by The Eagles of St. Edward entered tonight 2-0 and looked ready from the tip as they hosted Trinity out of Garfield Hts. The Trojans excited to play the first game of the season lead by senior standout Aidan Duncan who looks for a breakout season on the hardwood after a tremendous year on the football field. This one went the way of the Eagles by way of a final score of 77-40.
Eagles star Drew Yurcich had a home opener for the record books knocking down six three pointers and finishing with a total of 29 points. Junior JT Kelsheimer added 10 of his own Junior Bryan Vlosich finished with 8. Trinity was led by Senior Guard Aidan Duncan with 13 & Hughes added 9 off the bench.
Things didn’t go as planned tonight for Trinity as St.Ed’s caught fire early from beyond the arc connecting for 14 three pointers. The Eagles scored quickly on a layup from Brian Vlosich seconds into the game. Trinity moved quickly down court and Davarie Bennett answered with a deep 3 giving the Trojans the lead.
The lead lasted less than a few seconds as Eagles JT Kelsheimer knocked down a three pointer of his own giving the Eagles the 5-3 early lead. It looked like this game had the makings of a high scoring back and forth battle when Trinity’s Jarren Cephus came up the floor and hit another long range shot giving the Trojans their last lead of the night. Eagles Drew Yurcich was just getting started when he gave the Eagles the lead for good with a three of his own and St. Ed’s took a 10-6 lead just minutes into the game.
Eagles Guard JT Kelsheimer hit his second three halfway into Q1. Trinity tried to establish the paint early with 6’6′ Sophomore Jshaun Richards. However, Eagles Senior Forward Luke Vislosky showed his strength & experience early and kept the Trojans from gaining any momentum inside the paint. Trinity struggled to score and looked extremely frustrated with the Eagles stifling defense and ball pressure.
Eagles Junior Zymir Knox was aggressive early on both ends. He too, took part in the deep ball action knocking down a three in Q1. After a quick Trojan turnover Eagles Drew Yurcich showed why tonight would be his night as he knocked his 2nd of 6 total in the game three pointers and this opened the flood gates as the Eagles would end Q1 with a 28 to 12 lead.
Drew Yurcich left off where he started Q1, on fire! He knocked down yet another deep ball quickly to begin the Quarter followed by a stop and yet another three pointer, this time by his brother Nate Yurcich. After a quick Trinity possession, Bryan Vlosich let it fly and entered the box score with a three of his own. Quickly the Eagles led 37-12.
While the city of Lakewood had “Light up Lakewood” with fireworks down the road, The Eagles said we have a show of our own inside the Eagles Nest at St. Edward HS. Trinity’s Senior Cooper Hughes came off the bench looking to use his strength inside to muster up some paint presence for the Trojans. Despite his efforts, the Eagles just played with even more energy and discipline to take a 48-22 lead into the half.
The second half showcased more of the same for the Eagles and the lead ballooned to 66-29 midway through Q3 starting the running clock rule mandated by the NFHS. Trinity struggled all night shooting the ball and even worse shot 22% from the charity stripe. The 4th Quarter lead to playing time for the bench. Extended minutes for Eagles Freshman Carson Link & Sophomore Owen McGurer who gained valuable minutes tonight.
Junior reserve Carlos Dejesus ensured he joined the beyond the arc club with a late three of his own from the corner near the home bleachers giving the student section one last burst of joy.
The final from Lakewood, St. Edward over Trinity 77 to 40.
(St. Edward JV over Trinity 64-22 with St. Edward Freshman winning 50-33)
