By Paul Marston

Cleveland High pulled away early and cruised to a 65-49 win over West Seattle High. Cleveland was led by 5’9 senior guard Kai Green’s 22 points and 6’4 junior guard Jewels Sanders 16 points. 6’2 senior guard Rus Burduzha led West Seattle with 16 points.

With the game tied 15-15 midway through the 2nd quarter, Cleveland closed the first half on a 14-6 run and then opened the second half with a 20-3 run to lead 49-24 with less than 3 minutes to play in the 3rd quarter. West Seattle only scored two baskets in the 3rd quarter, the second with about a minute remaining in the quarter. West Seattle never seriously challenged Cleveland for the remainder of the game.

Cleveland’s superior height gave West Seattle fits throughout the game. They capitalized on second chance points and had a decided edge on the boards. West Seattle struggled to score in the paint all night as Cleveland forced the Wildcats into awkward interior shots or long range jumpers that consistently missed the mark.

Cleveland’s Jewels Sanders stood out early and was instrumental in the Eagles’ late 1st half and early 2nd half runs that iced the game. He led all scorers at halftime with 11 points.

West Seattle’s Rus Burduzha kept the Wildcats in the game early with his 10 first half points. But the Cats simply did not have the firepower to overcome Deandre Love’s season low 8 points, his first single digit scoring night of the season.

Love seemed a step slow and his athletic gifts were largely absent throughout the night. In the 3rd quarter, West Seattle tried to jump start Love’s game by having him bring the ball up the floor, but the game was out of reach for the Wildcats at that point.

Cleveland improved to 5-10 overall, 4-6 in Metro League play.

Next, Cleveland visits Nathan Hale Friday night.

West Seattle dropped to 5-9 overall, and 1-8 in League play.

Next, West Seattle visits Ingraham Friday night.