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The Cleveland Rams came into their game against rival West Johnston 0-3 to start conference play and really needed a win to right the ship. The Wildcats also came into the game 0-3 in the conference. Both teams were desperate for a win, and these schools have a history of bad blood.
The game started slow before both teams got into any sort of a rhythm. Jaylon Ruffin started off the scoring for the Rams. He would finish the first quarter with 4 points. Hamilton Harrison also started his day with 4 points. The game was back and forth for a while with a first quarter score of 12-10 in favor of the Rams.
Kyree Mattox gave the Wildcats their first lead of the day after hitting a three from the corner to start off the second quarter. Mattox was West’s player of the game and had all 6 of the Wildcats’ points in the quarter. Cleveland began to pull away after coach Jeff Davis called a timeout when they went down 16-15. The Rams next 4 points were all off free throws due to poor discipline from the Wildcat defense. Deon Williams ended the half with 7 points, which helped the Rams gain a 23-16 lead going into the break.
The Rams head coach Jeff Davis preached defense during halftime, and his team stepped it up in the third quarter. West Johnston was held to just 4 points and 6 turnovers in the third quarter. The Rams capitalized on the turnovers and scored 10 points off turnovers in the quarter. The Ram faithful loved the play in the third quarter, and the gym got loud going into the last 8 minutes of play. The Cleveland team also enjoyed the third quarter and a 40-20 lead.
The final score of the game does not correctly depict the dominant play that the Rams displayed during the course of the entire game. Zack Matthews and the starting five got the lead to as much as 23 before coach Davis emptied the bench and let the reserves get playing time for a little experience. Cleveland did not score a single point for the rest of the game after this happened. The West Johnston starting lineup stayed out for the rest of the game and finally got into a scoring groove. The Wildcats scored 15 unanswered to end the game but still lost by 8.
This was the Rams’ second win against the rival Wildcats, but it was their first win in conference play. They look to start a streak against South Johnston on Tuesday, January 29. The Wildcats are still searching for their first win in the GNRC, and they will face the Clayton Comets on Tuesday, January 29.
