Beachwood pulls away in CVC showdown, defeats Orange 75-60

Beachwood, Ohio – The Beachwood Bison started off the season playing a difficult non-conference schedule that featured three of the top teams in Northeast Ohio. Despite starting off 0-3 after that stretch, the Bison are hitting their stride as they picked up their seventh victory in a row, topping rival Orange, 75-60.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair between the two divisional rivals, with both teams trading buckets and the lead. But when Beachwood took the lead late in the first half after a pair of free throws, they would pull away.

In the second half, the Bison forced Orange into several turnovers, and capitalized on those opportunities, hitting buckets to pad their lead and energize the home crowd.

Senior guard Cam Thomas scored 22 to lead the Bison, and freshman Collin Albert pitched in 16 to aid the winning effort. Beachwood also got 12 from senior guard Michael Gordon.

“Anytime you play a rivalry game, you want to give your best effort. We really took it to them and wore them out down the stretch. We kept playing the way we’re capable of playing. These guys got turnt up during the end there.” said Beachwood head coach Jon Mannarino. “When you play rivalry games, anything goes. We fed off that energy and kept competing, and found a way to take it to them at the end.” he added.

“Our team goes through a lot of adversity but we try to keep playing. My team really got me going so I was able to attack the rim and get great shots.” said Thomas.

“It was a great feeling to energize the crowd. I just wanted to come out here and do anything I could to help my team get this win.” said Albert.

In a losing effort, Orange got 23 from senior forward Revelation Sanders, and 12 each from senior forward Yusef Page and sophomore guard Harrison Pyner.

“We got a few senior leaders, but we’re a young team and we’re learning and growing. That’s all I can ask. They gave great effort the entire game. We worked hard, and I think we’re getting better every game. It’s a learning experience.” said Orange head coach Ashen Ward.

Beachwood improves to 7-3 overall and 6-0 in the CVC Chagrin Division, and hosts Chagrin Falls on Tuesday, January 9th.

Orange drops to 1-7 overall and 1-4 in the CVC Chagrin Division, and travels to Perry on Tuesday.