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NEO Spotlight Weekend Recap

By T.J. Peatross, 12/04/17, 4:00PM EST

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Basketball is Back in NEO!

From the OHSAA football state championships to the Great Lakes Classic at Cleveland Heights, there was a lot going on in Northeast Ohio over the last few days. NEO Spotlight has put together some of the takeaways from this past weekend in case you happened to miss some of the action!


2018 PG Sincere Carry

Solon Nearly Cracks the Century Mark

Coach Tony DeCesare and company wasted no time showing off their high powered offense in a 98-61 win over Beachwood on Friday night. Guards Sincere Carry, Michael Bekelja, and Trent Williams combined to score 60 points in what was a statement game for the Comets. Stay tuned this Friday as I take a closer look at Solon and the GCC with another conference preview only on NEO Spotlight.

The Eagles Spoil Lakewood's Opener

The Lakewood boys' basketball team saw its first live action in their new gym on Friday as they faced cross town rival, St. Edward. Ed's edged out the Rangers every quarter and took home a 51-38 victory in what turned out to be a competitive game down the stretch. Senior Emmett Chambers led the way for the Eagles and Jacob Sala, a Notre Dame College commit, scored 10 for Lakewood. With ideal size and length, Lakewood proved to be a team to keep an eye out for as the season continues. 

Bragging Rights

There was no shortage of storylines in Viking Country on Friday as Villa Angela-St. Joseph coach Babe Kwasniak welcomed his brother T.J. Kwasniak and Euclid into their place to play in front of a sold out crowd. VASJ cruised to a 98-66 win and will have the neighborhood crown for at least a year. Senior Gene Higgins scored 33 points for the Vikings and sophomore Garvin Clark tallied 21 for Euclid. 


Garfield & Shaker put on a show at the glc


Maple's Alfonse Hale and GLC Director Andre Scott

In just its second season, the Great Lakes Classic has quickly become a staple here in Northeast Ohio as a great way to tip off the season. This year's event featured some of the area's top squads including 10 teams featured in cleveland.com's preseason Top 25 poll. Garfield Heights and Shaker Heights electrified the crowd on Saturday, setting up their match that is scheduled for later this month.

3rdCoastHoops was in the building to capture some of the night's best moments, so be sure to check out the videos below and catch up on the scores from all 15 games.

Date Game
12/1 Richmond Hts. 65, Orange 61
12/1 GTA Prep (CAN) 72, Glenville 57
12/1 Maple Hts. 52, Medina 48
Date Game
12/2 Kenston 75, Rhodes 64
12/2 Holy Name 90, East Tech 63
12/2 St. Ignatius 79, John Hay 34
12/2 Garfield Hts. 98, Cleveland JFK 47
12/2 Shaker Hts. 89, Warrensville Hts. 60
12/2 Cleveland Hts. 81, Cornerstone Christian 70
Date Game
12/3 Kenston 63, New Day 52
12/3 Lutheran East 70, Beachwood 64
12/3 Euclid 81, Shaw 66
12/3 CCC 55, Cornerstone Christian 48
12/3 Brush 79, Glenville 52
12/3 Cleveland Hts. 73, GTA Prep (CAN) 65

All-Ohio Showcase

NEO Spotlight was in Columbus on December 2nd for All-Ohio 's annual showcase. The event was loaded top to bottom with some of Central Ohio's top teams and players. Mentor and St. Vincent-St. Mary made the trip. Keep reading to see how they matched up!

Mentor Knocks Off Olentangy Liberty

Just one day after their football team played in the state championship game, the Cardinals basketball team stepped on the hardwood to face a talented Olentangy Liberty team. Mentor controlled the tempo early on in what eventually developed into a track meet, outlasting Liberty 89-82 in regulation. Mentor had four players in double digits and freshman Luke Chicone secured player of the game honors. 

STVM Shows Some Fight Late

The Fighting Irish of Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary headlined the All-Ohio High School Showcase versus perennial Division 1 powerhouse, Pickerington Central. After trailing by double digits in the third quarter, the backcourt duo of Scott Walter and Seth Wilson brought the team back within striking distance late in the game. The Irish failed to get a shot off after a number of long distance attempts failed to drop, falling to the Tigers 69-66.


The Class of 2021 Shows Out!
  • Luke Chicone (Mentor) 5'6 PG - 12 points & MVP honors in Mentor's win over Olentangy Liberty.
  • E.J. Farmer (Lutheran East) 6'3 CG - 24 points in Lutheran East's win Saturday afternoon at the Great Lakes Classic,
  • Josh Irwin (West Geauga) 6'5 PF - 26 points, 3 assists, 3 blocks, and 4 threes in a 84-76 win over Chardon.
  • Seth Wilson (STVM) 6'1 CG - 24 points vs. Pickerington Central, a state semi-finalist in D1 last season.

Click HERE for our Freshmen Friday article!


Luke Chicone (left) & Seth Wilson (right) via All-Ohio


What's Next?

3ch & NEO Spotlight Game of the week

Garfield Heights @ Benedictine, 7:00PM - 3rdCoastHoops and NEO Spotlight present the Game of the Week on Friday, December 8th as the Garfield Heights travels to Benedictine for the Bengals season opener. Stay tuned to NEO Spotlight for a full write up and video recap following this anticipated matchup.

Other Notable Games:

  • 12/5 - Stow @ Barberton
  • 12/5 - Massillon Washington @ Lakewood
  • 12/6 - Maple Hts. vs. Lutheran East (Quicken Loans)
  • 12/7 - VASJ @ Cleveland Hts.
  • 12/8 - STVM @ VASJ
  • 12/9 - Trotwood Madison @ STVM
  • 12/9 - Jack Greynolds Classic (@ Barberton HS)

For a list of upcoming events in NEO, click HERE !

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