On Jan. 10, the boys’ varsity basketball team faced the Bay Village Rockets at home. After a fierce game, the Rangers easily defeated the Rockets with a final score of 67-42. Senior Luke Vannucci, who scored 27 points, boosted the team’s score tremendously. From the beginning, it was clear it would be a high-intensity game, and both Lakewood and Bay Village were ready for the matchup.
“Key factors that helped defeat Bay Village were on-ball defense, team defense, rebounding, and Luke Vannucci making 7 three-pointers,” Head Coach Alexander Cammock says.
As promised, the Rangers have put up an astounding front this season. After their incredible win against Bay Village, the Rangers’ overall season score is 10-2. They are currently undefeated in the Cleveland West Conference (CWC), ranked #1 in the whole conference.
“We are the top dogs in our conference, which is amazing but we can’t just think we can beat any team now, we still have to be humble and hungry,” senior Mohammed Abuzahriyeh says.
Ranger fans were eager to see the outcome of the game, proudly cheering every time the Rangers scored. The atmosphere was lively, and various chants came from the student section throughout the game. Each major play resulted in great enthusiasm from the crowd, boosting the team’s morale. The entire community is united with our Lakewood Rangers.
“I love watching the spirit from the student section; how they all dress in the theme and how they change together,” Teresa Sayre, mother to senior player Julian Sayre, said.
Throughout the game, the boys worked together coherently, showing strong communication skills and dedication on the court. They adapted to changes and supported each other in key moments of the match. Each player gave their best, with efforts high throughout all four periods of the game.
“I always feel that the players play with tremendous effort and energy,” Coach Cammock said. ”This is non-negotiable. Why would anyone play the game without effort and energy? That would be foolish.”
While putting tremendous effort onto the court, the Rangers also put effort into the team itself. They have great connections and bonds with one another, on and off the court, which helps them immensely as a team during the game. Some of these players have been working and playing together since childhood, forming strong ties. With abundant time spent together, whether during practices or at games an hour away, it is no surprise that they have developed a special connection.
“One thing about the team is they seem like they are always playing, be it at practices, summer league, scrimmages, or their road trips, just about every day of the week and almost year long,” Sayre said.
Whilst the team played together well and worked hard towards their win, there is always room for improvement. By continuing to put in their all during practices, the team continues to grow and work on new ways to better themselves individually and as a team, working on new strategies and enhancing their skills on the court.
“Overall my performance was good, I could have had better body language but from a player and teammate perspective my performance was good,” Abuzahriyeh said.
“The Rangers need to continue to improve on-ball defense, as well as help defense in the gaps,” Coach Cammock said. “Offensively, the Rangers need to be able to execute purposeful actions and handle physical defenses. Improving cutting and screening will help in the long run.”
As the Rangers approached that game against Bay Village, their mindset was focused and determined. The players were mentally ready for the challenge. They knew they needed to stay sharp, working hard to remain undefeated in the CWC conference.
“I was dialed in before the game and knew my job as a player and teammate, but what do I have to do to win the game,” Abuzahriyeh said. “It was one of our bigger matchups but I went into the game positive and energetic.”
The boys continue their season facing off against the Strongsville Mustangs on Jan. 14 and the Westlake Demons on Jan. 17, both exciting challenges for the Rangers. Each upcoming game is a chance for the team to sharpen their skills, continue to work hard and improve with every practice and game. Everyone can look forward to some fantastic plays on the court as the boys are ready to rise to any challenge in their way and keep the excitement moving.
