By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

BOYS BASKETBALL

GARFIELD 56, BERKSHIRE 53

The G-Men used a 24-point third-quarter offensive explosion to propel them to a non-league victory over Berkshire on Saturday in Garrettsville.

Senior Jackson Sommer buried four 3-pointers in the avalanche that helped turn the momentum to Garfield’s favor to break open what was a 23-23 tie at halftime.

Sommer finished with 16 points, tying for a team-high alongside teammate Preston Gedeon’s mirror output.

Aidan Hill and Cade Rock each contributed eight points for the G-Men.

Berkshire was led by Jack Hastings’ 20 points, while Mason Mendolara added 11 points for the Badgers.

“I am so incredibly proud of the growth and improvement we’ve displayed this week,” Garfield head coach Andy Olesky said.

After opening the season with three straight losses to Southeast (70-57), Windham (63-43) and Bristol (60-57), Olesky’s G-Men won back-to-back games this week over Rootstown (76-68) and Berkshire.

“The kids busted their tails defensively, played together offensively and we were able to beat a quality team in Berkshire,” Olesky said. “I feel like we gained valuable experience tonight and grew up a bit, while we handled a bit of adversity in the fourth quarter. It is a credit to the kids.”

The G-Men are off until Friday, when they will host LaBrae.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

MOGADORE 47, CRESTWOOD 35

Junior Brook McIntyre continued her prolific scoring during a double-digit victory for the Wildcats over Crestwood on Saturday in Mantua.

The electric guard scored 25 points on 10 made field goals, including three from deep.

Her imprint on the game was immediate, with the Cats jumping out to a 34-17 lead by halftime.

McKenna Whitehead added eight points for Mogadore.

Crestwood, which was on the second night of a back-to-back after defeating Trinity on Friday night on the road, were led in scoring by Hannah Ward’s 12 points. Becca Brady chipped in with seven points for the Red Devils.