Red hot shooting and solid team defense are a recipe for success at any level of basketball. The Crusaders from Canton Central had plenty of both in their win against Mooney.

The Crusaders’ first five field goals were all 3 pointers, three of them by Justus Seran. By the end of the first half, all of the starting five had hit at least one. And Mooney could not keep up. Solid first halves from Devon Jenkins, who finished with 6 points, 6 rebounds and a block, along with Mike Pelini who contributed 13 first half points were simply not enough to keep up with the Crusaders. A total of nine 3 pointers for the first half was good enough for a solid lead at the half for Canton Central, 33-23.

The second half, however, became all about the defense. Mooney, being pressed into tough shots due to score, had more turnovers than points in third quarter. Austin Nupp dominated the quarter 13 points in the third, and a dagger 3 by Justin McAfee would put the game put of reach half way through the fourth. Canton Central would go on to win 69-43.

Mooney must keep their eyes forward however, as two more huge home games are on the horizon. One of which being against arch rival Ursuline next Friday.