Cleveland offense struggles in defeat at Heritage

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It’s been a struggle for Cleveland out of the gate this season.

After falling in their season opener against Corinth Holders, the Rams offense sputtered again in a 73-20 loss to Heritage Wednesday in Wake Forest. Although it was a cold start, Cleveland (0-2) stayed close early thanks to excellent defense.

However, the Huskies (3-0) still held an 11-4 advantage after the first quarter. Heritage began to stretch their lead early in the second quarter thanks to a 17-2 run over the first four minutes. Sophomore guard Sage Farmer hit a three to close out the first half, but the Rams fell behind, 33-12 at halftime.

While they got stops at times, the Cleveland offense couldn’t match Heritage as they continued to get points in transition. Eventually, the running clock was summoned with less than a minute to go in the fourth quarter.

Farmer led the Rams with seven points while Huskies junior guard Chloe Williams led all scorers with 22.

In the boys game, the Rams got off to a hot start, but were unable to sustain it in an 80-67 defeat. They were coming off of a season-opening victory over Corinth Holders.

Sophomore guard Baron Williams had it going in the beginning stages for Cleveland (1-1) as did senior Lorenzo Bulnes. The Rams raced out to a 21-16 lead at the end of the first highlighted by a dunk from junior Trey Fields. However, the Huskies (2-1) would find a way to respond.

Clemson signee and senior guard Lucas Taylor knocked down a couple of shots as did junior Evan Ashe helping the Huskies get their first lead. Although the Rams offense struggled in the second quarter, a three from Dylan Smith kept them close as they only trailed by five at the break.

Despite their best efforts to stay in the game, the home team hit their stride in the second half thanks to the play of senior Julius Peacock (10 points) and junior Justin Monden (13). Heritage would build a 20-point lead late in the fourth quarter before Cleveland cut into the advantage with their press.

Bulnes led the Rams with 23 points while Williams added 17 and Fields added 13. Taylor led all scorers with 25 and Ashe scored 11 for the Huskies.

Cleveland hosts Wake Forest in a non-conference matchup Friday.