Koepp and Blanton lead Elyria over Midview 76-55

By Jacob Black

GRAFTON, Ohio – The Elyria Pioneers (3-1) traveled to take on the Midview Middies (3-2) in a non-league game. In Elyria’s first three games of the season, they were beating their opponents by an average of 27 points per game. But in their last game on December 16th, the Brunswick Blue Devils defeated them by a final score of 58-34.

Midview has been up and down so far this season, as they started off 2-0. Since then, they have gone 1-2 in their last three games. They fell to Avon by a score of 46-41 on December 16th.

In the first quarter, Elyria used a balanced scoring attack with Justin Koepp leading the way with six points. Dez Brown added five points and Antonio Blanton had four points. Midview’s leading scorer in the first quarter was Derek Rebmen with seven points. Elyria led Midview 18-16 after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Elyria used their defense to hold Midview to four points. Midview’s lone highlight in the quarter was by Gage Carnes, who threw down a dunk while getting fouled on the play. However, he was unable to complete the three-point play.

Elyria continued to use their diverse scoring, as Tone Browne led them with six points. Deviian Williams and Antonio Blanton both scored four points for the Pioneers. Elyria outscored Midview 17-4 in the second quarter and had a halftime lead, 35-20.

In the third quarter, Midview was able to gather a little bit of momentum. However, Elyria’s balanced scoring and defense continued to stifle the Middies.

Dez Brown paced the Pioneers with five points in the quarter. Midview’s Keith Johnson led in scoring with seven points. Elyria outscored Midview 17-16 in the third quarter.

Entering the fourth quarter, Elyria led 52-38. Justin Koepp’s eight points and Antonio Blanton’s seven points led them in scoring in the fourth quarter and Elyria defeated Midview 76-55.

The leading scorers for Elyria were Antonio Blanton and Justin Koepp, who each contributed with 17 points. Koepp also brought down seven rebounds. The Middies’ leading scorer was Keith Johnson with 18 points. Derek Rebmen scored 14 points, while Gage Carnes added a stat line of 10 points and 9 rebounds for Midview.

Elyria improves to 4-1 on the season, while Midview falls to 3-3 on the season. Elyria’s next game is away at Shaker Heights on 12/23 at 7:30pm. Midview’s next game is away at Strongsville on 12/30 at 7:15pm.