The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Euclid eager to continue growth this season
Euclid underwent a transformative season during T.J. Kwasniak’s first year as head coach. The Panthers won 13 games, beat rival Mentor twice for the first time in 26 years and finished 7-7 in the rugged Greater Cleveland Conference.
A year later, Euclid’s motivation and aspirations are elevated.
The Panthers’ 2017-18 season ended in the same fashion as their three-win campaign a year prior, with a loss to Garfield Heights in a Solon District sectional final.
Nine months later, discussion of Euclid’s seasonending loss generates a shake of the head accompanied by a sigh.
“They was hungry last year,” junior point Garvin Clarke said. “I don’t think we was ready for that game. The way we played, we looked like we ready but mentally, physically I can say that this year, we should be way better than we was last year.”
The Panthers lost, 72-62, after they led at halftime and trailed by three headed to the final quarter. Euclid has an early chance for vengeance against the Bulldogs at home Dec. 11, but the Panthers eye greater goals this season.
“We can’t let that go down again,” senior forward Octavius Hardy said. “Aside from losing to Garfield, we want to have a better record than what we had last year. We want to win our conference, just win, win districts, hopefully make it down to Columbus.”
Euclid begins its second year under Kwasniak as a program advanced far beyond its state when he took over in the spring of 2017. During practice, Kwasniak and assistant John Kane hardly need to yell — let alone speak — while the Panthers run through drills.
The players understand expectations and how to approach meeting them.
“They ran practice, and that’s what you try to get it to,” Kwasniak said. “If I’m in the hall, they grab the balls, they know what drill they’re going to do first, they put us in it. I think I got a mature group, good leadership.”
Guards William Saunders and Emari Baddour emerged as leaders during Kwasniak’s first season. They now play at Medaille College in Buffalo, N.Y., but the Panthers’ roster includes seven seniors.
Kwasniak isn’t concerned about leadership. The Panthers began developing multiple leaders last season, from players in their starting lineup to reserves who understand their role off the bench.
Yet, Euclid’s primary leader is its best player. Clarke, who has attention from a handful of mid-major Division I college programs, enters his junior year with two seasons of varsity experience.
A quiet underclassman, Clarke’s become more vocal. Watching Saunders grow into a leader last year helped.
“That dude just wanted to be in the gym every day,” Clarke said. “That’s what I learned, if you’re not in the gym then nothing’s going to happen in the game.”
Clarke’s performance has impressed since he nearly put up a triple-double against Villa Angela-St. Joseph in his first high school game. As sophomore, Clarke averaged nearly 14 points and handed out six points per game.
Experience on the floor is paying dividends in Clarke’s mental ability.
“He’s learning the game more,” Kwasniak said. “The game’s slowing down. He knows when to go full speed, when to slow it down. I think it’s way more cerebral than it is physical.”
Next to Clarke, senior Latrayl Alexander will join him in the backcourt upon return from a knee injury.
Near the basket, Euclid is a matchup nightmare. 6-foot-6 senior Mario Lacy is one of the most physically talented players in the area and boasts an improved overall game. 6-foot-5 senior Octavius Hardy spent the fall playing defensive end on the football team and will overpower many in the frontcourt. Stocky 6-foot-4 senior Reggie Priah mixes guard skills with a punishing game on the block.
“There’s some teams that have a guy that can guard ‘rio,” Kwasniak said, “there’s some teams that have a guy that can guard Reggie. There hasn’t been a team that can guard all three of them at the same time.”
Off the bench, VASJ transfer Ke’saun Key will provide depth in the backcourt. Tyreese Duckworth, Reggie Watts and Jahmir Davis are all gritty guards who will compete for time.
Kwasniak will quickly learn about the character and caliber of his team. The Panthers opened their season with a loss to 2018 Division I state semifinalist Lorain and, after a matchup with Medina on Dec. 7, face Garfield heights, 2018 D-I state runner-up Solon and Shaker Heights.
“It’s not going to be where we’re at after those first five games that matters,” Kwasniak said, “it’s going to be at the end of the season.”