by The similarities between Sydney Bass and Kennedi Neale of Strongsville are off the charts. Alone, they are each good, together, they are great! Neale and Bass makeup one of the best duos in the state.
It’s funny in a way because they both stepped onto the court of High School basketball and almost instantly were pressured to fill the gigantic shoes of those before them. Kennedi was tasked to fill the ones of her father Tucker who also played at Strongsville before playing at Colgate and playing his pro ball in Europe. Sydney Bass is the younger sister of Reagan Bass, one of the best pure talents this part of the state has ever seen. Reagan, played and graduated from Strongsville before leaving for Akron and then Purdue. Bass led the Mustangs to a 2021 District Championship under Dawn Thall.
Despite the pressure they have continued to shine all season long and have Strongsville at 21-1, primed for a long run in the postseason. Perhaps the best showing of their ability not only to lead, but overall toughness was their road win at Medina last month.
Bass got into early foul trouble as the Bees built a double-digit lead in the second quarter. Bass checked back in, didn’t pick up any more fouls while Neale nailed shot after shot to tie the game. Bass wasn’t far behind and began to attack. By the time the game was over, Bass had completely taken over. When these two are clicking, Strongsville becomes a very dangerous team and nearly impossible to beat.
Neale plays with the heart of a champion while Bass holds a certain confidence only found in a handful of student athletes in any sport. The both just have that “ it factor”.
I spoke with their Head Coach Madyson Farnbauch who had this to say, “Sydney Bass and Kennedi Neale are two of best guards in their class individually but when you put them together they are unstoppable. Their chemistry and connection on the floor has made a forever mark on Strongsville and has helped our team win a lot of big games! From playing together in AAU for so many years to high school ball, they have pushed each other and made one another better players. Both can beat anyone off the dribble or knock down a big time three-pointer or set their teammates up for a successful shot. I’m so honored to have coached them both and can’t wait to see them continue their basketball careers at the collegiate level.”
