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02/20 - 7:30 PM Boys Basketball Final Brunswick 50 Garfield Heights 54
GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Despite blowing a 21-point second half lead, Garfield Heights boys basketball was able to hold on for a 54-50 home win over Brunswick on Friday.
Coming back after relinquishing showed Garfield Heights' strengths and weaknesses right now.
"It shows that we have some chemistry, and we never stop fighting, but we just need to get better," said Garfield Heights coach Sonny Johnson.
Four players scored in double-figures in the Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division game for Garfield Heights, which is ranked No. 8 in the cleveland.com Top 25 poll. Zach Cebula had a game-high 23 points for No. 14 Brunswick (15-5, 4-4).
Behind six 3-pointers in the first half, Garfield Heights (18-3, 7-2) was able to jump out to a 31-15 lead at the break. Half of those 3-pointers came from sophomore Shawn Christian, who had nine points at halftime.
This game proved to be similar to the last time these two teams played. In that game, Garfield Heights edged out a 36-31 road victory on Jan. 16.
What it means
Garfield Heights showed some guts Friday, as it was able to respond after blowing a big lead. To turn the momentum back in the Bulldogs favor that quickly is a skill that will pay off come playoff time.
It also showed the Bulldogs are more than just a two-man team. Garfield Heights got 22 points off the bench from Christian and Marreon Jackson, and both players are proving to be crucial members of this team.
The pieces are there for Garfield Heights, which is trying to make sure it is all together.
"We need to focus on our defense, but the main thing is working on our player leadership," Johnson said. "No matter how much I coach, the players run the team. If you have great leaders, you can be successful."
Brunswick showed a lot of guts too, as no one would have batted an eye if the Blue Devils would have folded after falling behind by 21 points. This is a really good team that plays defense well enough to hang with most teams out there.
Play of the game
With the game tied 45-45 in the fourth quarter, Marreon Jackson made the biggest play of the night. The sophomore hit a layup and was fouled. After hitting the free throw, his team led 48-45 and held the lead for the rest of the game.
Crucial run
The Jackson layup started a 7-2 run for Garfield Heights. The key was getting defensive stops the team couldn't get earlier in the second half. Jackson had seven points in the stretch.
Who stood out for Garfield Heights
Christian: The sharp-shooting sophomore scored all 12 of his points on 3-pointers. He's been heating up down the stretch for the Bulldogs.
Marreon Jackson: The sophomore made the big plays in the fourth quarter, as he hit a key layup and sank three free throws down the stretch.
Willie Jackson: The Bulldogs junior only had 11 points, but he played strong defense inside all night long. He's showing improved post moves with every game.
Who stood out for Brunswick
Eric Bulic: Although he's mostly an interior player, the 6-foot-6 senior can step outside for a 3-pointer. He finished with 12 points.
Cebula: His 23 points were fueled by seven 3-pointers. If he's steady on offense, Brunswick is dangerous.
Garfield Heights sound bites
Christian on coming off the bench: "I just bring energy and intensity in the game. I pick it up defensively and offensively…I keep my head in the game and stay ready. You never know when you're going to be called."
Christian on the playoffs: "I'm pretty excited. This is my first year actually playing in the tournament so I'm very excited."
Johnson on the second half: "We got lackadaisical. We didn't take good shots. You need to value every possession when you have a lead like that."
Johnson on Marreon Jackson: "He's one of the best sophomore point guards in the state. He doesn't feel any pressure."
Brunswick sound bites
Coach Joe Mackey on the second half: "We just executed and defended a lot better. We can't play just two quarters at Garfield Heights."
Mackey on Cebula: "He got some space. Normally teams get up in him, but he was able to get some space. We needed it."
What's next
Garfield Heights travels to Strongsville on Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Brunswick travels to No. 17 Mentor on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
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Contact high school sports reporter David Cassilo by email (dcassilo@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@dcassilo). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.
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