Week 1 Roundup: Green's Boys and Girls Teams Navigate Week One Challenges
Both teams share a common narrative, experiencing only one loss, courtesy of Jackson.
As Green concludes their first week, both varsity basketball teams emerge with just a single loss, with Jackson serving as the adversary responsible for dealing them their initial defeats of the season.
Here’s what you missed.
Boys’ Basketball (1-1)
The boys’ team has already run the gauntlet of foes this year. They started their season on Tuesday with a win against Nordonia, a team they lost to by a fair amount last season. During that matchup, senior Brady Rollyson made a significant impact with a contribution of 24 points. His performance included drawing fouls, euro-stepping past defenders, and exhibiting dominance in the paint against the Knights. In fact, Rollyson scored all of his 24 points in the paint or from the line.
Another seasoned senior, Jarrett Taylor from the class of '24, earned his spot in the varsity lineup during his sophomore year through sheer determination. Taylor emerged as a pivotal player last season, accumulating an impressive 756 minutes of playtime across 24 games. Holding the third-highest field-goal percentage among his teammates, he showcased his skills with explosive drives to the rim and authoritative dunks over opponents.
Against the Nordonia Knights, Antonio Martin rejoined the varsity lineup, contributing 14 points to Green's overall score. Despite a brace fitted to his leg, Martin displayed resilience, maneuvering past opposing guards for defensive stops and efficient scoring. Martin's return not only alleviates pressure on Taylor, as Martin is proficient in bringing the ball up the floor, but it also enhances the team's offensive output. This dynamic additpiles on loads of team chemistry, further strengthening the already robust bond among the team.
The boys were able to put up a strong showing against Jackson in their first Federal League matchup of the season, but fell by five points in the final minutes. Resilient play saw them take the lead heading into the fourth.
The next two weeks will see them splitting time between courts. They’ll travel this Friday to take on the one loss Hoover Vikings, and then return home to combat the yet-to-win Lake Blue Streaks.
Girls’ Basketball (2-1)
Ranked seventh in Cleveland.com’s preseason NEO basketball rankings, the girls’ varsity basketball team saw a great start to their season. The Lady Bulldogs beat Kenston at home a week ago to start the season on a good note. Shortly after on Wednesday, they beat GlenOak by seven to extend to 2-0. However, after rallying back six points going into the fourth, they fell to Jackson after a physical matchup.
The senior-less team is spearheaded by Jenna Slates. The junior nabbed 23 points against their season opener versus Kenston, also picking up eight rebounds and seven steals. Another impact player is sophomore Armahni Wagler, who got nine points with seven rebounds. Junior Meredith Viar nabbed nine points on 3/6 three pointers, the leading scorer against GlenOak.
They’ll continue their homestand this Wednesday against a 2-2 Massillon Tiger team, traveling to take on a win-less Hoover team.