Eagles stay atop the SWC THE SCORE

Avon coach Kevin Sapara won his 100th career game on Feb. 17, as his Eagles defeated Berea-Midpark, 67-56, in a pivotal Southwestern Conference game on the road.

“It’s not about me,” Sapara said when asked about reaching the career milestone.

“It’s about our guys and we have two big games next week, so we’ll have to prepare, but it’s nice to get that 100th win.”

The game ball went to Sapara afterward, and it came in one of the most important wins of the season.

The Eagles and Titans entered play in a threeway tie for first place in the conference, but Avon’s win keeps the SWC title within reach.

Avon found itself down, 13-10, after one, but saw junior power forward Vlasi Pappas pick the team’s offense up early, scoring eight of his 12 points in the quarter.

The Eagles closed out the half strong, taking a four-point lead into the break.

Sophomore Ryan Maloy came to life after halftime.

The point guard passed for five assists on the night AVON 67, BEREA-MIDPARK 56 (four in the first half), but was held scoreless for two quarters.

He lifted the Eagles the rest of the way, creating plays on defense and knocking down shots on the other end.

Maloy scored all of his 17 points in the second half and swiped four steals in the victory.

“In the first half, I was kind of getting down on myself after a miss,” Maloy said.

“I was kind of starting to letting it affect me too much.

“Then, in the second half I just started playing defense, getting into the rhythm of the game, and then my shots started dropping.”

Jake Parker also contributed 14 points in the win, knocking down four 3-pointers.

Bera-Midpark was led by 22 points from Chad Elliott, who was still able to put up big numbers against a tough Avon defense.

“Elliott’s a really good player for them,” Sapara said.

“We wanted to make it hard on him, but I knew we weren’t going to be able to completely shut him down.”

Sapara credited Pappas, who posted a double-double with 11 rebounds, for doing much of the dirty work.

“He’s been doing a great job. He’s a physical kid, a strong kid,” the coach said.

“He’s stepped up as of late. He’s crazy about getting rebounds and crazy about helping his teammates.”

Avon (15-6, 13-4) hosts Olmsted Falls on Feb. 24, in what could determine the SWC championship.

Avon won its first meeting against Olmsted Falls (15-6, 12-5) this season and a second win over the Bulldogs would clinch at least a share of the SWC title.

Avon Lake (15-6, 13-4) split its two games against Avon this season and if the Eagles and Shoremen both win out, they will be conference co-champions.

Sapara looks forward to the challenge presented in the final week of the regular season.

“We’re excited,” he said. “We want to play good teams.

“We want to earn whatever we get this year. We knew it wouldn’t be easy and it’s not going to get any easier Friday, that’s for sure.”