IRISH RESPOND WITH WIN AT FITCH
For the second time in as many days The Ursuline Fighting Irish were set to square off with a Falcon.
This time on the hardwood in a matchup with The Austintown Fitch Falcons on Saturday night. Austintown, coming off a win against Hudson, was looking to keep things rolling against a depleted Irish squad.
Ursuline was coming off a loss (47-49) to Girard in their first game of the season, but early season growing pains are to be expected.
However, as so many Keith Gunther led Irish teams of the past, defense will be a strong point to early season success. In the matchup with Fitch, that was no different.
For the second straight game, Ursuline held their opponents under 50 points of offense, a goal for the team every game. It’s a goal that Coach Gunther believes if The Irish accomplish, they will win a lot of games this season.
On the other side, Fitch is adjusting to life without Todd Simons. However, as Coach Brian Beany will tell you. The Falcons have a lot of athletes on the team, ones that he believes will continue to improve with the season.
Austintown needed someone to step up as that ball handler and scorer. In Saturday’s matchup, two names shined bright! Gianni Maley stepped up as that ball handler, putting a few Irish defenders on ice throughout the night, while putting up 16 points.
Deshawn Vaughn Jr. was another high spot for The Falcons offense, with 12 points on the night and providing Fitch with another 3-Point threat.
The game was a back and forth contest in the first half, as both teams were jockeying for position on each other.
The second half was the key for Ursuline, as Terrance Pankey was getting his teammates involved, with four different Irish putting up double digits in the scoring column.
Gino Lucente, Vinny Flauto, and Jayden Payne all had 10+ points on the night. Pankey was the leading scorer with 16 points on offense, while making Fitch defenders dance all around the court.
A late run by Ursuline helped ice this one 58-48 to get their first victory on the season, improving their record to 1-1.
Both teams will hit the road and be in action against Bulldogs Tuesday, December 7th. Fitch (1-2) will have a date with The Poland Bulldogs. While Ursuline will make the trip to Cortland to face off with The Lakeview Bulldogs.
Both games can be found live on YSN!
-*Contributed by YSN’s Ty Bartell
