by Dr. Charles Greanoff –

On this frigid Northeast Ohio night, Rory Chanter—who led the Rangers in scoring with 11 points– sank two free throws to ice the game as Lakewood defeated Rocky River for the second time this season, 45-40. Lakewood is now 9-2 in the Cleveland West Conference and takes over sole possession of first place, one game ahead of Buckeye.

It was quite a slog tonight—points were at a premium. LaMar Wilson scored 8 and had a key rebound that led to Rory’s late free throws. KaVantah Swain played his usual tenacious defense and scored 8. Riley Verderber also had eight points and led the team in rebounds with 9. Harper Carroll provided steady play off the bench, logging significant minutes while scoring 4 points.

Perhaps the biggest shot of the game also came from a non-starter, when Liam McGann coolly drained a 3-pointer from the corner to ever so slightly open up a tight game, giving the Rangers a 5-point lead early in the 4th quarter. From there, Lakewood extended the lead to 9 before River cut the lead to 3 with one-minute left. From there, LaMar and Rory clinched it for the surging Rangers.

It’s never easy to win just over the bridge, but a strong team effort which included vital bench play did the trick. Kudos to Coach Cammock who is one step closer to a second consecutive league title. It was good to many Lakewood faithful, including super fans Indigo Moncrief and Ruby McEwen across the river. Special shout out to the Lakewood Cheer Squad, always good but better than ever, that brings great energy and pepe every time.

The 1st place Lakewood Ranger are one team, from one town. Long Live Lakewood