Tag Archive for: Cardinals

CAN’T SAY NO TO CASTRONOVA

/in /by

CANFIELD OH- As a senior at Canfield High School, Sam Castronova embodies the spirit of determination and leadership that defines his team’s quest for a district championship. Alongside a talented group of seniors, Sam is driven by a hunger to etch their names in Canfield basketball history before graduation.

For Sam and his fellow seniors, years of playing together have forged a bond that transcends the court. Their shared experiences and camaraderie have cultivated a strong team chemistry, evident in their seamless execution and cohesion on game day.

On the court, Sam’s versatility shines through in Canfield’s multifaceted offense. Whether draining shots from beyond the arc or driving to the hoop with finesse, he poses a constant threat to opposing defenses, showcasing his adaptability and skill set.

Sam’s journey to success at Canfield hasn’t been without its challenges. Despite limited playing time during his junior high years, he refused to let setbacks deter him. Instead, he seized the opportunities presented to him during his freshman season, finding his stride and building confidence with each game.

This season, Sam has been a key contributor for Canfield, averaging 10 points per game and ranking second on the team in assists with 2 per game. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively highlights his value to the team’s success.

While basketball has been a significant part of Sam’s high school experience, he has set his sights beyond the court. Opting not to pursue college basketball, Sam has instead focused on achieving academic excellence, with plans to attend the prestigious Ohio State University. His dedication to his studies reflects his commitment to personal growth and achieving his long-standing goals.

Looking ahead, Sam is determined to leave a lasting legacy at Canfield—one that inspires and empowers future generations of players. He hopes to instill in them the same sense of confidence and resilience that has fueled his own journey, laying the foundation for continued success within the program.

As Sam and his teammates gear up for the challenges that lie ahead, they do so with a shared vision of championship glory and a legacy of excellence that will endure long after their time on the court has ended.

Presented By:

NOTHING SLOWING MOONEY DOWN YET

/in /by

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

/in /by

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.

Presented By:

 

CANFIELD HAS FUN IN FINAL HOME GAME

/in /by

CANFIELD OH- Canfield delivered an electrifying performance in their final home game of the season, dominating the sectional final against Conneaut with an impressive 97-29 victory. With their sights set on the District Tournament, the Cardinals left no room for doubt as they showcased their offensive firepower and defensive prowess on their home court.

Led by a balanced scoring effort, Canfield saw standout performances from multiple players. Bryce Roberts led the charge with 20 points, followed closely by Ben Weaver with 14 points, Dom Cruz and Nico Biondillo each contributing 11 points, and Jake Delisio adding 10 points to the scoreboard.

With this commanding win, Canfield secures their spot in the district semifinals, where they are set to face the eleventh seed, Northwest. The upcoming matchup promises to be another thrilling contest as Canfield looks to continue their postseason journey.

The district semifinal clash is scheduled to take place at Louisville High School on Thursday, with tip-off slated for 7:00. As Canfield prepares for the challenge ahead, fans eagerly anticipate another exhilarating display of basketball excellence from their beloved Cardinals.

CANFIELD CAN’T STAND UP TO TOP SEEDED IRISH

/in /by

UNIONTOWN OH- Canfield faced an uphill battle against top-seeded Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary in the district championship on Saturday, knowing the challenge that lay ahead. Despite their best efforts, the Irish came out firing on all cylinders, swiftly establishing a commanding lead. With a blistering start, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary surged to a 19-4 advantage after the first quarter, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

Maintaining their momentum throughout the contest, the Irish never relinquished their grip on the game, ultimately securing a dominant 66-23 victory and clinching the district championship title.

Although Canfield fought valiantly, with Grace McQuiston, Carly Fleming, and Cami Hritz contributing 6, 6, and 4 points respectively, they couldn’t overcome the relentless onslaught from Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary.

With the conclusion of the season, Canfield finishes with a respectable 17-9 record, extending their remarkable streak to 47 consecutive winning seasons, a testament to their enduring excellence on the basketball court.

THE MARINA IS THE PLACE TO GO

/in /by

CANFIELD OH- In basketball, adaptation is often the key to success. For Canfield junior Marina Koenig, this season has been a testament to her ability to thrive in a larger role on the basketball court. Stepping into the spotlight with grace and determination, Marina has emerged as a vital asset for her team, making a significant impact in every game she plays.

Drawing from her experience of competing in last year’s state championship in softball, Marina brings a wealth of resilience and composure to the basketball court. Her ability to handle pressure-packed moments with poise and confidence is a testament to her versatile skill set and unwavering determination. Whether it’s sinking a clutch shot or making a crucial play on defense, Marina’s past experiences have equipped her with the mental fortitude needed to excel in any situation.

Despite her individual talents, Marina understands the importance of relying on her teammates and support system. By fostering a sense of camaraderie and trust on the court, she not only elevates her own performance but also creates opportunities for her teammates to shine. This collaborative approach not only boosts team morale but also keeps Marina grounded and confident in her abilities.

One of Marina’s greatest strengths lies in her unwavering reliability with the ball in her hands. Her teammates and coaches alike trust her implicitly to make smart decisions and execute plays flawlessly. Whether orchestrating the offense or driving through lanes with finesse, Marina’s ball-handling skills and scoring prowess make her a formidable force on the court.

Beyond her individual achievements, Marina remains committed to learning and growing as a player and a leader. By observing and absorbing the wisdom of her senior teammates, she is laying the groundwork for her own future leadership role within the team. Marina’s dedication to self-improvement and mentorship exemplifies her maturity and determination to leave a lasting impact on the program.

As Canfield gears up for the district championship showdown against St. Vincent-St. Mary on Saturday at 7:00, Marina stands ready to rise to the occasion once again. With her blend of skill, leadership, and unwavering determination, she is poised to play a pivotal role in her team’s pursuit of victory. As the spotlight shines brightly on Marina, she remains focused and determined to make every moment count, leaving an indelible mark on the court and inspiring those around her with her passion and tenacity.

Presented By:

CARDINALS SLIP BY SALEM FOR SECOND STRAIGHT SEASON

/in /by

UNIONTOWN OH- In a hard-fought battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Canfield took a significant step closer to their championship aspirations with a gritty 43-35 victory over Salem in the district semifinal showdown on Wednesday. The game remained deadlocked at 29-29 heading into the fourth quarter, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.

Leading the charge for Canfield was Camie Dill, who delivered a stellar performance with a game-high 14 points, showcasing her scoring prowess and clutch play when it mattered most. Carly Fleming also made significant contributions with 11 points, while Cami Hritz added 6 points to bolster Canfield’s offensive attack.

Salem put up a formidable fight, with Reese Davidson-Chuck leading the way with 13 points, followed closely by Rylee Hutton with 11 points and Maddy Andres with 7 points. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome Canfield’s resilience and determination down the stretch.

With the win, Canfield punches their ticket to the District Final on Saturday, where they will face off against Akron St. Vincent St. Mary. The highly anticipated matchup is scheduled for 7:00 at Uniontown Lake High School, as Canfield looks to continue their postseason journey with hopes of capturing championship glory.

CARDINALS RIGHT BACK INTO DISTRICTS

/in /by

CANFIELD OH- In a dominant display of basketball prowess, Canfield asserted their superiority on Saturday, bulldozing their way into the district semifinals with a resounding 58-14 victory over Cleveland Central Catholic. From the opening tip-off, Canfield left no doubt as to their superiority, overwhelming their opponents with suffocating defense and explosive offense.

Leading the charge for Canfield were Grace McQuiston and Cami Hritz, who each contributed 12 points to the team’s offensive onslaught. Carly Fleming, Aleen Barakat, and Marina Koenig also made significant contributions, with Fleming tallying 7 points and Barakat and Koenig each adding 6 points to the scoreboard.

The relentless intensity and teamwork displayed by Canfield proved too much for Cleveland Central Catholic to handle, as Canfield cruised to victory in emphatic fashion.

With the win, Canfield punches their ticket to the district semifinals, where they are set to square off against Salem on Wednesday at Uniontown Lake. Tip-off for this highly anticipated matchup is scheduled for approximately 7:30, as Canfield looks to continue their march towards postseason glory with their sights set on the district championship.

MOONEY PUTS A BOW ON THE REGULAR SEASON

/in /by

YOUNGSTOWN OH- In a commanding finale to their regular season, Mooney’s boys’ basketball team showcased their dominance on Friday night as they hosted Struthers in an electrifying showdown. Despite a brief setback in the second quarter, where they only managed to tally 5 points, the Cardinals rallied back with sheer determination to secure a convincing 63-39 victory.

Leading the charge for Mooney was Ashton O’Brien, whose stellar performance on the court yielded an impressive 18 points, supported by the dynamic duo of Eddie Nieves and Rocco Turner, each contributing 11 points to the scoreboard. Jibri Carter and Nick Genova also made significant contributions, chipping in with 9 and 8 points, respectively.

On the opposing side, Struthers put up a valiant effort, with Lucas Patti leading the charge with 13 points, while Jason Dukes and Tommy Cole each added 8 points to the team’s total.

With the regular season now in the rearview mirror, Mooney (17-5) sets their sights on the upcoming tournament, eager to carry their momentum into postseason play. Their journey begins with a home matchup against Academy of Urban Scholars on Tuesday, where they will look to make a statement on their quest for championship glory.

Meanwhile, Struthers (9-11) will also turn their attention to tournament action, determined to make a splash as they host Marlington on Tuesday.

CANFIELD TAKES REGULAR SEASON FINALE

/in /by

EAST LIVERPOOL OH- In a thrilling showdown on Thursday night, the Canfield faced a tough test on the road against East Liverpool. Despite the hostile environment, Canfield delivered a consistent effort that propelled them to a hard-earned 66-56 victory over the Potters.

Leading the charge for Canfield was Ben Weaver, whose impressive performance saw him rack up a team-high 23 points, showcasing his scoring prowess and clutch play when it mattered most. Sam Castranova also made a significant contribution with 20 points, while Dom Cruz added 10 points to bolster Canfield’s offensive attack.

Despite facing a formidable opponent in East Liverpool, Canfield’s resilience and determination shone through, allowing them to maintain their composure and execute their game plan effectively throughout the contest.

On the other side, East Liverpool put up a valiant effort, led by Preston Kerr with 19 points, Quinton Conrad with 15 points, and Cohen Pease with 11 points. However, their efforts were ultimately not enough to overcome Canfield’s relentless pressure and offensive firepower.

With this crucial win, Canfield concludes their regular season with an impressive record of 18-4, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting tournament run. They now turn their focus towards tournament time, where they will host Akron East on Tuesday in their first postseason matchup.

Meanwhile, East Liverpool will regroup and prepare for their upcoming tournament game on March 2nd, where they will host Zanesville in a bid to make some noise in postseason play.