Howland gains district final, jolts Brecksville

The Howland girls have won 20 games for the third
consecutive season.

By RYAN JONES

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

SOLON — If there’s one thing all coaches fear, it’s that their team will come out flat to start a big game.

Howland coach John Diehl had no such worries as Howland jumped out to a 20-8 first quarter lead and toppled Brecksville, 52-41, in a Division I district semifinal Thursday night at Solon High.

For the second consecutive year, the Tigers (20-3) will play for a regional bid when they square off against Shaker Heights Saturday at 1 p.m.

“This is the first time in Howland’s history that a team has reached 20 wins three consecutive years,” Diehl said. “It’s something that isn’t done often by any school.”

The Tigers’ 8-0 start and 20-8 first quarter lead was bolstered by Kelly Barzak’s post play. The 6-foot-1 junior scored 10 points in the first frame, had 21 at intermission and finished with a career-high 29.

Brazak also had a game-high 15 rebounds.

Brazak said it was nice to put up the points in a big game and that playing along side 6-2 Alexa Williams frees up space underneath.

“Defenses either guard her [Williams] more closely or they shift toward me,” Brazak said. “Whichever way they go, one of us will have the advantage.”

Brecksville (12-10) went on a 12-2 run to start the third period. A reverse layup by DeAundra Maddox brought the Bees to within 36-27 with about four minutes left in the quarter.

“It was a psychological thing for me when they cut the lead to nine,” Diehl said.

“I was pretty tense for a few moments, but we were able to get the lead back to double digits.”

Howland committed eight turnovers in the third period and 24 for the contest which allowed the Bees to stay within striking distance.

Diehl said even though his team made the district championship last year only two starters returned for this year’s squad.

“We only had one guard return this year,” he said. “It took our juniors and sophomores some time tonight to get comfortable playing in a pressure filled game like this. Even though they have played all year, it takes time to get adjusted to playing in big games, and that’s why we made some mistakes with the ball.”

Williams grabbed 12 rebounds, scored eight points and had six steals for Howland.

Diehl said even though Brecksville limited her offense, Williams always finds a way to contribute.

“She has one of the greatest court senses I’ve ever seen,” Diehl said. “She’s anticipates well and gets in the passing lanes. She will do the other things when her offense isn’t there. She battles on the boards and has no problem setting things up for Kelly [Brazak] inside.”

Allie Airhart contributed 11 rebounds and six assists for the Tigers.

Shawna Cargill led the Bees with 18 points while Courtney Clark tallied eight points, six rebounds and five assists.

The Tigers last reached regional play in 2006 in Division II.