North primed to demonstrate growth

North’s basketball team won seven games the past two seasons.

Senior guards Brian Skolny and Mikey Duleba are ready to move on. They assumed varsity minutes two years ago while the program experienced roster attrition due to changes in expectation brought about in coach Rob Koelling’s first two seasons.

Now, Skolny and Duleba lead a senior-laden group of Rangers who want to chance the perception of North basketball.

“I want to make a name for North,” Skolny said. “The last two years, it’s been, ‘Oh, we’ve got North on the schedule, that’s an easy game.’ I don’t want any more of that.”

Koelling, a Mentor graduate in his third year at North, anticipates increased success for his senior guards. Skolny and Duleba responded to his elevated standards, then capitalized on opportunities for playing time when their older teammates quit the team.

“You couldn’t ask for two better guys to lead your program,” Koelling said. “If I’ve got the two of them healthy, on the court together at the same time, I like our chances in any game, honestly.”

The Rangers dropped their first two games to begin the season, but remain encouraged. North lost to Harvey, 59-54, in its opener as the Rangers were doomed by a cold-shooting night. Mentor defeated North at home, 91-80, Dec. 4 in a game the Rangers trailed by five points headed to the fourth quarter.

North opens its Western Reserve Conference schedule against Mayfield at home Dec. 7, then hosts Perry on Dec. 8.

The Rangers’ confidence partially stems from their showing at the Terry Rozier summer league in Warrensville Heights. Koelling intended for the competition to toughen his group, but North gained resolve after it competed in close games with Mentor, Lake Catholic and Beachwood.

Seniors Riley Cunningham, Evan Liddington and Aaron Broja join Skolny and Duleba in the starting lineup. Like Skolny and Duleba, Liddington attacks the basket to create scoring chances for himself and others. Cunningham is a shooter who will benefit from their slashing.

Broja, a 6-foot-6 senior forward, is a formidable interior presence who’s added a reliable 3-point shot to his game. He can be a matchup problem for opposing big men with his ability to run the floor. Koelling says Broja is capable of recording a double-double consistently, and lauds his dedication.

“He loves being in the gym,” Koelling said. “He loves being at North, we have to kick him out (of the gym).”

Off the bench, sophomore Kevin Qorri showcased 3-point shooting in the preseason that will put him on the floor during varsity games. Freshman Mo Morgan may not play immediately, but his talent is evident. Junior forward Nate Scott will also factor in Koelling’s rotation.

Team manager Austin Siracusa is now a junior. He continues to keep the Rangers players and coaches apprised of natural disasters. Alongside earthquakes, Siracusa now studies volcanoes, too.

North’s seniors identified a finish near the top of the WRC as their goal.

“I think it’s very doable,” Duleba said. “The past couple years I think, like (Skolny) said, the majority of games were just a couple possessions. If the ball bounces our way, it would’ve been a win for us as opposed to a loss.”

Koelling hopes the primary lesson imparted by the last two seasons is how his player need to finish games.

Ten of the Rangers’ 19 losses last season were decided by single-digit margins. To turn those close losses into victories entails improved execution during crucial possessions late in games.

“Really, the last couple years, they’ve taken their hits,” Koelling said. “This past summer they responded and showed what they learned and this year I think the message has got to be go attack and land the knockout punch.”