Euclid, Ohio - Mentor came into the matchup averaging an astounding 110 points a game in their two playoff games. They sought another appearance in a district final game as Green stood in their way. Green eliminated Mentor from the tournament in 2019 and tonight they looked to do it again. The trio of Ian Ioppolo, Ryan Calo and Matthew Biddell combined for 75 points in the win.
I got to speak with Mentor forward Ian Ioppolo after the win.
“Guys are building confidence trying to do new things they probably weren’t doing earlier in the year now they’re getting better," said Ioppolo. "We’re staying later in the gym …it’s showing on the court."
Matthew Biddell wasted no time making his mark early. He had an extraordinary start, scoring and assisting on 14 of Mentor’s 16 points. He finished with nine in the quarter and both teams went into the second tied at 16.
The second quarter Mentor started to gain control of the game. The Cardinals were flying around in sync while using their full court press to enforce a faster tempo and create turnovers. Ryan Calo was a huge spark for Mentor in the period. He scored 11 points knocking down three threes including one at the buzzer. Mentor went into the half up 42-30.
Mentor continued to keep hold of the driver’s seat in the third. They continued to be relentless in the open court getting out running and forcing turnovers. Ian Ioppollo started to come along in the quarter knocking down three threes, he scored eleven in the period. Mentor went into the fourth up 66-49.
The Cardinals came out in the fourth trying to put the game away. Biddell and Ioppolo hit threes early in the quarter. Green had no type of quit in them whatsoever. Drives from Brady Rollyson and a three from Jarrett Taylor helped Green bring it to within twelve with three minutes left.
A few plays later Ryan Calo converted a tough and one finish through traffic which seemed to close the game for Mentor. Green kept fighting and brought it to within seven with Taylor’s efforts to get to the basket. Calo closed the game from the foul line with two makes. Mentor finished on top 83-70.
Ian Ioppolo led all scorers with 27 points, Ryan Calo finished with 25 and Matthew Biddell finished with 23 for Mentor. Jarrett Taylor led Green with 21 points while Anthony Fortunato and Sam Dubravetz both scored 12.
The next time the Cardinals will be Saturday at 2:00 PM vs the Dover/Massillon Jackson winner.