Mentor is still undefeated after dominating final three quarters that resulted in a 91-49 win at GCC opponent Strongsville on Dec. 23.
The Cardinals are also unbeaten in league play with wins over Brunswick and Euclid.
“We are 3-0, which looks good and I like where this team is at, but we have a lot of things to clean up and they know that,” Mentor coach Bob Krizancic said.
“Right now it Is good to be 3-0, but we know things are going to get ramped up.”
Mentor will face Solon, Barberton, Gilmour and Bay after Christmas, with games against VASJ and Cornerstone Christian still upcoming.
Senior guard Jack Korsok has scored at least 20 points in each game, including 26 at Strongsville. Starting guard Shane Zalba had another big game for the Cardinals, sparking a huge third-quarter surge. Zalba finished with five 3s and a season-high 21 points.
Caden Kryz, Chad Blessing, Manning Trubisky, Matt Koski, Xavier Cheek and Tadas Tatarunas have been big in the opening run to 3-0 for the Cardinals.
“We have a chance to be very good, but we miss a ton of layups and we need to get tougher,” Krizancic said. “These guys know what we need to do. I like this group.”
Mentor 91, Strongsville 49
Mentor (3-0): Gingrich 5, Ventura 3, Korsok 26, Cheek 2, Man. Trubisky 3, Koski 4, Blessing 3, Phelps 5, Zalba 21, Tatarunas 8, Floriea 4, Kryz 3, Mas. Trubisky 4
Strongsville (3-2): Nelson 8, Mocho 8, Trizzano 5, Maguirre 4, Awada 3, Orszycki 8, Dabato 4, Csire 9
Mentor 18 24 34 15 — 91
Strongsville 17 9 10 13 — 49
Field goals: Mentor 33, Strongsville 18; Free throws: Mentor 10 of 11, Strongsville 7 of 12; 3-pointers:Mentor 15 (Gingrich 1, Ventura 1, Korsok 4, Trubisky 1, Blessing 1, Phelps 1, Zalba 5, Kryz 1), Strongsville 6 (Trizzano 1, Awada 1, Orszcyki 2, Csire 2); JV: Strongsville 52-47
