Raider Review, Feb. 11-17

Ezra Marks, Raider Zone Reporter|February 19, 2019

Over 30 teams competed at Cleveland State University this past weekend for the Northeast Division 1 swimming District Championships.

The “Raider Review” is a weekly series that The Shakerite will publish every Monday night, covering the previous week in sports. This week’s edition covers sports events that fell between Feb. 11-17

Men’s Basketball

The men’s varsity basketball team went 1-1 this past week as they beat Strongsville 55-48 on the road, but lost to Solon 62-52 at home. On Tuesday, against Solon, the Raiders struggled as they were outscored 22-9 in the second quarter, in which they fell behind 34-19. The team could not overcome the 15 point deficit, as Solon was powered by freshman Sam Marbury, who scored 24 points. The Raiders were led by junior Shammah Scott and senior Demaris Conner, who scored 13 points apiece. Solon moves to 12-8 with the win and remains one game behind the Raiders for third in the Greater Cleveland Conference rankings.

On Friday, against Strongsville, the Raiders were led by freshman Danny Young Jr., who totaled 18 points and six rebounds. Junior Dakota Cochran also had 11 points and five assists to contribute to the victory. Junior Che Johnson and senior Demaris Conner also each scored seven points and combined for eight steals. With the win and loss, the Raiders advance their record to 13-7 and will play at Revere, who is 16-4, on Tuesday night.

The men’s JV basketball team won both of their games this past week, while the freshman team beat Solon but lost to Strongsville. Both teams will also travel to play Revere on Tuesday.

Women’s Basketball

The varsity women’s basketball team season ended after losing to John Hay 48-45 in the Euclid Sectional/District Tournament. Seniors Anajiah Wallace and Kayla Young led the way in scoring for the Raiders to give them a lead most of the game. However, with three minutes left in the fourth, quarter both of them fouled out. John Hay took advantage of the two fouled out players put together a late run to give themselves a lead and ultimately the victory.

The team also played a rescheduled game against Mentor on Tuesday night, in which they lost 65-56. Senior Anajiah Wallace led the Raiders in scoring with 25 points. With both losses, the Raiders officially end their season with a 2-20 record.

The women’s JV team also lost at Mentor this past Tuesday. Their season also comes to an end.

Hockey

The varsity hockey team won the opening round of the Kent District tournament against Aurora 8-1 this past Saturday. Seniors Ethan Gimbel and Britt Anderson combined for five goals to power the team to the victory. The team will advance to the Kent District quarter-final against Lake Catholic on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Kent State. The winner will advance to the district semi-final, where they would play either University School or Kenston on Saturday.

Swimming

The men’s swimming team placed 12th and the women’s team placed 18th at the Northeast Division 1 District Championship on Saturday. Senior Chachi Gustafson placed second in the 100-meter fly and qualified for the state championship. Freshman Ezra Dykema and Senior Lyle Yost will also represent the team at the state championship this upcoming weekend at C.T. Branin Natatorium, in Canton, Ohio.

Wrestling

The wrestling team competed at Euclid High School this past Friday for the Greater Cleveland Conference tournament. Junior Najee Lockett continued his remarkable undefeated season by winning all of his matches, and ultimately, his whole weight class. Junior Eli Meinhard and Sophomore Toriano Houston also placed second in their weight classes. The team will prepare a run to the state championship, as they will compete in sectionals this weekend.