The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Girls hoops previews for games of Feb. 26
The girls basketball tournaments start heating up with district week, starting with games involving Avon Lake, Avon, Olmsted Falls, Bay and Clearview.
No. 1 Strongsville vs. No. 4 Avon Lake
What: Division I Elyria Catholic District semifinal When: 6 p.m., Feb. 26 Where: Elyria Catholic High School, 725 Gulf Road, Elyria For the record: Avon Lake showed its mettle to reach this point, holding off a very game Westlake squad, 36-33, in a sectional final. ... The win was the fourth straight for the Shoregals, which is good news for the Avon Lake faithful, because when the Shoregals get on a winning streak this season, it’s usually due to standout defense. This streak is no different. Avon Lake has allowed an average of 29.3 points per game, which includes allowing 52 points in a 58-52 win against North Ridgeville that kicked off the winning streak. Take that game out, and the Shoregals are allowing an average of 21.7 points per game . ... With that said, Strongsville is not like North Ridgeville, Amherst, Valley Forge or Westlake — the teams Avon Lake has beaten during its streak. The Mustangs had been on a six-game win streak before a regular season-ending loss to Elyria Catholic District No. 2 seed Olmsted Falls. It was one of four losses for Strongsville on the season. ... Strongsville showed that the regular-season ending loss was a thing of the past, as the Mustangs dominated Lorain in a sectional final, 57-30, to make it to this point.
Behm’s pick: Strongsville
No. 2 Olmsted Falls vs. No. 3 Avon
What: Division I Elyria Catholic District semifinal When: 7:45 p.m., Feb. 26 Where: Elyria Catholic High School, 725 Gulf Road, Elyria
For the record: These two seemed like they were on a collision course during the regular season, and that has come to fruition . ... This is a rematch from last year’s Elyria Catholic District final, which Olmsted Falls won, 47-42. Although, instead of being an unlikely showdown between the Nos. 5 and 6 teams, the rankings for Olmsted Falls and Avon fully indicate the heavyweight battle this game should be . ... Both teams received fairly stiff tests to make it to the district semifinals, as Olmsted Falls topped Amherst, 61-56, and Avon topped North Ridgeville, 53-42 . ... Olmsted Falls is on a six-game winning streak, while Avon’s win over North Ridgeville snapped a three-game losing streak — albeit to tough competition in Westlake, Lakewood and St. Joseph . ... These teams split the two Southwestern Conference showdowns during the regular season, with Avon claiming the first game, 42-39, on Dec. 9 before Olmsted Falls won on Jan. 24, 56-38 . ... With both teams appearing to be at their peak, this should be a game that comes right down to the wire.
Behm’s pick: Olmsted Falls
No. 2 Bay vs. No. 3 Clearview
What: Division II Elyria District semifinal When: 7:45 p.m., Feb. 26 Where: Elyria High School, 601 Middle Ave., Elyria
For the record: The Rockets put together a tough regular season with the playoffs in mind, and this is the first time Bay gets to see if that grind was worth it . ... Keystone was a difficult opponent that Bay defeated, 47-27, in a sectional final, but Clearview brings it to a new level . ... The Clippers topped Patriot Athletic Conference rival Buckeye, 57-47, in a sectional final to bring their winning streak to four games and their record to 17-5 overall. ... Clearview’s defense at times leaves something to be desired, but the offense can score in droves, which makes it hard for teams to come back on the Clippers if they fall behind early. ... Bay, on the other hand, uses a balanced attack that can outscore its opponents when needed, but thrives when its defense is on . ... The Rockets are unlike any team the Clippers have seen this season and will easily be their toughest test. Yes, Clearview played Lutheran West twice and Wellington once — and that’s not to put down those two outstanding programs — but Bay is on a different level. It’s going to take a flawless allaround game for the Clippers to win. Meanwhile, Bay needs to avoid falling behind early if it wants to advance to the district final. Behm’s pick: Bay Behm’s record: 20-2