From the first part to the end, the Cazenovia boys basketball team found itself in a catch-up mode during Tuesday’s opening round of the Section III Class B-1 playoffs.
And before the no. 9 Lakers could realize it, the run was over, ended by no. 8 seed Solvay in a 79-52 defeat where the tone was set quite early.
Having nearly knocked off favorites like Hannibal and Marcellus the week before, the confident Bearcats didn’t let up in the first quarter until Cazenovia was in a 27-12 hole.
Instead of rallying, the Lakers managed just nine points in the second period, and the deficit grew to 41-21.
Cazenovia’s offense finally found a bit of rhythm in the second half, but even at that point Solvay continued to produce and pull away.
Cullinan Williams and Doyle Judge each had 11 points at the head of the Lakers’ attack. Zack Golden had eight points, with Colin Hill adding seven points. Ben Romagnoli and Max Kellish each had five points.
On Solvay’s side, four players hit double figures. Andrew Lucio led with 17 points, but Tom Hayes (15 points) and Dan Aiello (13 points) were close behind, as R.J. Lostumbo added 10 points.
Cazenovia, a young squad under first-year head coach Steve Yarnell, finished at 3-18 and will have most of its roster back next winter.
