It was a back and forth game in Thursday’s Division I District 6 semifinal and Cleveland Heights (18-7) prevailed, holding on for a 63-56 win over Brunswick (17-7). Senior guard Jaeden Lawson led the way for the Tigers with 17 points while Rondelle Pollard and Rayvelle Duncan each added 15.
Cleveland Heights came out of the gates firing, racing out to a 13-3 lead with just over three to go in the first quarter, forcing Brunswick to take their second timeout. It was at that point that the Blue Devils offense came to life. By the end of the quarter, the Blue Devils had cut the lead to 16-10.
Photo by Devin Lowe
If the first quarter belonged to the Tigers, the second quarter was all Blue Devils, as they outscored Heights 29-13. Brunswick got a huge quarter from senior guard Maxx Dickinson who scored 14 in the quarter, including two four-point plays. Heading into the half, the Blue Devils led 39-29.
Much like they did in the first, the Tigers came out the locker room on fire, quickly erasing the Brunswick lead. Jaeden Lawson had nine of his 17 points in the third to put Heights up 52-51 heading into the fourth.
A three pointer by Tommy Morgan would give the Blue Devils a 54-52 lead but Rayvelle Duncan answered with a three of his own and the Tigers outscored Brunswick 8-2 the rest of the way to come out with a 63-56 victory.
Photo by Devin Lowe
Up next for Cleveland Heights is a rematch with Lake Erie League rival Garfield Heights (20-3). The Bulldogs took both regular season matchups en route to a league title. Tip off is set for 2 pm at Copley High School.
Key to the Game
After racing out to a big lead, Cleveland Heights found themselves in a double digit hole at the half. Instead of hanging their heads, the Tigers came out of the break on fire. Ramped up defensive pressure and making the extra pass to find the open man allowed Heights to take the lead, and hold on for the win.
Top Performers
Cleveland Heights
Jaeden Lawson: 17 points 1 assist 1 rebound 1 steal
Rayvelle Duncan: 15 points 7 assists 4 rebounds 1 steal
Rondelle Pollard: 15 points 4 assists 2 rebounds 1 steal
Brunswick
Maxx Dickinson: 20 points 1 rebound 2 steals
Tommy Morgan: 16 points 8 rebounds 5 assists 3 blocks 2 steals
Quinn Barnett: 8 points 5 assists 5 rebounds
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | FINAL | |
| Cleveland Heights | 16 | 13 | 23 | 11 | 63 |
| Brunswick | 10 | 29 | 12 | 5 | 56 |
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