STRUTHERS UNBEATEN SEASON ENDS IN BARBERTON

BARBERTON, Ohio –

Heading into the night with an unblemished 26-0 record, the Struthers Wildcats put their perfect season on the line against the 8-time state champion powerhouse, St. Vincent-St. Mary. The Fighting Irish of Saint V’s have won 12 straight district titles, 4 straight Regional championships, and are currently the #27 ranked team in the nation, according to MaxPreps.

Winning their first three playoff games by a combined 154 points, Saint V’s was the number ranked team in the Northeast 3 district, with only one other single digit seed in their bracket.

The Struthers Wildcats faced a much-needed test in their district final, requiring double-overtime to pull out a win against the Chardon Hilltoppers. Prior to their win, the Wildcats had only 2 games with a final margin of at most 15.

Struggling out of the gates, Struthers quickly saw the athleticism and skill of the Irish. With a 9-0 run to start the game, the Wildcats wouldn’t see their first points until a layup from senior guard Aidan Slocum mid-way through the quarter. After bringing Saint V’s run to an end, the two teams would trade baskets until the Irish would go on an 11-point run to end the quarter.

Already ahead by 22, Saint V’s picked up right where they had left off to end the 1st. The Irish went on an 8-point run to start the quarter, scoring a total of 19 unanswered points against the Cats. The offensive onslaught wouldn’t end there for the Irish, scoring 50 points for the half.

Although trailing by 37 to start the half, Struther’s Slocum still had some fight in him. Slocum came out and scored 5 straight points to start the 2ndhalf and would knock down a shot from long range later on in the quarter.

With the running clock in effect, the game was over in just 1 hour and 6 minutes. Saint V’s would come out victorious, 76-37.

LEADING SCORERS:

Struthers

Aidan Slocum – 12 points

William Bloom – 7 points

Trey Metzka – 4 points

St. Vincent-St. Mary

Malaki Branham – 24 points

Sencire Harris – 21 points

Austin Raymen – 9 points

UP NEXT:

With their victory bringing Struthers’ season to a halt, Saint V’s will continue their quest for their 9th state title. The Fighting Irish, having earned their spot in the regional championship, will await the winner of Chaney and Gilmour Academy in a game that is set to tip at 8:15 today.

*Contributed By YSN’s Jamie Thomson