A Comeback for the Ages
On June 26, the North Ridgeville boys basketball team made a striking impression in its first Midwest Live appearance, finishing the day unbeaten. The performance marked a notable turnaround from the previous season, when the squad struggled with consistency and cohesion.
Coach Ben Chase highlighted the team's improved resilience and chemistry, noting that the players have begun to trust each other on the court. "We worked on building chemistry all offseason, and it’s finally showing," Chase said after the victories over Padua and Fremont Ross.
Key contributors Mason Allison and Luke Rowe were instrumental in the comeback win against Padua. The team erased a 17‑point hole, with Allison and Rowe combining for crucial baskets that swung momentum in North Ridgeville’s favor.
The squad also downed Fremont Ross in their opening matchup, underscoring a balanced attack and defensive intensity that Coach Chase believes will carry them forward. The early success has raised expectations for the upcoming schedule.
Looking ahead, North Ridgeville is slated to play Hawken and Lutheran West on June 28. The roster will be missing Mason Allison for that contest, but the team will welcome back Colton Mack, adding depth to the backcourt.
Luke Rowe brings additional experience to the lineup, entering the season as a returning Division II All‑Ohio honorable‑mention point guard who averaged 14.9 points per game last year. His playmaking and scoring ability are expected to be pivotal as the team builds on its early momentum.