Tag Archive for: Cardinal Mooney

NOTHING SLOWING MOONEY DOWN YET

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SALEM OH- In a dominant display of basketball prowess, Cardinal Mooney left no room for doubt in Monday’s district semifinals at Salem High School, overpowering Mapleton with a commanding 82-32 victory. From the opening tip-off to the final buzzer, Mooney asserted their dominance on both ends of the court, showcasing their skill and determination.

Leading the charge for Mooney were standout performances from Jibri Carter, who led the team with 16 points, and Nico Genova and Ashton O’Brien, who each contributed 13 points. Eddie Nieves also made his presence felt with 11 points, adding to the team’s impressive offensive output.

With this convincing win, Cardinal Mooney punches their ticket to the district championship, where they eagerly await the outcome of the matchup between South Range and Perry. Set to take place on Friday at 7:00 at Salem High School, the championship game promises to be another thrilling contest as Mooney looks to continue their quest for postseason glory.

As the anticipation builds and the championship showdown draws near, Mooney’s players and fans alike are filled with excitement and determination. With their sights set on victory, the Cardinals are ready to leave everything on the court as they strive to capture the district championship and make their mark on the postseason stage.

ADDING GRIT TO A DYNASTY

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KANSAS CITY MO- In the heart of Youngstown, Ohio, where football is more than just a game but a way of life, Donald D’Alesio first fell in love with the sport playing flag football for the YMCA. Surrounded by a community bursting with talented athletes striving to turn dreams into reality, Youngstown was the perfect breeding ground for D’Alesio’s passion for the game.

As he progressed through his high school years at Cardinal Mooney, D’Alesio honed not only his skills on the field but also his championship mindset. At Mooney, football isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life ingrained with a winning culture that shapes players into champions.

By his junior year, D’Alesio’s talent had begun to catch the eye of recruiters, signaling the start of a journey focused on football like never before. However, even as his career gained momentum, D’Alesio remained rooted in the values instilled by his upbringing in Youngstown—a city known for its resilience and grit, earning it the moniker “Grit City.”

After a stellar collegiate career at Youngstown State University (YSU), where he continued to impress both on and off the field, D’Alesio caught the attention of coaches who saw not just a player, but a potential coach in the making. With an offer to join the coaching staff while pursuing his master’s degree, D’Alesio embraced the opportunity to transition from player to mentor.

D’Alesio’s coaching journey took off like a whirlwind, with stints at prominent programs such as LSU before ultimately finding his place with the Kansas City Chiefs. Joining a franchise synonymous with success and crowned with the title of a dynasty, D’Alesio’s impact was felt immediately.

Amidst the glitz and glamour of Super Bowl victories and the accolades of a powerhouse franchise, D’Alesio has remained grounded in his Youngstown roots. He brings with him the grit and determination of his hometown—a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence both on and off the field.

In Donald D’Alesio, the Kansas City Chiefs have found more than just a safeties coach; they’ve found a leader who embodies the spirit of Youngstown—a spirit defined by resilience, hard work, and an unyielding pursuit of greatness. As he continues to leave his mark on the NFL landscape, D’Alesio serves as a shining example of how a small-town upbringing can shape a football dynasty.

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MOONEY BREAKS SHOOTING RECORDS IN BIG WIN

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- Cardinal Mooney put on a shooting clinic on Friday night, setting records en route to a commanding 75-31 victory over Hubbard. The team’s sharpshooting prowess was on full display as they shattered program records, lighting up the scoreboard with an astounding 18 three-pointers.

Leading the charge for Cardinal Mooney was Rocco Turner, whose scintillating performance saw him establish a new program record with an incredible 9 three-pointers, finishing the game with a game-high 29 points. Turner’s sharpshooting display left the Hubbard defense scrambling to contain him, but to no avail.

Supporting Turner’s offensive onslaught was Nick Pregibon, who contributed 13 points of his own, adding to Cardinal Mooney’s offensive barrage.

Despite Hubbard’s efforts to keep pace, they were unable to contain Cardinal Mooney’s relentless attack. Kenyan Franklin led Hubbard’s scoring effort with 12 points, but it was not enough to overcome Cardinal Mooney’s offensive firepower.

With this emphatic win, Cardinal Mooney improves their record to an impressive 16-5 as they gear up for their final game of the regular season, where they will host Struthers on Friday. Meanwhile, Hubbard wraps up their regular season with a record of 11-11 and looks ahead to tournament play, where they will host Orange on February 27th.

NO ONE DOES IT LIKE DIORIO

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- For Cardinal Mooney girls basketball, Sophia Diorio isn’t just a player; she’s a cornerstone of their basketball program. With a legacy that spans several seasons, Diorio has etched her name into the fabric of Cardinal Mooney basketball, leaving an indelible mark as one of the most impactful players in recent memory.

Over the past few years, Diorio has not only excelled on the court but has also emerged as a formidable leader for her team. In the last two seasons, her leadership has blossomed, guiding her teammates with a blend of poise and determination that commands respect.

When it comes to controlling the flow of the game, no one does it quite like Diorio. As the primary ball-handler and orchestrator of the offense, she possesses an innate ability to dictate the tempo and direction of each play, showcasing her basketball IQ and court vision with every dribble.

But it’s not just her playmaking ability that sets Diorio apart. This season, she has taken her game to new heights, displaying a newfound confidence in her scoring prowess. With an improved jump shot and her already exceptional ball-handling skills, Diorio has evolved into a legitimate scoring threat, keeping opposing defenses on their toes.

Diorio’s impact extends beyond the offensive end. This season, she made history by breaking the program record for steals in a season, amassing an impressive tally of over 150 steals. Her tenacity on defense and her ability to disrupt passing lanes have been invaluable assets for Cardinal Mooney throughout the season.

Adding to the narrative is the unique family connection that Diorio shares with the team. With her father serving as the head coach and her younger sister also gracing the court alongside her, basketball is truly a family affair for the Diorios. This familial bond adds an extra layer of chemistry and cohesion to the team dynamic, fostering an environment of trust and camaraderie.

As Diorio prepares to graduate and move on to the next chapter of her basketball journey, there’s no denying the void she will leave behind. Her departure will undoubtedly be felt deeply within the Cardinal Mooney community. However, with the foundation she has laid and the standards she has set, the program is poised to thrive in her absence. Diorio’s legacy will serve as a guiding light for future generations of Cardinal Mooney basketball players, inspiring them to strive for greatness both on and off the court.

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CARDINALS FIGHT THEIR WAY THROUGH CHANEY

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- In a physical battle that showcased the resilience of both teams, Mooney emerged victorious with a hard-fought 47-39 win over Chaney on their home court. It was a game marked by intense competition and relentless effort from start to finish.

Leading the scoring charge for Mooney was Jibri Carter, who delivered a stellar performance with 15 points, supported closely by Rocco Turner with 14 points. Eddie Nieves also made significant contributions with 7 points, helping to propel Mooney to victory.

Despite a valiant effort from Chaney, led by Asuante Mickel with a game-high 16 points and Cliffton Scott with 6 points, they couldn’t overcome Mooney’s determined defense and offensive firepower.

With this win, Mooney improved their season record to 15-5, setting the stage for a crucial matchup against Hubbard on Friday as they look to maintain their momentum heading into the postseason.

Meanwhile, Chaney, with a record of 5-9, will hit the road once again on Friday for a matchup against Benedictine, aiming to bounce back from their tough loss to Mooney.

CARDINALS CANT HANDLE WALSH

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By Matt Maher 


YOUNGSTOWN, OH – The Cardinals are a week away from tournament play and they welcomed a great challenge and test to town in the form of the Walsh Jesuit Warriors to see how they’d handle a tough opponent and while the 58-42 loss wasn’t ideal the Cardinals showed glimmers of good defense and some offensive mistakes that can be corrected given the right coaching and time during practice and their last regular season game come Thursday. 

 

Walsh Jesuit jumped out to a hot start against the Cardinals but Mooney stuck with their game plan and kept it close only trailing 11-8 after one frame. Walsh was led by Taylor Angielski who found 5 points including the first and only 3 of the game to this point. Mooney countered with Sophia Diorio who found 6 points all in the paint while Talecia Huff found the other 2 points. While it stayed close early Walsh turned off cruise control and showed Mooney how they played ball.

 

16-7 was the difference in the second with Walsh getting most of their scoring from one source while Mooney tried to spread it out amongst each other. The Individual who scored 8 points in the quarter for Walsh was Kara Courtad who pushed her way through the paint either with the ball or to get in position for a good pass and she didn’t seem to miss much. Katie Pregibon had the most points at the end of the quarter with 3 while Huff and Zanijahray Wright combined for the other 4 points. The Warriors found holes in the Cardinals defense and took advantage while Mooney found themselves in great scoring spots but would over shoot the ball which would result in a big rebound things would need to change after halftime.

 

Cardinal Mooney has shown us to be a good second half team all season and you could certainly say that stayed true on Monday night. In the third the Cardinals trailed 15-11 in scoring but that score was the first time they found double digits in a quarter so you could tell this team was starting to heat up. Kara Estefan for Walsh led her team with 5 points including a 3 and a perfect 2-for-2 from the stripe. The Warriors would go 4-for-6 from the line as a team in the first quarter we got to see an abundance of free throws.

 

Sophia Diorio came out of the break on a mission and that mission was a successful one as she found 8 points with a made 3, two 2’s and 1-of-2 free throws scored. Huff found herself with 3 points all from the stripe. Mooney would go 4-for-8 from the line leaving 4 points on the floor that could have tied them in 3rd quarter scoring with the Warriors. 

 

The fourth quarter was Mooney’s quarter with a scoreline that went their way and a more sound offense and even defense the Cardinals would end the game with a 16-14 advantage in scoring in the final quarter. Cesily Sutton found herself leading Walsh with 6 points including a long 3 that would be impressive on any team. Talecia Huff took the torch and led her team with 7 points with two field goals and going 3-for-6 from the stripe. Sophia Diorio found herself with 5 more points as well.

 

While the Cardinals may have won the 4th they couldn’t score enough to take the game. Sophia Diorio finished with 19 points which was the most among all players in this game while Talecia Huff finished with 14 which was tied for 2nd with Walsh’s Kara Courtad. 

 

Both teams looked about even in defensive coverage and offensive chances. The issue for Mooney was that they shot the ball too hard which resulted in the ball going over the rim or too hard off the backboard and landing right in the palms of the Warriors who were waiting for it. If Mooney can figure out the right amount of strength to put on their shots they should have no problem in their final game of the season and should play a good game against Champion in tournament play. 

 

Walsh Jesuit (11-9) will finish off their season at home when they host CVCA on February 14th at 7:00PM while Cardinal Mooney (8-13) will end their campaign at Hubbard on February 15th at 7:00PM. 

URSULINE OUTLASTS THE CARDINALS

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By Tim Corso


Ursuline outlasted Mooney in this year’s second installment of the Holy War 43-39.

It was the defensive effort of holding the Cardinals to four fourth quarter points and the game-sealing free throw from Jaylen Gunther that gave Ursuline the final say. 

That free throw was one of Gunther’s 8 points.

Ursuline went scoreless for nearly half of the fourth quarter before going on a run after a big three-pointer from Geno Lucente and the game go-ahead layup from Deshaun Will with barely 60 seconds left. 

Lucente finished with a game-high 16 ppints while Will pitched in 3.

To get to that point both teams faced a lot of adversity in the form of turnovers.

The first eight minutes were filled with numerous turnovers from both sides and gave everyone a feeling it would come down to that. 

Sharpshooting was the story for the Irish to start. Freshman Jace Ricardo buried a pair of threes in the opening quarter to propel them to a 17-9 edge early. 

Ricardo would finish with 6 points. 

However the Cardinals would storm back thanks to Jibri Carter and co. 

Carter was a catalyst all night and dished out multiple easy bucket opportunities for his team.

However, Carter sent the crowd into hysterics with a three-pointer at the second quarter buzzer to square the game up at 23.

Carter finished with 15 points in the setback. 

Mooney’s lead got as big as seven points in the third period as Carter kept making big plays.

The Irish stormed back to end the quarter to cut it to a two point Cardinal lead 35-33.

From that point, the defensive final frame began and two Mooney turnovers in the final 10 seconds sealed the deal for Ursuline.

Ursuline (14-3) will host Akron Hoban next on Tuesday 2/13.

Cardinal Mooney (14-5) will host Chaney next on 2/13.

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CANFIELD SHOWS OUT FOR THEIR SENIORS

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In a senior night celebration to remember, Canfield delivered a resounding performance on Monday, thumping Cardinal Mooney with a convincing 57-22 victory. The seniors led the charge, showcasing their skills and commitment to mark the occasion.

Cami Hritz led Canfield’s scoring efforts with an impressive 12 points, closely followed by Lorieonna Jannone and Carly Fleming, both contributing 9 points. Grace McQuiston added 7 points to the dominating win.

With this emphatic victory, Canfield, now boasting a 13-7 record, gains momentum as they head into a crucial matchup on the road against Poland on Thursday. Meanwhile, Mooney, with a 7-10 record, will embark on a road journey for their second matchup against rival Ursuline on Wednesday.

MOONEY COMES BACK FROM THE BRINK

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POLAND OH- In a dramatic Monday night showdown, Mooney staged a remarkable comeback on the road, overcoming a fourth-quarter deficit to secure a thrilling 38-34 victory against Poland. The Cardinals displayed resilience and determination, snatching a hard-fought win in the closing moments.

Leading the charge for Mooney was Sophia Diorio, who delivered an impressive 15-point performance. Katie Pregibon contributed significantly with 14 points, and Sam Rotunno added 5 points to round out the Cardinals’ offensive efforts.

Poland, despite a valiant effort, found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard. Elliana Thompson and Leanne Williams each contributed 14 points to the Bulldogs’ offensive showcase.

With this noteworthy win, Mooney’s record stands at 7-9, and they look ahead to their next challenge on Monday as they hit the road to face Canfield. On the other side, Poland (11-7) aims to regroup and return to conference play with a road matchup against Struthers on Monday.

MOONEY ESCAPES TOUGH STEEL VALLEY TEST

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By Michael Ginocchi 


Youngstown, OH- The Cardinal Mooney boys’ basketball team encountered a formidable challenge when they hosted the East Golden Bears. East came it with an 7-6, 0-4 record inside the Steel Valley Conference, but had played teams close. As expected, the game went down to the wire and Mooney escaped with a thrilling 56-53 win.

 

Ashton O’Brien made a significant impact for Mooney as they relied on him heavily for offense. He led the way with 23 big points. Jibri Carter demonstrated exceptional composure in handling the pressure thrown at him by East. He finished with 16 while shooting a solid 6/8 from the free throw line. The Golden Bears effectively contained Rocco Turner, limiting him to just 6 points.

 

Despite key players being in foul trouble throughout the game, East still managed to compete with their physical play. Isaiah McCray showcased his status as one of the area’s top players by scoring 22 points, including three three-pointers. Unfortunately,  McCray fouled out during the game’s final minutes. Cam Sly was also in foul trouble most of the night and only finished with 6 points. Jared Colon finished with 7 off the bench. Colon made a good effort to tie the game at the buzzer by throwing up a shot from just inside half court, but his attempt fell short.

 

With the win, Mooney improves to 11-4 (1-1 SVC) on the season. The Cardinals will have another tough game at hand on Friday when they travel to Chaney. East drops to 7-7 (0-5 SVC)  with the loss. The Golden Bears will be back in action Friday at East Liverpool.