South Settles Score at North

EASTLAKE — A week made all the difference.

After falling to Eastlake North on their home floor last Saturday, the Willoughby South Rebels returned the favor Friday night, pulling away in the second half for a 62-50 Western Reserve Conference rivalry win.

“It was a great win,” South coach Doug Barber said. “It was nice that we only had to think about that loss for six days. We thought about it for six days and wanted to get back and avenge that loss.”

South (5-16, 1-8 WRC) led 23-22 at halftime before breaking the game open with a decisive 19-7 third quarter. North (4-17, 1-9) never fully recovered.

Rakeem Drew sparked the surge, scoring seven of his game-high 21 points during the pivotal stretch. The Rebels found the consistency they lacked in last week’s 52-44 loss, when they were unable to protect a lead.

This time, they slammed the door.

Brady Shazivari added 14 points for South, while Malick Sy delivered his strongest outing of the season with 13 points — 11 coming in the second half as the Rebels built separation. Jack Makar chipped in six points, Jaiden Lamb and DaRian Finnie each scored three, and Kayden Johnson added two.

“Rakeem was absolutely huge for us tonight,” Barber said. “Brady Shazivari had a big game, and Malick Sy had the best game of his season with 13 points. We needed it because we were down two starters.”

North stayed within striking distance early behind Braylon Rolf‘s 18 points and Nate Sagendorph‘s 11. Greyson Barney and Mike Lowrie each scored six, Ethan Grinstead added five, Brand Bambrick had three, and Vinny Marsico scored one.

But after halftime, the Rebels controlled the tempo. South outscored North 19-7 in the third quarter, turning a one-point edge into a double-digit cushion. Though both teams scored 21 in the fourth, the damage had already been done.

South hosts Chardon on Feb. 19, while North returns home to face West Geauga on Feb. 17.