Westlake basketball kicks off season with Midnight Madness

The Lady Demons gave the fans a preview of what fans can expect this season during inter-squad scrimmages.

The Westlake High School boys and girls basketball teams hosted their inaugural Midnight Madness event on Friday, Nov. 4.

In the spirit of many NCAA college teams who celebrate with a Midnight Madness on the first official day of practice, Westlake welcomed teams and fans to help kick-off the season on the first day that boys teams were officially permitted to practice in the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

Nearly 500 fans attended the first-ever event with the first 400 fans getting free Midnight Madness T-shirts at the door. Ahmaad Crump, the in-arena host of the Cleveland Cavaliers, revved up the crowd as the official emcee, and DJ OnePlus Two kept the energy high with tunes throughout the night for the excited crowd.

The Westlake Competition Cheer Squad and Dribbling Demons treated fans to a performance before attendees met the players of the LBMS seventh- and eighth-grade teams, as well as WHS freshman and junior varsity players.  

Crump introduced the 2017-18 WHS boys and girls varsity teams before the crowd viewed drills and inter-squad scrimmages. The fast-paced evening was topped off with varsity boys vs. girls 3-point contest and the boys dunking spectacular. The crowd was wowed by junior Kevin Walls' straddle jump over head coach Shawn Hood for a slam dunk.

The Westlake Demons Athletic Boosters were on hand for concessions and spirit wear shopping. With great feedback from teams, families and fans, Westlake looks to continue with an annual Madness event in the years ahead.

The Lady Demons tip off their season at home against Norwalk on Friday, Nov. 24, with JV at 6 p.m. and Varsity at 7:15 p.m. Girls are led by head coach Art Daniels.

Boys basketball action gets underway on Friday, Dec. 1, at Rocky River High School. Freshman play at 4:30 p.m., JV at 6 p.m. Varsity at 7:15 p.m. Shawn Hood is head varsity coach.  

Gina Redinger

Gina Redinger

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Volume 9, Issue 22, Posted 9:59 AM, 11.21.2017