Solon defeats Shaker Heights, 87-71, to remain unbeaten

Shaker Heights, Ohio – In a battle between two of the top teams in Northeast Ohio, the Solon Comets remained unbeaten on the season, defeating host Shaker Heights, 87-71 in a Greater Cleveland Conference showdown.

Early on, the two teams traded baskets, and Solon ended the first quarter ahead 18-16.

From there, the Comets started to add to their lead, and capped off a 14-3 run with a Mike Bekelja layup to go into the half up 38-23.

In the third quarter, the Comets continued to pull away, forcing multiple turnovers, and knocking down several shots, eventually padding the lead to 69-41 at the end of the third quarter.

“To be able to push the lead gives you comfort and confidence. That early run in the third quarter was huge. Part of pressure is getting turnovers and creating our pace. We feel like that’s our advantage.” said DeCesare. “Our guys were trying to make plays individually, but once the ball got moving, our scoring started to pick up. We just have to care about the right play, and our guys did that.” he added.

Junior guard and Fairmont State commit Mike Bekelja scored 22 points to lead the Comets, and junior guard Trent Williams had 20 points.

“It feels great to get this victory and be first place in the conference. We’re just gonna try to keep this going the rest of the season.” said Bekelja.

“It feels great because we put all this hard work in. People have been doubting us, and we showed them that we can beat the top teams in Ohio.” said Williams.

Senior guard and West Liberty commit Sincere Carry had 16 points, junior guard Brandon Brown had 13, and junior forward Nick Close had ten.

“I was just trying to play my game. I know we needed it tonight.” said Brown.

The Red Raiders had to play without senior forward Chris Guess, who was serving the last game of his two-game suspension.

In a losing effort, Shaker Heights got 30 points from senior guard and Fairmont State commit Dale Bonner, and 20 points from sophomore guard Dakota Cochran.

Solon improves to 9-0 overall and 5-0 in the Greater Cleveland Conference. They travel to Brunswick on Friday, January 12th.

Shaker Heights drops to 6-3 overall and 4-1 in the Greater Cleveland conference. They host Strongsville on Friday, January 12th.