Brecksville-Broadview Heights basketball thriving with expanded role for senior center

Ben Mehendale's development as an outside shooter has helped the Bees to a 16-0 start and their fifth Suburban League boys basketball championship in six years.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Ben Mehendale, a 6-foot-8 senior center at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School, has expanded his game this season by working on his outside shot. Head coach Steve Mehalik made a deal with Mehendale that if he continued to crash the offensive glass, he could play more on the perimeter. Mehendale has thrived in this new role, helping the Bees to a 16-0 start and their fifth Suburban League championship in six years.

Why it matters

Mehendale's development as an outside threat has made Brecksville-Broadview Heights' offense more dynamic and difficult to defend. The team's defensive intensity, led by Mehendale's shot-blocking ability, has also been a key factor in their success this season. The Bees are aiming to make another deep playoff run after reaching the regional semifinals last year without one of their top players, Rocco Dean, who has returned from injury.

The details

Mehendale, a third-year starter, has averaged 3.9 blocks per game this season and is the only player in the area with at least 50 blocks. He has also expanded his offensive game, hitting five 3-pointers and scoring a game-high 27 points in a recent win over Twinsburg. The Bees' defense has been the catalyst to their success, with four opponents held to under 30 points this season.

  • Brecksville-Broadview Heights clinched its fifth Suburban League championship in six years with the win over Twinsburg on February 3, 2026.
  • Mehendale committed to play college basketball at Hope College, a Division III program, on February 4, 2026.

The players

Ben Mehendale

A 6-foot-8 senior center at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School who has expanded his game this season by working on his outside shot, allowing him to play more on the perimeter while still crashing the offensive glass.

Steve Mehalik

The head coach of the Brecksville-Broadview Heights boys basketball team, who made a deal with Mehendale that if he continued to crash the offensive glass, he could play more on the outside.

Steven Skaljac

A senior guard for Brecksville-Broadview Heights who has averaged 20.9 points per game through last week, taking turns with Mehendale as the team's leading scorer.

Rocco Dean

A senior guard for Brecksville-Broadview Heights who missed all of last season due to a knee injury suffered while playing club soccer, but has returned to help the team this year.

Carson Zabkar

A senior for Brecksville-Broadview Heights who is often leaned on for his on-ball defense.

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What they’re saying

“If you don't crash, then we'll put you back inside. He's been great. He crashes the offensive glass. He can stay on the outside. You have to reward a kid.”

— Steve Mehalik, Head Coach (cleveland.com)

“We don't want to force shots. If we have a shot that's there, and it's in the flow of the offense, that's what we're going to take.”

— Ben Mehendale, Senior Center (cleveland.com)

“Winning that [holiday tournament] gave us extra motivation to keep winning.”

— Rocco Dean, Senior Guard (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The Brecksville-Broadview Heights boys basketball team will look to continue their strong season and make a deep playoff run, with the road back to the Sweet 16 expected to be even tougher this year.

The takeaway

Brecksville-Broadview Heights' success this season has been fueled by a combination of Mehendale's expanded role, the team's defensive intensity, and the return of key players like Rocco Dean. The Bees' ability to adapt and find different ways to win has them poised for another strong postseason push.