MOONEY WITH A BIG WIN OVER BIG RED

YOUNGSTOWN OH- After a big 59-43 win on Saturday against the Western Reserve Blue Devils, the Cardinals were going to play against the Valley Christian Eagles.  That was until the game was cancelled due to COVID concerns with Valley Christian as Mooney made a last second change to host the Steubenville Big Red who were coming off a 86-55 victory against the Catholic Central Crusaders.  

Steubenville got off to an early start, but Mooney came right back early in the first leading 19-13 and never looked back as the full court press was tough for Steubenville to find any room.  Mooney would cruise to a 69-52 victory. 

The Cardinals were led by Mick Hergenrother who had 12pts in the first half and finished with a high 22pts while making a big impact on defense stealing the basketball like it was candy.  Thomas Fire had nine points in the first half and had to leave the game for a bit with an injury.  However Fire came back and was on Fire finishing with 20 pts.  Michael Pelini had a tough first half but got the momentum rolling as he finished with 15pts.  Other Cardinals who got on the board were Jack Pepperney with seven points, James Campbell with two points, Lawrence Williams and Drew Pecchia finishing with two points.  

For Steubenville, they had a lot of turnovers in this game and it was hard for them shooting wise.  Cade Kernahan and Phaeton Hill finished with two points.  Zion Sawyer finished with 13 points, Chase Zimmerman had a three and a two finishing with six points along with Ivan Buggs who also had six.  Andrew Gresko and Quinn McCoy finished with eight points, and Brenten Jones with seven points.  

Up Next: Cardinal Mooney (2-0) as of now is scheduled to play Austintown Fitch (0-2) on Friday.  Steubenville (1-1) will regroup and for now if there are negative tests will play Minerva (1-1) who are coming off of a 56-40 loss to Salem next Tuesday and may even pick up a game beforehand. 

*Contributed by YSN’s Ian O’Brien*