by North Ridgeville, OH-
This game was the start of SWC play for both the Olmsted Falls Bulldogs and the North Ridgeville Rangers. The game took place in the hostile environment of the North Ridgeville High School gym as the Rangers defeated the Bulldogs 62-56 in a tight game.
I would say that most pundits and prognosticators of high school basketball and the SWC believe that these two teams will be vying for the conference championship alongside the Avon Lake Shoremen this season.
The first quarter and the entire game was a back and forth battle between these two hated rivals. Bulldog Michael Candow right from the opening tip was bound and determined to show his dominance in this game. He hit two early 3’s with Ranger defenders in his face.
Candow is one of two players on the Bulldogs team that can create his own shot and beat his defender on the drive at will. Rangers forward Jake Boynar was able to keep pace with Candow throughout the first quarter and keep the game very close. The scoreboard illuminated a score of Bulldogs 16 Rangers 12 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was a big period for the Rangers as Jayden Parish came off the bench. Bulldogs Evan Gilliland found his shooting touch in the second quarter, scoring 7 points and pacing the Bulldog offense. The Rangers full court defensive pressure really ramped up in the second quarter and they were able to get 3 easy layups off said pressure. The halftime score was Rangers 31 Bulldogs 30
The third quarter was much of the same, neither team able to secure a lead of over 5 points and they traded baskets back and forth. I was very impressed with the defensive structure and mobility for both of these and they are going to give a lot of teams some headaches this year. The end of the third quarter showed the score at Rangers 43 Bulldogs 41
The final quarter of this game showed off the height advantage of the Rangers as they were able to get all rebounds and get 3 easy offensive rebound putbacks. Ranger forward Jake Boynar was able to continue his dominance in the paint and frustrate many of the Bulldog defenders.
Jake has great vision and was able to find my teammates for open shots and easy layups. The Bulldogs were forced into many turnovers in the last 4 minutes to give this game to the Bulldogs.
Final Score Rangers 62 Bulldogs 56
