On Feb. 4, the Lakewood Rangers boys’ basketball team became the champions of the Cleveland West Conference, beating the Rocky River Pirates 61-52 here at home. Along with the Rangers taking the championship title, they are also the first-ever winners of the CWC, making it a monumental moment for the team, students, and family. Each player showed off their teamwork skills, displaying resilience and constant communication throughout every quarter of the game.
“Loved the game!” Lakewood Teacher John Burgess said. “GO RANGERS.”
“We had good communication on the court which helped us win,” junior Nathan Bruwer said. “We were talking on defense in the second half and that’s what helped us come out on a 6-0 run coming out of half time making their coach call a timeout, and our defensive communication is what allowed us to do that.”
“The team played well, had a lot of energy and we all did our part to win this game,” senior Mohammed Abuzahriyeh said.
The stands were filled with cheers from all around, as everyone sat in suspense in a close game, hoping for the Lakewood Rangers to come out on top. The support from the gym filled the room, motivating the team for the heroic victory.
“I feel amazing, it was a great game granting us the conference championship,” Abuzahriyeh said.
The excitement didn’t stop when the buzzer went off at the end of the 4th quarter, declaring the Lakewood Rangers as winners, students and family gathered around the hoop as the varsity boys each got to cut down a piece of the basketball net to keep. Getting to cut down the net symbolized their victory and all the hard work they had put in to get to this moment, allowing each player to remember this memorable night for the rest of their high school careers and onward.
Along with the excitement of winning the championship, Tuesday’s game was also teacher appreciation night for the seniors. Each senior picked out a teacher that they wanted to take the time to recognize and give a thank you for their contributions and support through high school. Teachers provide students with an environment where they can collaborate, be respected, and persevere, which is critical to classroom learning and vital out on the basketball court. This special moment shared between the students and the teachers added a special heartfelt meaning to the whole night.
“I enjoy what I do,” Burgess said. “Teaching is kind of a calling, helping students learn and understand material that they can apply later. It’s cool.”
Luke Bonvissuto and Luke Vannucci nominated Mrs. Spies, Aidan Smith Nominated Mr. Brookholt, Mo Abuzahriyeh, and Julian Sayre nominated Mr. Sparks, Stevie McAuliffe and Lucas Sequine nominated Mr. Burgess, and Brady Long nominated Mr. Popio.
“It means a lot to be nominated,” Burgess said. “It’s tough sometimes to know if you have an influence on students. So this was nice.”
“I chose Mr. Sparks because he is someone I look up to and means a lot to me, showing me how to be a better student and person,” Abuzahriyeh said.
Tuesday’s game was an eventful night for everyone, but that does not mean the team is putting its foot on the brake. With every practice and game, they continue to work as a team and individually to polish up their skills. Their dedication to the game never fades.
“I felt good about my performance,” Bruwer said. “I could have done better but I feel like I have a good effort and hustle.”
Their hard work and dedication on and off the court are what have made them come this far and continue to push them to the next level.
“It feels great to be the first winner of the CWC,” Bruwer said. “We have worked very hard all season and are continuing to work hard to hopefully win a district and stage title and it feels amazing to put in the work and see it pay off.”
The boys continue working hard as they continue with the season, facing off against the Valley Forge Patriots away at Valley Forge High School on Friday, Feb. 7, and then back home on Tuesday, Feb. 11 for the Lakewood Rangers boys’ senior night. Make sure to come and support our seniors Brady Long, Aidan Smith, Stevie McAuliffe, Lucas Seguine, Julian Sayre, Mo Abuzahriyeh, Luke Bonvissuto, and Luke Vannucci as they go head-to-head against Lorain.
