Avon tops Cornerstone in opener

No matter how Avon won, Coach Kevin Sapara will take it especially coming back from an 11-point deficit.

The Eagles used their rebounding ability and size in the second half and overtime to seal the deal against Cornerstone Christian, 6457, in overtime at the Cleveland Heights Great Lakes Classic on Nov. 30.

“It was a slow start but we continued to battle,” Coach Sapara said.” We knew this was going to be a tough game for us and I just told my boys keep pushing and we made no excuses because we’re all coming together.”

A double-dribble call set things up for the Eagles in late in fourth quarter. However, Dean Emerine got fouled on a rebound but missed both free throws to end the regulation.

Avon would keep the momentum as it opened up the extra frame on Jake Parker’s layup. Then Ryan Maloy scored off on a turnover. A Parker 3-pointer iced the game.

Emerine, who won the game MVP, finished with 21 points. Parker had 23.

“We just kept pushing the ball,” Emerine said. “I knew I had to make shots for us. Have to thank my teammates because they were looking for me the whole time and hoping the shots would go down.”

First, it was Cornerstone that was using its rebounding abilities to start off the game. Avon ended the first on a 5-2 run after trailing, 12-10.

The Patriots opened the second quarter with a pairs of 3s from Ricky Adams. Dominic Rini tied it at 15 on corner 3. It became a 26-21 score at halftime after London Margerum’s 3.

Cornerstone was leading 11, but Avon continued to create turnovers. After Emerine’s layup to cut the deficit to eight, Parker’s jump shot cut it to five.

Parker’s 3-pointer then put Avon up first time at 38-37.

For Cornerstone, they will take this loss as a lesson.

“We made some turnovers that we shouldn’t have made,” Coach Andy Weybrecht said.” After they made their shots, we couldn’t get back on defense a couple of times. We’ve got five new starters but we’re still learning.”

The Patriots were led by Kyle Woods, who finished with 18 points.

Avon will next face Avon Lake on Dec. 11 and Cornerstone plays Cleveland Central Catholic on Dec. 4.