Slow Start Costs Orange in 51–38 Loss to West Geauga

CHESTERLAND, OH- The Orange Lions were unable to overcome a rough opening quarter Friday night, falling to West Geauga 51–38 despite a spirited second-half comeback effort.

West Geauga seized control early, jumping out to a commanding 15–2 lead by the end of the first quarter. The Lions found more rhythm in the second period, but the two teams largely traded baskets as the Wolverines maintained their advantage, heading into halftime with a 26–11 lead.

Orange showed renewed energy coming out of the break, sparked by Jaylhin Sheppard and Dillon Mathur. Sheppard scored five of his team-high 12 points in the third quarter, helping the Lions trim the deficit to 37–27 at the end of the period.

In the fourth quarter, Mathur provided a boost by knocking down two timely three-pointers, keeping Orange within striking distance with just over five minutes remaining. Mathur finished the night with 11 points.

However, West Geauga closed the door down the stretch, leaning on Vince Vecchio at the foul line. Vecchio connected on six of his 10 free-throw attempts to help the Wolverines pull away and secure the win.

The Lions will look to bounce back when they return home to host Maple Heights on Tuesday night.

Jaylhin Sheppard 4-3-6-12

Dillon Mathur 3-2-3-11

Aaron Lewis 3-1-2-7

Jonah Marderstein 2-0-1-4

Ryder Osterman 2-0-0-4

Luke Ottman 5-4-5-15

Vince Vecchio 1-7-12-10

Cooper Paskowski 3-2-6-8

Tyler Fink 3-2-2-8

Ryan Mobley 1-0-0-2

Mason Pesho 1-2-4-5

Finn Keenan 1-0-0-3