The Chillicothe Cavaliers open the 2018-19 basketball season in grand fashion by winning the Zanesville Tipoff Classic.
The Cavs defeated Granville on Friday night 40-38. The Cavs had to overcome an early deficit of 15-7 after the first quarter and did so by outscoring the Blue Aces 31-18 in the middle quarters. Despite a cold shooting fourth quarter, the Cavs were able to hold on for the win without a fourth quarter field goal, scoring only 2 points in the final quarter from the foul line. The Cavs were led on Friday by Brandon Noel with 14 points and 8 rebounds and Trey Beard with 13 points.
In the championship game against the host Zanesville Blue Devils, the Cavs again used the middle quarters to their benefit. After an evenly played first quarter which ended tied at 11, the Cavaliers took control and outscored the Blue Devils in the second and the third quarters 26-11 to take a 15 point lead into the fourth quarter. The Cavs extended the lead in the final quarter to win in dominating fashion 55-34.
Brandon Noel again led the Cavs with 29 points and 10 rebounds and Jayvon Maughmer added 10 points. For his effort, Brandon Noel was awarded the tournament MVP and Jayon Maughmer was chosen to the all tournament team as well.
The Cavs are back in action on Tuesday night when they travel to Zane Trace to take on the Pioneers.
Lou Postage interviewed Cavs Coach Eric Huffer after their title win about the (2-0) start to their season. Hear the interview in our podcast interview below...