Expectations Run High for Strongsville Boys Basketball Team

If early games this season against Olmsted Falls and Stow-Munroe Falls are any indication, Mustang fans will have plenty to cheer about.

Coach Joe Lynch's varsity boys basketball squad split their opening two games against teams both named the Bulldogs. On Dec. 3, Strongsville beat host Olmsted Falls 83-63 and, in their home opener Dec. 10, lost to Stow 76-71 despite trailing by 19 at half. In both games, the Mustangs were led by the efforts of their "Big Three" -- seniors Gurjeet Gill (42 points total),  Aaron White (38), and Ray Hamilton (33) .

Strongsville's start is a far cry from last season, when injuries sidelined both Gill and Hamilton. The Mustangs finished with a record of 11-10 overall (4-5 at home) and 6-4 in Northeast Ohio Conference play.

Strongsville's hoops title hopes start with their star football player - Hamilton. The 6-foot-6-inch, 240-pounder was a four-year starter at tight end for the Mustangs. Nationally recognized and ranked by rivals.com, Hamilton was heavily recruited by most major collegiate football programs before selecting the University of Iowa. It is Hamilton's competitive drive on the courts that led him to average a double-double (15 points-15 rebounds per game) as a sophomore.

White, who also will attend Iowa, led Strongsville last season in per-game scoring (20 points), rebounds (12) and assists (6). The 6-foot-8-inch forward/center is a four-year starter whose size – paired with Hamilton's – give the Mustangs a decided advantage in the paint. White's deft passing skills from the pivot position pose large matchup problems for opponents.

Gill, in his senior year, provides Strongsville with much-needed quickness in the backcourt and a solid outside shot.

Other players include Sean Alexander, Ryan Hopkins, Mike Rosado, Joe Tayeh,  and Jordan Prahst. All but Alexander are seniors.

The Mustangs' interior size with Hamilton and White will allow Coach Lynch to give opponents different looks and lineups. It's a combination not afforded to him last season due to injuries.

 The Mustangs' first Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division game is Dec. 17 at home against Elyria.

RESULTS (1-1): 

December: 3 at Olmsted Falls (Won 83-63); 10 STOW-MUNROE FALLS (Lost 76-71)

UPCOMING GAMES (*conference games): 

December:  14 at Parma; 17 ELYRIA*; 21 LAKEWOOD ST. EDWARD.

January: 4 at Brunswick*; 7 MEDINA*; 9 ST. IGNATIUS; 14 LAKEWOOD*; 15 at Solon; 21 at Garfield Heights*; 28 at Nordonia; 29 at Brunswick*.

February: 4 TWINSBURG; 8 at Elyria*; 11 BRUNSWICK*; 15 at Medina*; 18 at Lakewood*; 25 GARFIELD HEIGHTS*.

VARSITY ROSTER (seniors unless noted):

PRIMARY STARTERS - F Ryan Hopkins; F Aaron White; C Ray Hamilton; G Gurjeet Gill; G Jordan Prahst.

OFF THE BENCH - F Mike Rosado; G Justin Stephens, junior; G Jim Metrakos, junior; G Kyle Meehan, sophomore; F Sean Alexander, junior; C Joe Tayeh; F Brady Armitage, junior; F Jake Even, junior; F Tony Kapferer, sophomore.