Lyndhurst, Ohio– Garfield and Cleveland Heights traveled to Brush for the Chet Mason Invitational co main event. Garfield came into the matchup undefeated while Cleveland Heights was trying to bounce back from a loss versus St. Vincent- St. Mary. Garfield's fast high paced offense proved to be too much for the Tigers, Garfield remained undefeated after the win.
Playing in transition proved to be really key for Garfield in the win. Head Coach Sonny Johnson spoke with me about it after the win.
“When we get stops we got guys that can get out in transition, that's when we’re at our best.”
Garfield came out to a dominant start, they trapped and pressed and threw Cleveland Heights out of rhythm. They closed the last four minutes of the first with an 8-0 run. It ended with a Carter Jackson pull up midrange at the buzzer. Garfield led 16-5.
Marcus Johnson started to get going for Garfield in the second, he knocked down two threes and scored ten points. Heights came out strong forcing turnovers, Braylyn Irby got a couple of layups and Mike Lewandowski scored around the rim as well. Heights trailed 1-13 with six minutes to go. After that Garfield took over the quarter going on a 16–3 run, they went into halftime up 34-16.
Heights came out and seemed to be getting going, Irby knocked down a three and Jayquan Stubbs converted an one. They cut the lead to 38-23 with four minutes to go.
Garfield settled in and started to get turnovers and stops of their own resulting in a 15-2 run. They got several breakaway opportunities including a dunk from Deandre Jones right before the period ended. Garfield went into the fourth up 53-25.
Garfield came out in the fourth and closed the game out. Heights fought hard until the end, they outscored Garfield 16-10 in the quarter. Their efforts were too late and Garfield ended on top 63-41.
Garfield’s MVP of the game CJ Little finished with 8 points, Marcus Johnson led all scorers with 16 and Carter Jackson ended with 14. Braylyn Irby won MVP for Cleveland Heights and led with 12 points.
Garfield will be back in action on January 23rd, they’ll travel to play Shaw as they look to maintain their undefeated record.