The last time the Euclid boys basketball team had a winning record was 2018-19, when it went 16-9 and made it to a regional semifinal. That has been followed by six straight seasons of losing records.
Euclid’s new era under coach Quentin Rogers had a strong start at Midwest Live. The Panthers headed to Sandusky looking to prove they belong in the upper echelon in Northeast Ohio.
Rogers, who came over from three-time state champion Richmond Heights, has a young group of players. Euclid had two seniors on its roster at the showcase: Jayden Basie and Wayne Hamilton.
Even after a deep senior class graduated, Rogers is excited to have a base to build on.
“You know we’re just trying to bring another culture over here,” Rogers said. ” And just help get these guys on board as fast as possible. So it’s been a lot of work. They’ve been in the gym, very receptive, tough and hard-working kids, so that’s really the thing. They’ve been open arms to it, so it really hasn’t been an issue.”
The Panthers return junior Jalin Acoff, who grew as a scorer last season, including a 23-point showing against Mentor on Dec. 13.
Euclid also features three 6-foot-6 players: Senior Kye Owens, junior JJ Franks and sophomore Jordan Jackson, along with 6-foot-5 sophomore Dashun Williams.
Rogers likes the leadership Owens and Acoff have brought during the transition, adding that they have handled every hurdle the staff has put in front of them.
“It hasn’t been a problem,” Rogers said. “Jalin’s been very vocal with I think all these kids. Like I said, every one is receptive and they’re all on board. They hold each other accountable and they hold the younger guys that are coming up in the middle school accountable. So they’re doing a really good job with the leadership piece.”
At Midwest Live, the Panthers went 3-1, only losing to George Washington out of West Virginia. The Patriots made the regional final in four of the last five seasons, including winning a state championship in 2021 in AAA and losing the AAAA state title last season, 41-38, to Spring Mills.
Euclid beat Morgantown (W.Va.), 49-37, Warren Local (Mich.), 55-29, and Grandville (Mich.), 46-36. Morgantown has won three of the last four AAAA titles in West Virginia and played in the state round the last five years.
Warren Local has won the last two Division II state titles in Michigan.
Rogers said that having a summer where the Panthers play a challenging schedule, including the best out-of-state competition while playing in other summer leagues, will prepare them for the challenge of the Greater Cleveland Conference.
“It’s just about adding to it,” Rogers said. “I mean, Euclid has a history and like you said, ups and downs recently. But you know we’re trying to elevate and take off and try to go a step further and bring something to the community that it deserves.”