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Grandview chemistry too much for Watterson

By John Stampe, 12/24/17, 12:00AM EST

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Grandview heads into its holiday tournament undefeated

GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio -- A huge first quarter by Grandview Heights (6-0) propelled the Bobcats to a 56-49 win at home on Saturday night over Bishop Watterson. Grandview got a hot start from 6-foot-3 senior forward Justin Johannessen to jump out to a 17-8 lead after eight minutes. 

Johannessen, a long range bomber, made a pair of threes and scored nine of his 11 points in the opening quarter.

Grandview displayed energy, chemistry and a commitment to running their offense that the Eagles couldn't match all night. While defensively, the big man trio of Luke and James Lachey (sons of NFL All-Pro and ex-Buckeye Jim Lachey) , along with 6-foot-4 senior banger Eli Hall (son of the late OSU forward Steve Hall) proved too much for the Eagles. 

The second half belonged to 6-foot-7 sophomore Luke Lachey who played sparingly in the first half after foul trouble. He got all 13 points in the second half, while adding 10 rebounds and four blocks over the final 16 minutes.

Forward Jimmy Patton, Watterson's 6-foot-5 leading scorer, didn't make his first field goal until 23 minutes into the game. Patton would finish the game with only six points.  

The Eagles fell behind 24-16 at the half and seemed lethargic after coming off a double overtime 57-55 win over St. Charles on Friday. 

The only ray of hope for the Eagles came from sixth man Zach Sawyer who scored 14 of his 15 points in the second half. Sawyer, a 6-foot junior, has stepped up as the most talented offensive guard for Watterson and most creative player off the dribble. His perimeter shooting and crafty drives helped the Eagles get as close as 50-45, but no closer. Grandview would be nearly perfect from the line in the closing minutes to close out the win 56-49. 

The Bobcats could be a tough out in the Division III tournament due to the play of a tall and deep front line and guard play that is unselfish. Grandview's best backcourt player is 5-foot-11 sophomore Brian Collier who scored 10 points against Watterson and made crucial free throws to close the game. James Lachey, the Bobcats' 6-foot-4 power forward, is a leader on the floor providing muscle in the post and a high IQ on both ends. Little brother Luke may leave as the best player in school history, providing size, speed, inside and outside shooting, and rim protection on defense. Point guard play is split between juniors Aaron Cincione and Manny Day

"Our team  chemistry is unbelievable this year," said Hall (whose father was a long-time assistant coach at Grandview). "We all play for each other and we have a team of hustlers. We have good guys coming off the bench replacing other good players on the floor."

Hall scored four of the Bobcats' seven second quarter points and grabbed five boards and shut out Patton in the post to keep the Grandview lead at eight points at the half. All while the sophomore sensation Lachey sat on the bench with two fouls. 

"We expected more of a back and forth game tonight, but we came out strong and played great defense," added Hall. "We feel really confident and if we can continue our chemistry and defense the way we have, we should have a great year. I think we have about the same type of mind-set as those guys on our 2016 district championship team. Coach (Ray) Corbett is a great coach and he always has us ready."


Luke Lachey

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