With 46 points against Strongsville on January 23, senior Matthew Biddell hit a scoring milestone of 1,000 career points. He also put himself near the top of the single game scoring record for Mentor basketball. Behind eight three pointers and many strong finishes in the lane, Biddell put together a night that many in attendance won't soon forget.
Over the years, there are five single game performances that stand out. I personally witnessed all of these regular season games. These rank as the five highest single game scoring marks since 2000:
1. Adam May: 49 points against Eastlake North on November 27, 2004
The 6'8 wing was one of the most unguardable scorers to play for Krizancic. May, a DI scholarship player at Holy Cross, became one of the top players in the area for his three years on varsity. In the first game of his senior season, May lit up the scoreboard with his 49 points against the Rangers that still sits at the top of the Mentor record books. Some players might put up high scoring marks on games where they are taking dozens of shots. On this night, May was incredibly efficient as he shot 75% on two point field goal attempts, 50% on three point field goal attempts, and nailed 22 of his 23 free throws. When he finished his career at Mentor in 2005, May ranked as the program's all-time leading scorer. That would soon be passed by two other players on this list.
2. Joe Meyer: 48 points against Cleveland Heights on February 1, 2008
In a program known for shooting excellence, Meyer is arguably the best shooter the Cardinals have ever had. During his senior campaign, Meyer helped lead a young and small Mentor team to an excellent season. His personal highlight came during a big LEL showdown on the road against Travis Kelce (24 points and 11 rebounds in a loss) and the Cleveland Heights Tigers. Meyer helped carry the Cardinals to a 90-76 win that helped secure a league title. Behind six three-pointers along with sinking 22-24 free throws, he demonstrated a strong all-around game with eight rebounds and five assists. Meyer's historic night puts him as the #2 single game scorer in Mentor history.
3. Matthew Biddell: 46 points against Strongsville on January 23, 2023
Mentor entered this game already having handed Strongsville their only loss of the season. In order to secure the victory, Mentor needed a legendary night from senior Biddell as he scored 46 in a 114-100 track meet. Biddell's final points even propelled him to the monumental 1,000 career point mark. With eight three pointers (including six in the second half) to go along with a strong inside game, Strongsville was unable to stop the Walsh University commit. Biddell is a three-year starter that has helped Mentor to many big wins. This night is one that (for now) is his career high and is tied for 3rd all-time in single game scoring for Mentor with Chris Jacklich.
4. Justin Fritts: 44 points against Garfield Heights on January 13, 2012
At the time, Garifeld Heights was a conference foe in the old Northeast Ohio Conference. Fritts, the 2012 Mr. Basketball winner, is the single season leader in points for Mentor. And on this night against an incredibly talented Bulldogs team, Fritts poured in his career high in single game scoring with 44 big points in a 73-63 home victory. Playing without two key players, Mentor relied on Fritts even more than usual as he scored 26 in the second half. Fritts shot 68% on two point field goals, 50% on three-pointers, and was perfect on 10 free throw attempts. Fritts, the only Mr. Basketball winner in Mentor history, finished his career as the program's second all-time leading scorer.
5. Cole Krizancic: 42 points against Warren Harding on January 11, 2010
The son of legendary Coach Bob Krizancic, Cole was a four year starter with many single game highlights. He is the program's all-time leading scorer. During his junior season against Warren Harding, Krizancic put on a show at Cleveland State University in scoring his single game career high. The 42 points came from a typical array of masterful scoring. Krizancic attacked WGH inside and outside as they found no answers to stop him. Both teams entered this game undefeated. It lived up to the hype as Mentor won a double overtime thriller, 99-91. This Mentor team would eventually go on to secure the program's first trip to the state Final Four.
All five of these players are among the highest scoring players in the program history. Each hit the 1,000-point career plateau. Krizancic is the program's all-time leading scorer. Fritts is the only Mr. Basketball winner in program history. May, a rare DI scholarship player, joins Krizancic and Fritts on my First Team selection for "Mentor Basketball 2000's All-Stars." Click Here to read that list.
