter averaged 20 points and nine rebounds and was named first team All-Northeast Lakes District and third team All-Ohio. Potter is a 6-foot-9 Division I recruit with interest from several major programs.
Potter and Zaugg were named to the first team All NOC Valley Division.
Valeri battled thumb injuries, but proved to be a standout point guard when healthy. McIntosh flashed moments of offensive brilliance and will be counted on as a top scorer in 2015-2016.
A pair of freshmen stepped up for Mentor in impact roles late in the season – Caden Kryz and Tadas Taturanas. Seniors Paul Sateika and Adam Smith provided solid contributions for the Cardinals as well.
Mentor routed Chardon and John Adams in sectional home games to advance to the district semifinals against Warren Harding.
