Tag Archive for: Cardinals

CHAMPION COMES ALIVE DOWN THE STRETCH TO ADVANCE

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WARREN OH- In a thrilling sectional semifinal showdown on Wednesday night, Champion faced off against Cardinal Mooney in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. Despite an early deficit, Champion used a late surge to avoid an upset, pulling away to a hard-fought 48-35 win over Cardinal Mooney.

The game began with Cardinal Mooney jumping out to a quick 8-0 lead, catching Champion off guard and putting them in an early hole. However, Champion refused to back down, clawing their way back into the game and narrowing the gap to just one point by halftime. With the game hanging in the balance, Champion kept it close enough in the third quarter for their offense to come alive down the stretch.

Leading the charge for Champion was Bella Meyer, whose outstanding performance saw her pour in a game-high 25 points, providing the offensive spark her team needed to secure the win. On the other side, Sophia Diorio led Cardinal Mooney with 17 points, showcasing her scoring prowess and determination to keep her team in the game.

In the end, it was Champion’s resilience and determination that proved to be the difference maker, as they outscored Cardinal Mooney 21-6 in the fourth quarter to seal the victory and punch their ticket to the sectional final.

With this crucial win under their belts, Champion now sets their sights on the sectional final, where they will face a tough test against Columbiana on Saturday at 1:00. As they prepare for their upcoming matchup, Champion celebrates their hard-fought victory while remaining focused on the challenges that lie ahead in their pursuit of postseason success.

DREAM WEAVER, GAME CHANGER

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CANFIELD OH- In the heat of battle inside the paint, it takes grit and determination to find success. Canfield’s junior power forward, Ben Weaver, stands out for his sheer grit and determination on the court. Standing shorter than some of his opponents, Weaver compensates with an unparalleled work ethic, out-hustling and outmaneuvering anyone in his path to secure rebounds and score points in the paint.

Weaver’s tenacity has been instrumental in Canfield’s back-to-back AAC Championships, proving that size isn’t everything when it comes to dominating the post position. His ability to carve out space, fight for every loose ball, and convert opportunities into points has been a linchpin of Canfield’s success.

As an upperclassman, Weaver has shouldered increased responsibility with grace and maturity. Embracing his role as a leader on and off the court, he has set an example for his teammates, demonstrating a willingness to take on challenges and lead by example.

For Weaver, team chemistry is paramount. He understands that success on the court is rooted in trust, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to excellence. Off the floor, Weaver and his fellow leaders at Canfield foster a tight-knit bond that translates seamlessly onto the hardwood, allowing them to play as a cohesive unit and elevate each other’s performance.

This season, Weaver has averaged 8 points and 4 rebounds per game, showcasing his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor. But beyond the statistics, Weaver harbors a dream of playing college basketball, and with each game, that dream edges closer to reality. His dedication, skill, and passion for the game make him an attractive prospect for college recruiters, who recognize his potential to make a significant impact at the next level.

As Canfield gears up for an upcoming tournament run, players like Weaver could prove to be the difference-makers. With his gritty play in the post, unyielding determination, and team-first mentality, Weaver has the potential to lead Canfield to further success on the court and beyond. As the stakes grow higher, Weaver’s presence on the court becomes all the more crucial, as he looks to leave an indelible mark on the Canfield basketball program and pave the way for a bright future ahead.

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STREETSBORO SNEAKS AWAY IN LAST TUNE UP

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CANFIELD OH- In a highly anticipated matchup between two formidable teams, Canfield and Streetsboro clashed on Saturday afternoon in a final tournament tune-up. Both squads, ranked in the top 15 in district seeding, were eager to test their mettle before postseason play.

The game was a hard-fought battle from start to finish, with Canfield holding the lead for much of the contest. However, Streetsboro showed their resilience, making clutch plays down the stretch to secure a narrow 41-38 victory.

Leading the charge for Canfield was Camie Dill, who delivered an impressive performance with 17 points, showcasing her scoring prowess and leadership on the court. Grace McQuiston and Cami Hritz contributed 6 points each, while Carly Fleming added 5 points to bolster Canfield’s offensive effort.

On the opposing side, Streetsboro was propelled to victory by the standout performance of Naomi Benson, who recorded an impressive double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Benson’s dominant showing proved to be the difference-maker for Streetsboro, as they executed crucial plays in the closing minutes to seal the win.

With this result, Canfield concludes their regular season with a record of 14-8, now turning their attention to tournament play. They will open sectional play on Wednesday, hosting Brookside as they look to make a strong postseason push.

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. 

LEOPARDS SEE HISTORY MADE IN YOUNGSTOWN

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- In a historic matchup that will be remembered for years to come, Louisville made headlines with a resounding 53-34 victory at Mooney. The day was marked by two remarkable achievements as two players etched their names in Louisville’s record books.

Brooke Haren led the charge for Louisville, not only guiding her team to victory with a stellar performance but also making history by breaking the program’s scoring record, surpassing an impressive 1,126 points. Adding to the milestone moments, Courtney Barwick made her mark by breaking the program’s record for career three-pointers, sinking her 97th in style.

Contributing to Louisville’s triumph were standout performances from Taylor McCully with 10 points and Barwick herself with 15 points, complementing Haren’s dominant display with 20 points.

Despite the loss, Mooney showcased their resilience, led by Sophia Diorio with 14 points and Katie Pregibon with 9 points, as they battled against Louisville’s formidable lineup.

With the regular season now concluded, Louisville (14-8) looks ahead to the postseason with confidence, gearing up for a tournament matchup with Cleveland Heights on Saturday. Meanwhile, Mooney (8-12) will continue their regular season journey, hosting Walsh Jesuit on Monday, aiming to finish strong.

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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CARDINALS TAKE THE LATEST ROUND OF THE BATTLE OF 224

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CANFIELD OH- In a highly anticipated showdown, Canfield emerged victorious on the road in the latest installment of the Battle of 224 rivalry, defeating Poland with a final score of 41-30.

Leading the scoring charge for Canfield was Cami Hritz, who delivered a standout performance with 11 points, showcasing her offensive prowess and leadership on the court. Grace McQuiston contributed 10 points, while Carly Fleming added 9 points and Macey Kalina chipped in with 5 points, highlighting the team’s balanced scoring effort.

Despite a valiant effort from Poland, led by Elliana Thompson with 11 points and Avery Jakubovic with 5 points, they couldn’t overcome Canfield’s determined performance.

With this crucial win, Canfield improves their record to 14-7 and now turns their attention to their season finale at home against Streetsboro on Saturday, February 17th. Meanwhile, Poland, with a 12-8 record, will embark on a long road trip to face Hawken on Saturday.