The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Turn of the century: Riverside records rout
Riverside senior guard Caden Geiger didn’t know the last time it had happened.
Beavers coach Matt Grendel couldn’t think of a time, either.
Whenever the last time was — or whether it had ever happened before at all — it’s safe to say Riverside will long remember eclipsing triple digits Jan. 19 in a 101-66 victory over visiting Geneva.
The Beavers were one-third of the way there after the first eight minutes. Riding the wave of a defense that forced eight first-quarter turnovers, Riverside used its speed to take advantage in transition and open up a 34-14 lead.
It was all downhill from there, as Riverside increased its lead to 56-27 at halftime and 84-47 after three quarters.
A layup — in transition, naturally — by junior Scott Cavell in the game’s final minute pushed the Beavers over 100 points.
“Maybe 25 years ago, but not in recent times,” Geiger said with a laugh. “So it was pretty sweet that we hit that.”
Sophomore Charlie Fox had another big game for Riverside, scoring a game-high 24 points, 21 before halftime, frequently as a result of passes in transition from Geiger and other teammates.
Geiger (13 points), freshman Andrew Taggart (11) and senior Jake Segulin (11) joined him in double figures for the Beavers.
“Gosh, I can’t remember,” Grendel said regarding the last time Riverside scored 100. “This is my eighth year as part of the program, and I don’t remember seeing that once.”
The Beavers shot a scorching 59% from the field (41 of 69), and besides scoring transition buckets off turnovers, they also knocked down 10 shots outside the arc, and were able to move the ball quickly and effectively to score when in the halfcourt.
“I’m very fortunate to coach the kids that we have in this locker room,” Grendel said. “Every one of them contributed to this win tonight. They all love the game of basketball, and they show it every night they step on the court.”
Twelve different players scored for Riverside.
“We have a lot of different guys that can score, and we’re very unselfish,” Grendel said. “A lot of them got a chance to show tonight how much work they’ve put in in the offseason.”
Ayden Richmond (14 points), Anthony Kosicek (13), and A.J. Bowser (10) paced Geneva, which fell to 1-5. The Eagles did a fine job of keeping their composure and continuing to play hard despite digging a deep hole early, but turnovers once again proved to be their undoing.
“Coach Grendel and his guys have done a great job, and that 1-2-2 (defense) that they throw out there is tough,” Geneva coach Eric Bowser said. “Once you start turning the ball over, it’s like
“We have a lot of different guys that can score, and we’re very unselfish. A lot of them got a chance to show tonight how much work they’ve put in in the offseason.” Riverside coach Matt Grendel
an avalanche. You look up at the clock and you’re down 20.
“We’ve got to get rid of those turnovers, we had 25plus, maybe 30. You’re not going to win many games turning the ball over like that.”
After edging Normandy on Jan. 18, 61-60, and reaching triple digits on Jan. 19, Riverside is now 7-1 going into its biggest test of the season when Brush pays a visit on Jan. 22.
“We’ve played a number of good teams throughout the season, but Brush is obviously one of the best teams in the area,” Grendel said. “A bunch of good players on their team, especially led by Elmore James. I’m looking forward to seeing our guys compete. We’re confident with our group. We know they’re going to go out and give it their best effort and play as hard as they can.”