SANDUSKY — When a team plays zone, a common way to beat it is to shoot well from the perimeter.
In an attempt to control tempo, Lorain’s zone defense installation backfired, as Toledo Whitmer knocked down 14 shots from 3-point range, which resulted in a 87-61 defeat in the 2023 Sandusky Blue Streak Classic on Dec. 28.
“We came in with a plan and we got punched in the mouth,” Lorain Coach Matthew Kielian said.
Whitmer, coached by Midview graduate Anthony Stacey, advanced to the tournament’s championship game, which will be played on Dec. 29. Lorain will play in the tournament’s consolation game on Dec. 29.
Whitmer leads Lorain 12-3 in Q1
Big 10 recruit Antoine West is a go to player for them so far@MJournalSports @lorainathletics @WhitmerAthletic pic.twitter.com/DshObAaqVq
— Mark Perez-Krywany 🤓 (@MarkPerezK10) December 28, 2023
In an effort led by Division I recruit Antione West (22 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds), the Panthers 3-point shooting was unrelenting. They outscored Lorain, 22-5, in the first quarter and extended the lead to 49-27 at halftime.
Whitmer ends the first half with a 49-27 lead, but Rowser scores as time expires@MJournalSports @lorainathletics @WhitmerAthletic pic.twitter.com/jUJrGsFhQ0
— Mark Perez-Krywany 🤓 (@MarkPerezK10) December 29, 2023
“It wasn’t that I was trying to disrespect (Whitmer) by playing zone,” Kielian said. “I thought that we could control the tempo by playing zone. We thought by making them shoot, making them miss and go get the rebound and control the tempo.”
Seven different Whitmer players knocked down at least one 3-pointer. Along with West’s 22 points, Mahki West (13), Sam Just (11) and Elijah McLeod (14) scored in double-figures.
Elijah McLeod knocks down back to back threes. Sam Just knocked down three 3s as well.@MJournalSports @lorainathletics @WhitmerAthletic pic.twitter.com/RikAAX05k8
— Mark Perez-Krywany 🤓 (@MarkPerezK10) December 28, 2023
Whitmer seemed to always find the open player, which resulted in 23 assists. It also shot 15-of-18 from the free-throw line.
Lorain was able to slightly cut the lead in the second quarter. Asiah Kielian provided a spark off the bench with eight points in the second half.
Being short-handed in the backcourt, Jaiden Guerra-Howard spearheaded the offense with 25 points to keep pace with Whitmer.
Coach Kielian liked the effort that he sees from his players, but he feels that he has to be able to put them in the right spot.
“It’s tough, because our kids want to do well, succeed and want to do the right things,” Kielian said. “I have to figure out how to put the square peg in the square hole. Sometimes, I have round pegs, so I have to have a round hole to put that in.”
Whitmer improved to 6-1, and Lorain dropped to 2-6.
