Something happen over the weekend that hadn't happen during the 2010-11 boys basketball season - Avon Lake lost a game.

That's right. The team that had ran through its first 19 games of the regular season lost to Southwestern Conference foe Brecksville 65-53 in the regular season finale at home.

Despite the loss, the Shoremen should be considered as heavy favorites to repeat as Division I district champions in Grafton.



The Shormen are probably the deepest team in the Grafton district and are capable of beating teams in various ways.

During the season teams have tried to play stall ball against the Shoremen and lost. Others have tried to run with the Shoremen, only to fall victim to the same result.

The key for Avon Lake is its defense. The Shoremen are relentless with ball pressure for four quarters, which has frustrated their opponents.

Offensively, the Shoremen have a number of weapons at their disposal.

The team is led in scoring by Ronnie Willoughby. Willoughby is what makes this team go. He's 6-foot-5, can run the floor, shoot and get to the basket at will.

Teams can not key on him though, because Eric Stuczynski, Brandon Murway and Jay Seaton are flooting around the perimeter and can all knock down the 3.

Another advantage the Shoremen have is experience. The roster is filled with seniors and juniors, who all went played together in last year's tournament run.

The Shoremen have a bye in the opening round of the tournament and will face the winner of the Berea/Olmsted Falls game.

Avon Lake is 2-0 against both SWC opponents this season, so they shouldn't have a problem getting to the semifinals.

Strongsville seems to be the toughest matchup for the Shoremen, but Avon Lake would not have to play the Mustangs until the district final. The Mustangs gave state-ranked Garfield Heights their only loss in the regular season.

The Grafton district is loaded with good teams, but Avon Lake seems poised for another run to the regional.

Well the 2010-11 regular season has come to an end and Avon Lake is the Morning Journal Power Poll champions.

Despite losing their final regular season game to Brecksville, the Shoremen remained at the top spot in the Power Poll, finishing with a 19-1 overall record and 13-1 in the Southwestern Conference to share the conference title with Brecksville.

Congratulations also goes out to Western Reserve, Edison and Norwalk for winning their respective conferences.

Here is a look at the rest of the Top 10 and their upcoming tournament games, let the March Madness begin!:

1. Avon Lake (19-1)
The Shoremen will face the winner of the Berea/Olmsted Falls game in the Division I Grafton District tournament on March 4.

2. Edison (17-3)
The Chargers will take on the winner of the Clyde/Port Clinton game at the Division II Ashland District tournament on March 4.

3. Perkins (17-3)
The Pirates will battle the winner of the Norwalk/Bellevue game at the Division II Ashland District tournament on March 4.

4. Western Reserve (17-2)
The Roughriders will face Lakota in the opening round of the Division III Mansfield District tournament on March 1.

5. Norwalk (15-5)
The Truckers take on Bellevue in the opening round of the Division II Ashland District tournament on March 1.

6. Avon (14-6)
The Eagles face the winner of the Padua/Keystone game in the Division II Westlake District tournament on March 5.

7. Huron (13-7)
The Tigers will battle Woodmore in the opening round of the Division III Mansfield District tournament on March 1.

8. Elyria (12-8)
The Pioneers face Medina in the opening round of the Division I Grafton District tournament on March 2.

9. Lorain (12-8)
The Titans take on Brecksville in the opening round of the Division I Grafton District tournament on March 2.

10. Bay (13-7)
The Rockets will take on the winner of the Firelands/Vermilion game on March 4.

Here's the Morning Journal's Boys Basketball Power Poll according to Assistant Sports Editor Anthony Rios through February 18th.

The rankings are based on records, division and opponents faced.

Avon Lake remained in the top spot after victories against Amherst and Midpark. The biggest jump this week was from the Perkins Pirates, who defeated Western Reserve last Saturday at home. The Pirates are now 15-2 overall.

Norwalk had the biggest drop this week, falling from No. 3 to No. 7 after a bad loss to Galion on Tuesday.

Both Bay and Lorain also climbed in the poll this week.

1. Avon Lake (17-0)
The Shoremen defeated Westlake Tuesday 48-29. A win tonight against North Olmsted clinches at least a share of the Southwestern Conference.

2. Perkins (15-2)
The Pirates had an impressive win against Western Reserve last Saturday. On the road tonight to face SBC opponent Margaretta.

3. Western Reserve (15-2)
The Roughriders lost to Perkins last Saturday. Their on the road tonight against Mapleton and host Edison on Saturday.

4. Edison (15-2)
Defeated Monroeville on Monday, on the road against Clyde tonight and travel to face Western Reserve on Saturday.

5. Bay (13-3)
The Rockets defeated Fairview on Tuesday and are on the road to face Rocky River. A win by Bay would put them a game out of first place.

6. Lorain (11-5)
The Titans have won three in a row and are on the road tonight against Shaw, then host Toledo Scott at Southview High School on Saturday.

7. Norwalk (13-4)
The Truckers eight-game winning was snapped with a loss to Galion on Tuesday. Host NOL opponent Willard tonight.

8. Elyria (11-7)
The Pioneers lost to Garfield Heights on Tuesday and host Medina tonight.

9. Avon (12-6)
The Eagles fell to Midview on Tuesday and host WSC opponent Firelands tonight.

10. Oberlin (10-7)
The Phoenix lost to Buckeye on Monday and host PAC-leading Lutheran West tonight.

On the outside: Westlake (9-8), Open Door (10-8), Huron (10-7), Midview (9-8), Clearview (9-9), Sandusky (9-9)

Here's the Morning Journal's Boys Basketball Power Poll according to Assistant Sports Editor Anthony Rios through February 11th.

The rankings are based on records, division and opponents faced.

There was a lot movement in this week's poll as Lorain, Avon and Elyria all lost games last week.

That paved the way for Norwalk to jumped from No. 6 to No. 3. The Truckers had a busy week as they moved into first place in the Northern Ohio League with victories against Shelby and Upper Sandusky. Norwalk will try to make it 3-0 this week as they travel to play Tiffin Columbian on Saturday.

The Top 2 spots remained the same with Avon Lake at No. 1 and Western Reserve at No. 2.

Here's a look at the rest of the Top 10:


1. Avon Lake (15-0)
The Shoremen move to 10-0 in the SWC with wins against Amherst and Midpark. Host Olmsted Falls tonight.

2. Western Reserve (14-1)
The Roughriders beat Monroeville on the road last Friday and host New London tonight.

3. Norwalk (12-3)
Defeated NOL opponent Shelby on Monday and beat Upper Sandusky on Thursday. The Truckers travel to face Tiffin Columbian on Saturday.

4. Edison (12-2)
The Chargers defeated Margaretta in double OT last Friday and host St. Mary tonight.

5. Perkins (13-2)
The Pirates beat Clyde last Friday and host Port Clinton tonight.

6. Elyria (10-5)
Defeated Avon last Saturday, but lost to NOC opponent Strongsville on Tuesday. Travel to face Lakewood tonight.

7. Bay (11-3)
The Rockets defeated Firelands on the road last Friday and host North Ridgeville tonight.

8. Lorain (8-5)
The Titans lost to Massillon Washington on Tuesday. Host Warrensville Heights and Clearview tonight and Saturday.

9. Avon (11-5)
Lost to Rocky River and Elyria last week. The Eagles host WSC opponent Vermilion tonight.

10. Oberlin (10-5)
The Phoenix beat Horizon Science last Friday, but lost to Columbia on Tuesday. On the road against Brooklyn tonight.