Tag Archive for: Mooney

MOONEY BREAKS THROUGH INTO THE WIN COLUMN

STRUTHERS OH- After a couple of close games didn’t go their way, Mooney finally got the breakthrough they needed Monday night, taking down Struthers 46-36 on the Wildcats’ home court.

Sam Rotunno led the Cardinals with 12 points, while Julia Diorio added 11 and Christina Koullias chipped in 10. Katie Pregibon came through with 6 points to help seal the deal.

For Struthers, Katelyn Kimble paced the Wildcats with 10 points, Ava Croyle dropped 9, and Gianna Martin finished with 8, but it wasn’t enough to stop Mooney from grabbing the W.

Mooney heads back home Wednesday to host Canton Central Catholic, while Struthers will look to bounce back Thursday when they welcome Champion.

CANFIELD WINS DEFENSIVE STRUGGLE

YOUNGSTOWN OH- Canfield leaned on their defense Saturday night, grinding out a 37-23 win over Mooney in a physical road matchup. The Cardinals spread the scoring around, with eight different players getting in on the action.

Carly Fleming and Marina Koenig led the way with 9 points each, while Sofia Castranova added 8 and Jenna Triveri chipped in 5. It was a team effort from start to finish, with Canfield’s defense setting the tone.

For Mooney, Ta’Lecia Huff and Julia Diorio each scored 7 points, and Sam Rotunno added 6, but they struggled to find any offensive rhythm against Canfield’s pressure.

The Cardinals head back home Monday to host Stow, while Mooney looks to bounce back on the road at Struthers. Should be a good one!

EAST BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH LAVANCE TURNAGE

 

YOUNGSTOWN, OH – The East Golden Bears boys’ basketball team is gearing up for an exciting season under the guidance of Coach LaVance Turnage. Fresh off a promising scrimmage season, Turnage’s squad is poised to make a substantial mark in the Steel Valley Conference and beyond.

“We’re improving every day,” Turnage shared enthusiastically in a recent exclusive interview on the YSN podcast. “Our conditioning is crucial because of our up-and-down style of play. The team is getting stronger in shooting, defense, and just overall cohesiveness.” Despite the conference’s size, the Steel Valley Conference promises stiff competition with teams like Cheney, Mooney, and Ursuline, the latter reaching the Final Four last year. Nonetheless, Turnage is eager to see how the Golden Bears stack up. “I want to see where we stand against those teams so that we can prepare better for the rest of the season,” he said.

With only six conference games, East High School has the flexibility to take on formidable non-conference opponents such as West Branch, North Canton Hoover, Brush, GlenOak, Spire, and Massillon Jackson. “We’ll be tested well,” Turnage remarked, “but as long as the team puts in their best effort, I’ll be proud.” Turnage, now in his fourth year as head coach, is dedicated to building a disciplined and conditioned team, emphasizing defense and running to secure wins. “Our goal is to be disciplined, well-conditioned, and play together. Every night we need to rely on each other.”

Reflecting on his evolution as a coach, Turnage credits his growth in play strategy and his ability to inspire young athletes as crucial to his success. He fondly recalls the lessons basketball has taught him, particularly the importance of cherishing every moment. “Friends and people who genuinely care about you will always be there,” he said. As the Golden Bears prep for their season opener against Marlington on November 29, Turnage calls on the East community to rally behind the team. “Why not come pack out the stands and support these young men? They’ve put in a lot of work and deserve the community’s love and support.” Excitement is building at East High School, and with Coach LaVance Turnage at the helm, the Golden Bears are ready to roar into a new season full of promise and determination.

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VALLEY CHRISTIAN BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH DOLPH CARROLL

YOUNGSTOWN OH—The highly anticipated Valley Christian boys’ basketball season is set to begin, bringing fresh hopes and excitement. Head coach Dolph Carroll, alongside assistant coach Anthony Hartwig, recently sat down for an exclusive podcast episode of YSN’s Coach’s Corner to discuss the upcoming season and share insights into the team’s preparation.

Reflecting on last year’s challenges, Coach Hartwig emphasized the growth shown by his players, particularly their improvement in mental toughness and understanding of the team’s philosophy. This year, Valley Christian boasts a roster rich with returning talent. With three seniors leading the pack, the team is gearing up for what promises to be an interesting season. Coach Carroll acknowledged the competitive nature of the Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference (EOAC), highlighting the respect he holds for the other coaches and their programs. “Every night, we have to bring it,” Carroll asserted, emphasizing the importance of focusing on their own performance rather than worrying about the opposition.

In addition to their rigorous conference schedule, Valley Christian will face strong non-conference opponents, including Mooney and Brookfield, as part of a challenging road-heavy early season designed to build resilience and mental toughness. Coach Hartwig, also serving as Valley Christian’s Athletic Director, shared his excitement for the basketball season, noting the unique and supportive school environment that contributes to the team’s success. The Eagles’ coaching staff, featuring long-time assistant Bill Yelby, former player John Peccia, Ken Madison, and Tony Du Felice, remains committed to developing both the athletic skills and character of their players. Coach Carroll praised the entire Valley Christian community, whose unwavering support helps to nurture the young men both on and off the court.

Valley Christian fans won’t have to wait long to see their team in action. The Eagles will open their season on December 6th with a road game against Brookfield, followed by games at Lowville and Mooney. As they embark on this journey, Coach Hartwig and Coach Carroll remain focused on one goal: guiding the Valley Christian boys toward a successful and memorable season.

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PALUMBO ICES MOONEY IN SEASON OPENER

YOUNGSTOWN OH- Hubbard kicked off their season with a wild one in Youngstown, sneaking past Cardinal Mooney 52-51 in a back-and-forth battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Both teams traded punches all night, with momentum swinging like a pendulum. In the clutch, it was senior Jillian Palumbo who stepped up, sinking two ice-cold free throws in the final seconds to seal the deal for the Eagles.

Palumbo led the charge for Hubbard with 19 points, while Cara Green chipped in 12. Khamyah Howell added 7 points, and Claire Murphy scored 5 to round out the Eagles’ key contributors. Mooney spread the wealth with Sam Rotunno pacing them at 12 points, Julia Diorio close behind with 11, Ta’Lecia Huff adding 10, and Katie Pregibon contributing 8.

Hubbard’s next stop is another Steel Valley showdown on Monday when they hit the road to face East. Mooney gets a quick turnaround, opening conference play on Wednesday at Chaney.

MOONEY BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH CAREY PALERMO

By Ty Bartell

YOUNGSTOWN OH- High school basketball season is just around the corner and YSN looks to get you prepared as we dive into these teams representing their communities for the 2024-2025 season. Looking into The Cardinal Mooney Cardinal boys basketball team, the standard of success looks to be much of the same this year for Mooney.

Under the direction of Carey Palermo again this season, Mooney is coming off a great 22-6 season a year ago. This season, The Cardinals will look for the top spot in Youngstown’s The Steel Valley Conference (SVC) from their rival The Ursuline Irish in the regular season. However, once tournament time hits, The Cardinals see the newly expanded seven division playoff format as an opportunity to take the next step as a program!

As the Mooney faithful count the sleeps till opening tip-off, YSN has you covered with a taste of hoops season with this edition of Coaches Corner. As YSNs Ty Bartell got the opportunity to chat with Coach Palermo about the upcoming season. Featuring a meet the team segment, highlighting the expanded divisions, going over goals for the year and much more! Be sure to follow Mooney this year with live games, scores, stats, stories and more on YSN, you’re streaming home for The Cardinal Mooney Cardinals.

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STRUTHERS GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH HALLE MINCHIN-SKOOK

 

STRUTHERS, OH—In an enlightening Coach’s Corner Anthony Hartwig sat down with Halle Minchin-Skook, the newly appointed head coach of Struthers Girls Basketball. Minchin-Skook, a Struthers alumnus, brings both passion and experience to the program she once graced as a player.

The interview opened with Hartwig’s warm introduction, celebrating Minchin-Skook’s return to her roots. Reflecting on her journey, Minchin-Skook shared, “It was a no-brainer that I wanted to take over the program. It means everything to me to give back to a community that gave so much to me.” The new head coach discussed her aspirations to instill a gritty, hard-working culture in the team, reminiscent of her days under Coach Grandy, emphasizing the significance of a robust coaching staff. She praised key members, including JV coach Kara Bornamus, seasoned scout and film specialist Coach Jack Berman, and Varsity Assistant Erica Wilson, whose extensive coaching experience provides invaluable support.

Minchin-Skook highlighted several standout players set to make an impact this season, from senior leaders Ava Croyle and Caitlin Kimball to up-and-coming talents such as freshman Mylea Law. “I can’t speak enough about just the character of all the athletes on my team,” she said. The coach didn’t shy away from addressing the competitive landscape of the NE8 conference and their rigorous non-conference schedule, which includes powerhouses like Warren Harding, West Branch, and Ursuline. “Playing tougher teams only makes you better for tournament time,” she noted. Significantly, Minchin-Skook acknowledged the expanded tournament format’s potential for fairer competition, expressing optimism about Struthers’ prospects in the new structure. The nterview concluded with heartfelt gratitude towards the supporting staff and administration, who play an essential role in the program’s success. For community members eager to support the team, the episode was a rallying cry to fill the field house for the Wildcats’ season opener on November 27th against Mineral Ridge.

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MOONEY KEEPS MOVING ON

BRUNSWICK OH- Mooney girls soccer claimed the district championship with a clutch 1-0 win over Smithville.

Julia Diorio scored the game’s only goa for Mooney,  set up by an assist from Sophia Dibo.

Next up, Mooney faces Chippewa on October 29 at 7:00 pm at Medina in the Regional semifinals.

IRISH REIGN IN LATEST HOLY WAR

By Tim Corso 


YOUNGSTOWN OH- Ursuline topped Cardinal Mooney 30-0 in the Holy War Friday night.

For the first time since 2000 the Irish held its rival scoreless, with this being dominant fashion.

Ursuline’s defense faced an early test as the Cardinals had the ball on the Irish 23 after a muffed punt, but their defense held.

After the defense forced a turnover on downs, DC Ferrell took the designed run 75 yards to the house to put his squad up 6-0 early.

Ursuline would add a field goal later in the quarter, but it was a big touchdown from Ray Javey near the end of the half that gave Ursuline a 16-0 lead going into the intermission.

On the very first possession of the second half, Mooney signal caller Vince Gentile was intercepted by John Frangos that set the Irish up with great territory.

That short field was capped off by a 13-yard Ferrell scamper for six, extending the lead to 23.

From that point, it was all Ursuline.

Whether it was a recovered onside kick, or Ferrell connecting with Devonte Taylor on a pitch and catch to bring the lead to 30, it seemed like Cardinal Mooney had no answer for Dan Reardon’s attack.

This was the first time in program history that the Irish have defeated their rival in six consecutive games.

They now have also clinched their sixth consecutive Steel Valley Conference title.

Both Ursuline and Mooney will play playoff games next week.

The Irish (9-1) will host an opponent that will be named soon, while the Cardinals (3-7) will travel to a top seed in their respective region.

IRISH WANTED A SHARE

YOUNGSTOWN OH- With the Steel Valley Conference title on the line, Ursuline went on the road and swept their archrival Mooney in three sets (25-7, 25-22, 25-22) to grab a share of the conference crown.

Isabelle Gocala led the Irish with 9 kills and 2 blocks, while Nia Burney chipped in 7 kills. Mia Haggerty added 8 kills and 3 aces, and Brooklyn Brown contributed 6 kills in the win.

On Mooney’s side, Jaida Lane posted 6 kills and 1 ace, Sam Rottuno added 5 kills, Brinkley Bair tallied 4 kills, and Mia Rodriguez finished with 4 kills and 1 ace.

Ursuline now gears up for tournament play, taking on Boardman in round one on October 17th at Canfield. Mooney hits the road to face Akron Springfield at Jefferson High School on October 19th.

Game Photos Can Be Found HERE: https://ysn.smugmug.com/10-10-VB-the-holy-war/10-10-VB-holy-war/DCIM/103EOS1D