Orange boys basketball team is experienced, talented

Brian Lavrich/Sun News, December 13, 2009 3:17 p.m.

Orange coach Bobby Wright took full blame for the loss.

"I should be fired after that game," Wright said. "They pressed us and we didn't handle their pressure.

"Plus, we had bad help defense. But that's a testament to them. Give all the credit in the world to Beachwood. Beachwood's better than people think. They're tough and athletic."

Marshall Crum led all scorers with 26 points and teammate Terrance Marshall added nine.

Isaiah Watts had 21 points for Beachwood and Townes finished with 20.

The opening night loss doesn't dampen the enthusiasm of the Lions, however.

"We have everyone back," Wright said. "On paper, we should win games."

Orange lost just one senior from last year's 11-11 team who had played significant minutes last year. With Crum, Marshall and point guard Perry Freed (first team All-Chagrin Valley Conference) all back, the Lions are looking to improve on last year.

Orange beat rival West Geauga in a sectional semifinal before falling in a close game to Perry in a sectional final.

"What we want to do is push, then run our stuff," Wright said. "We want to push if we can."

Wright said the Lions will play man defense.

"I think I'm a strong, defensive-minded coach," Wright said. "We have to get ball pressure. Our goal is to be the best in the CVC. Are we there? No, but we hope to get there.

"We want to try to cause pressure, because we're athletic."