NEWARK, Ohio -- The Newark Catholic Green Wave continued their strong start to the 2020-21 season by improving to 3-1 in a dominant LCL-crossover win over the Lakewood Lancers by a score of 58-46.

From start to finish the Green Wave ran their offense primarily through their smooth operating junior Cole Canter. He helped fuel an 8-0 run to end the first frame by providing four points. The Green Wave held a 10-5 lead at the end of the first quarter.

After the Lancers started the second quarter by going on a 5-0 run, the Green Wave were able to answer them with an 8-0 run of their own. This run was halted by Lakewood junior Trey Smith, who pitched in three triples in the quarter. Smith was a spark in the first half offensively, keeping the score close for the Lancers.

Lakewood sophomore Trenton Collins and Newark Catholic junior Brandon Buchanan trade driving layups to end the first half with the Green Wave leading 24-18.

Newark Catholic turned up the pressure in the second half. Their half court trap gave Lakewood fits in the third quarter by forcing a handful of turnovers. 

The Green Waves junior duo of Canter and Buchanan had a great third quarter, proving that they are one of the top duos in the LCL. Canter got the third quarter started for the Green Wave by providing five fast points. Whereas Buchanan finished off a strong third quarter with seven points, which extended the Green Wave lead to 44-32. 

Buchanan continued to add to his big second half by scoring six quick points to start the final period. Newark Catholic could not put away the young Lancer team as the margin hung around 10 most of the second half. Back to back baskets by Canter was the final nail in the coffin for the Lancers.

The Green Waves Canter and Buchanan each finished with a game high 17 points and seven rebounds, while senior Matthew Gialdini added nine points and a game high 11 rebounds. Gialdini controlled the paint and seemed to bring in every rebound, which will continue to be needed for the Green Wave going forward.

Despite being covered by a stingy defender in Buchanan, Collins managed to score 13 points and haul in a team high seven rebounds. Smith also added a team high 15 points, which included three triples and 6/6 from the free throw line. Smith had a very efficient night on the offensive end, and will need to continue to be a key contributor going forward to give Lakewood another scoring threat.

The Newark Catholic Green Wave (3-1) will look to continue their strong start to the season, when they visit the Licking Valley Panthers (0-0) in a LCL-crossover bout next Monday, December 14th.

The Lakewood Lancers (0-3) will look to get their first win of the season, when they host the Licking Heights Hornets (0-4) in a LCL-Buckeye battle next Wednesday, December 16th.

Brandon Buchanan (6’3 WF / Newark Catholic / 2022): Buchanan is an outstanding athlete. He is a very physical wing that excels on the defensive end of the court, where he shadowed Lakewoods high scoring guard Trenton Collins all night. Shots wouldn’t fall early for Buchanan, but in the second half he was very aggressive attacking the basket. The junior showed his range hitting one three pointer, but he was unstoppable getting to the rim. He got 15 of his 17 points after halftime. Going forward the Green Wave will continue to rely on his offense, as well as his ability to defend the opponents best player each night. 

Cole Canter (6’3 WG / Newark Catholic / 2022): Canter was my game MVP of the night. After excelling at quarterback on the Green Wave State Semi finalist football team, he made a smooth transition to the basketball court. He makes the game look very easy, by showing off his great instincts and a high basketball IQ. The combo guard ran the point at times tonight, but is very dangerous at his more natural wing position. Canter has a good handle and great vision. He was the games co-leader in points and assist to go along with 7 rebounds. The junior has a complete game that small college coaches should start keeping an eye on.

Trenton Collins (6'3 WG / Lakewood / 2023): The sophomore guard is going to be fun to watch over the next three years. For the second time this week he has gotten the full attention of an elite defender and has not seen an easy shot. He is a flat out scorer that showed more patience tonight and got his teammates involved. Collins is a good sized guard who can create his own shot. He has the range to shoot the three, but his strength right now is the ability to break down defenders and get shots off in the paint. 

Matthew Gialdini (6’3 WF / Newark Catholic / 2021): Newark Catholic found their post presence tonight. Gialdini is long, active around the basket and plays much bigger than he is listed. On defense he changes shots and seemed to get a hand on every rebound. The senior also attacks the offensive glass and showed good post moves as he scored nine points and pulled down a game high 11 boards. Gialdini will be important for the Green Wave as he will have to battle quality big men every night in the LCL-Cardinal.