By Steve Blackledge

The Columbus Dispatch Saturday February 2, 2013 6:05 AM

Mike DeLeon of Olentangy Liberty goes up for a layup between Westland defenders. DeLeon scored 15 points.

POWELL Olentangy Liberty let the other area teams know last night that if it continues to play stingy defense and run its open-post offense as flawlessly as it did against Westland, another strong tournament run is distinctly possible.

Liberty avenged its only loss by defeating visiting Westland 58-44. The Patriots (16-1, 9-1) remained a half-game behind Dublin Coffman in the Ohio Capital Conference Central Division race.

I think its more surprising for our fans that weve come back with another strong season, Liberty junior center Mike DeLeon said. We graduated almost everybody from last year, and they thought wed get bullied around inside starting three guards. The players didnt feel that way, though. We knew that once we learned how to play together, wed be tough to beat.

The Patriots two post players held their own against a guard-oriented Westland team accustomed to playing fast and scoring in bunches. Six-foot-four Alex Radkiewicz and 6-5 DeLeon not only scored 16 and 15 points, respectively, but slowed the Cougars by dominating the boards.

What did we hold them to, 44? They came in averaging 72, so I like our chances when we give up that many, Liberty coach Greg Nossaman said. Our defense did a great job shutting down their transition, and Alex and Mike deserve a lot of the credit.

Libertys defense works hand in hand with a systematic motion offense that works patiently for open three-point shots and high-percentage inside attempts.

We still want to run, but if we dont have anything, were content to pull it out and run our offense until we get a shot we want, Nossaman said. We take what teams give us. Well go back door, dribble it in and dish it out to our shooters or pound it in to our two big guys.Taking care of the ball is our top priority, and we did a pretty good job tonight not committing turnovers that led to quick shots for them.

See original here:

Boys basketball | Olentangy Liberty 58, Westland 44: Liberty avenges only loss