by Amherst followed Westlake’s win over North Ridgeville last night, with one of their own over Olmsted Falls. One came as no surprise, the other as a total shock. The Comets knocked off the top seed 35-33 with a defensive effort for the ages, holding the Bulldogs to only 33 points.
The Comets held the Bulldogs to only two points in the opening quarter, and played stout defense the rest of the way. Westlake scored early and often in their big win 68-55 win over Ridgeville. The Lady Demons led by as much as 22 at one point and look like a serious championship contender.
The stage is set for Friday Nights big showdown at 7:45 at Elyria Catholic. Get your tickets early and be ready for an instant classic. Fans and media members alike expect this one to be a little closer then the 34-20 Lady Demon victory of two weeks ago that saw Westlake clinch a share of the SWC title.
The Comets are now playing with serious momentum, defensive aggression and confidence after back to back upset wins versus Avon and Olmsted Falls. The Comets shut down an explosive offense last Thursday in Avon and then came out and did the same thing again last night, muzzling the Bulldogs.
CSU commit Amaya Staton is an absolute presence down low in which the Eagles and Bulldogs have found no answer for. She will need to be at her absolutely best this Friday if the Comets can continue this roll. Stephanie Randar has been playing incredible as of late, and honestly, all season when I stop and think about it for the Westlake Demons.
A lot of press (rightfully so) goes to the dynamic Senior duo of Abby Carrington and Gina Adams, and we will get to them in a bit. But it is Randar who has been stepping up huge as of late. Randar was tasked at guarding Staton the last time these two teams met and did a wonderful job. Staton was never a factor in that one.
Randar stepped up again and shut down Lorain’s Destiny Evans last Thursday in their playoff game. Then last night, it was Randar as one of the leaders in scoring against North Ridgeville. This is the matchup to watch Friday night in Elyria, Staton vs Randar.
Certainly coaching is another big factor to watch out for here. My hat is off to Amherst head coach Jay Valadez for keeping the Comets hungry, healthy and passionate. This team believes they can beat anyone, and Valadez has done an amazing job.
They had a season high in turnovers the last time these two teams hooked up, and once again it will be up to Valadez to make sure the Comets play as close to mistake free basketball as possible. They cannot commit the amount of turnovers they did last time, or this one won’t even be close.
When you talk coaching however, in the SWC, it begins and ends with Karen Swanson Haan. What she has done in two short years is nothing short of remarkable. Factor in that she didn’t start coaching until 3 years ago, and it is unheard of.
Listen, you will not find a more conditioned, disciplined and motivated team in the SWC this season, then Westlake. Swanson Haan has led a charge that is almost impossible not to get behind. She has the championship pedigree, leadership abilities and vision to take this team to Columbus.
Another big factor in this one is the intangibles each team brings. For Amherst, Lexy Alston proved last night the championship heart and mental capability she has. Faith Lewis is a stickler on defense and a court general on offense. These two can flat out get it done.
For Westlake, it begins and ends with their dynamic duo of Adams and Carrington. These two play lights out defense, pass the ball brilliantly, have no issues driving the lane as well as stepping back to nail a three ball. When they have their full court press working on defense, then it is really time to watch out!
But as I have spoken about, and wrote all season, it goes beyond their “Big Three” of Randar, Adams and Carrington. This team is loaded from top to bottom. Emma Hall, when hot, is the best three point shooter in the SWC and beyond. Summer Salem is so tenacious on defense, she is constantly causing havoc.
When either of them need a break, Christina Zkiab and Gigi Redinger have no issues coming off the bench to slow things down and keep the wheels on the cart.
Also, the energy and aggressiveness of Abbie Gardner and Katie Whitesell cannot be denied either. These two sensational Sophomores have been a joy to watch and call play. Look out for big things from them.
The Comets are on a roll, and I truly believe in coach Valadez, but to knock off Westlake, they will need to play as close to a perfect game as possible. I learned a long time ago not to make predictions in tournament play for High School,, so I won’t be saying anything but this, expect a great game.
This is the best way you can spend your Friday night. Forget the car show, come look at the future of Northeast Ohio basketball.
KEE ON Sports was there to call it the last time these two teams played. You can listen to that contest by clicking here https://keeonsports.podbean.com/e/hs-basketball-amherst-at-westlake/
