Titans win LEL title third time in a row

Lorain players knew they had an opportunity to win their third-straight outright Lake Erie League title on Feb. 17 at Bedford.

But it wasn’t until five minutes prior to the game they were informed that history could be made along with it.

The Titans (17-2, 9-0) won their third straight outright LEL title in a 74-34 thumping, then became the first Lorain City School team to win an outright conference title three years in a row for the first time since 1918-20.

History was made, and coach John Rositano understands the significance.

“It’s especially not easy to have

a season like we’ve had and when everyone circles your team as their game of the year,” he said. “We’ve responded in a really good way. We’ve got guys doing the right things in the community and on the basketball court. We’ve got high character guys and that’s how you put together three straight conference championships outright.”

Senior Naz Bohannon had a light night by his standards, scoring only three points, but dished out five assists. He had no problem taking a back seat and allowing his teammates to shine on this night. Bohannon has been the centerpiece to all three conference title teams.

“This means a lot for our

program and city,” Bohannon said. “It feels good to have done something no one is even alive to see the last time it was done.”

“When your best player is unselfish, it makes everyone else want to do the same thing,” Rositano added.

“He’s not worried about scoring, he’s worried about winning.”

This one was over before fans even had a chance to get comfortable in their seats.

The Titans jumped out to a 23-7 first quarter lead, and led, 39-15, at the half. They displayed crisp ball movement to the tune of 18 assists and outrebounded Bedford, 39-23.

Junior guard Devone Grant led with 19 points and 10 boards, while Octavius Wilson added 14 points.

Senior guard Jalil Little,

along with Bohannon, has been an integral part of the Titans’ success, often referred to as the top guard in the state by his teammates. But just like Bohannon, had no problem deferring to his teammates on a special night like this, scoring four points.

“We’re building a legacy,” Little said. “It started two years ago and we’ve done something no one has done in almost 100 years. We’re playing the way we want to play.”

Playing a noticeably lesser opponent like Bedford (4-19) can at times prove to be dangerous, but Lorain never overlooked the Bearcats. With what was at stake, and the postseason around the corner, there’s no room for any letdowns.

“Everybody is getting touches,” Rositano said. “Our bench is playing well

and at this time of year, you just try to refine a few things here and there, but I think we’re peaking at the right time. We knew we were better than that team, but we still played the way we should have played. We expect to keep doing things the right way.

“When you play teams that are inferior to you, you can get caught up and play at their level and we haven’t done that.”

Lorain looks like a welloiled machine heading into the tournament, but Bohannon added that their best has yet to be seen.

Teams in Northeast Ohio probably hate to hear that.

“We’re at a 95 right now, but we can still kick it up to a 100,” he said.

“By the time we get to the Sweet 16, we’ll be more seasoned. We’re trying to get to Game 30 for a state championship.”