Shaker Heights, Ohio - Shaker came into the matchup off of a 61-55 win vs Rocky River. The Cardinals traveled to Shaker coming off of a tough 95-81 road loss to Lutheran East. A win against Shaker would put them in a great position to win the GCC. A great defensive showing from the Cardinals got them a 79-44 win.
Shaker and Mentor both started out struggling to knock down shots from the perimeter. Mentor tried to implement their well known fast pace but Shaker stood their ground getting back in transition.
Towards the end of the quarter both teams started to trade buckets. Makel Harrison hit a three at the buzzer to give Mentor a 22-16 lead.
Tanner Toot was the story of the second quarter as he got Mentor going from the three point line. Mentor came out in the second and was just too much for Shaker.
I got to speak with Tanner Toot about his performance tonight.
“My teammates got me open most of the time," said Toot. "I just had to knock them down.”
They started the second quarter with a 20-5 run four minutes in. Toot knocked down four threes during the run. Biddell and Kobe Frasure-aszano got baskets around the rim. Mentor outscored Shaker 29-6 in the period. They went into the third with a decisive 51-28 lead.
The Cardinals came out halftime and got out to a quick 12-2 run three minutes into the period. Harrison found Biddell for a three and Ioppolo for a dunk during the stretch. Mentor’s full court press helped them play fast and create open court opportunities. They expanded their lead and finished the quarter leading 74-33.
Shaker won the fourth quarter out scoring Mentor 11-5. Unfortunately it was too little too late, as Mentor finished on top winning 79-44.
I got to speak with Head Coach for Mentor Bob Krizancic after the win.
“When the tempo is going up and down at a high pace then we feel comfortable," said Krizancic. "Definitely when our press works we’re at our best.”
Tanner Toot had a game high 17 points with five threes, Matthew Biddell finished with 16 points. Jerith Eaddy led Shaker with 11 points. RJ Thomas finished with nine.
With the win Mentor improves to 12-8 overall and 9-2 in the GCC. They will face off against Garrett Morgan at home. Tip off time is 7:30 PM February 17th.