The Wadsworth Grizzlies ended their five-game losing streak on Friday night as they beat the Nordonia Knights 52-39 in a boys basketball game played at Wadsworth High School.
With the win, the Grizzlies improve to 3-9 on the season and 2-5 in the Suburban League.
The game was tied at 10 after the first quarter. Then, the Grizzlies put the hammer down on defense in the second quarter, holding the Knights to just 7 points. The offense came to life somewhat behind sophomore forward Ryan Storad who had 6 of 8 points in the second period. Wadsworth had a 23-17 led at halftime.
Nordonia forward Justin Post got the Knights back in the game in the third quarter. He scored 8 of the Knights’ 12 points as Nordonia closed the gap to 33-29.
But, it was all Grizzlies in the fourth quarter as Wadsworth outscored Nordonia 19-10 in the final quarter. A Three-point basket by Alec Booth was big. So were free throws in the final 8 minutes. Sophomore point guard Christian Szalay was 4-of-4 from the free throw line down the stretch. As a team, Wadsworth made 11 of 12 free throws in the fourth quarter.
Tony Hewitt led the Grizzlies in scoring with 10 points. Justin Post had 10 for Nordonia.
After the game Grizzlies head coach Mike Schmeltzer Junior said “I think we’re getting it”. Wadsworth’s varsity team is filled with nine sophomores, one junior and six seniors.
The next action for the Grizzlies will be Tuesday night at Wadsworth Gymnasium against Buckeye.
