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Kent, Ohio – In their first game back from a recent COVID-19 pause, the visiting Solon Comets blew out the host Kent Roosevelt Rough Riders, 84-48, in a non-conference showdown Friday evening.
Kent Roosevelt jumped out to an early lead, thanks in part to a Seth Bowser layup and a Desmeal Leigh free throw. After the Riders increased their lead to 8-5, a Rayquan Thompson lay-up gave the Comets a lead they would not relinquish.
From there, despite being short-handed, Solon took control of the pace of the game. Baskets by Caleb Walker, Marcus Steele, and Sam Marbury would increase the Comet lead to 21-12 by the time the first quarter was finished.
The second quarter was as evenly matched as the first, as the Riders worked on the inside. But Solon increased their lead to 39-28 going into the halftime break.
In the third quarter, junior Gavin Leslie knocked down two treys in an attempt to keep the Riders close. But Solon’s fast-paced offense took over, and Sam Marbury knocked down several shots from long range, and Marcus Steele would convert on the inside, helping to increase the lead to 63-37.
The Comets knocked down 13 three-point baskets on the way to Friday’s victory, and despite a slow start, the Comets found their legs, and took off from there.
“It was fun to see them compete and get to play a game. You see these guys sacrifice so much to get these opportunities. Tonight was about that. Hopefully, we’re gonna start to get our legs back. Hopefully playing three games in four days will get us back in game shape.” said Solon head coach Tony DeCesare.
Junior Sam Marbury had 27 points to pace all scorers. Senior forward Marcus Steele had 20 points, and sophomore guard Rayquan Thompson had 14 to help the winning effort.
In a losing effort, the Kent Roosevelt Rough Riders were led by junior Gavin Leslie’s 14 points. Leslie knocked down three three-pointers in the game. Junior forward Seth Bowser added ten for the Riders.
Solon improves to 7-4. They host Strongsville Saturday evening and travel to Euclid Monday to wrap up regular season play.
Kent Roosevelt drops to 4-8. They travel to Field Tuesday evening and Barberton Friday evening to conclude regular season play.
