The Ravenna Ravens boys’ basketball team is trying to right the ship in the wake of a four-game losing streak. Their efforts appear to be trending in the right direction after the Ravens shut down Metro Athletic Conference foe Akron Coventry 53-37 last Friday evening in Akron.
“I thought we were sounder defensively,” said Coach Justin Rahim. “I believe it was the second and the fourth quarter where we held them to single digit scoring in those quarters. They scored 37 points total for the game, so I thought our defense was outstanding whether we were in man or zone, the guys were talking, communicating and boxing out.”
After a challenging stretch of play that contributed to the Ravens’ (9-8, 5-6) four-game slide, they are now on a two-game winning streak, having triumphed against their league rivals in a re-match following a home victory in their first duel on Dec. 20.
According to the first-year coach, Ravenna’s troubles during their four-game losing streak could be attributed to going away from what made them successful throughout the season, which was playing a high-intensity and physical brand of defense.
On Friday, after surrendering only 16 points in the first half, the Ravens’ defense stumbled in the third period, allowing 15 points to Akron Coventry. Although Ravenna’s defense dipped in the third period, the team still stemmed the tide, only losing the period by a 15-14 margin to still maintain a double-digit lead.
Rahim noted that not much needed to be said to his players about what kind of quarter the third period was, as they understood that they did not execute to their highest defensive standards.
The Ravens responded with a dominant defensive final period, allowing the Comets to only score six points, winning the final quarter by a 9-6 margin to sweep the season series.
“It was good to see them take some of the responsibility and say ‘Hey, we need to clean this up, the game is not over yet,’ so once they got back in the fourth quarter and saw that they were upset about it, I know we would be okay,” added Rahim.
In two of the four quarters against Akron Coventry, the Ravens’ defense limited their league rival to scoring only single digits, once again showing a return to the gritty defense that has paced the team.
Ravenna’s defense set the tone in in the first period, allowing only 11 points as senior guard C.J. Ross sparked the team to a fast start by scoring 7 points.
Rahim noted that in addition to leading the team with 15 points, the game was one of Ross’ best of the season not just from a scoring standpoint but also due to his all-around play in terms of defense, passing and rebounding.
“The stat sheet may not show his actual assists but C.J. had tons of hockey assists because his pass led to another pass where his guy was able to put the ball in the basket or get downhill and get to the free throw line, so I thought he played a well-rounded game.”
Ravenna’s defense seized momentum in the second period, as the offense capitalized on several turnovers, resulting in five different players scoring in the quarter.
Rahim said that as much as he has benefitted from inheriting a senior-laden team in his first season at the helm, as the seniors have quickly bought into to his physical style of play, which has trickled down to the underclassmen, setting the foundation for what he hopes to be several more successful seasons soon.
“I feel like that they did trust the message that I was giving them, so it has been huge to have those guys believe in me and believe in the message that I was giving them, and it has made the transition a lot easier,” Rahim said. “They are your seniors, so your underclassmen are looking up to them and following in their footsteps.”
As the Ravens draw closer to the end of their regular season, they are on the verge of capturing their first winning season since their 2022-23 season, when they earned a share of the league title, and also have an eye on being a dark horse in the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division IV postseason.
“Right now, our record is 9-8, we are not satisfied and want to get double-digit wins and want to make a run at the end of the season but right now I think we are headed in a good direction overall with the program,” Rahim noted.
After a home duel against MAC foe Akron Springfield on Tuesday night, Ravenna will host league and Portage County rival Field on Friday night at 7 p.m.
