Tag Archive for: Ursuline

STRUTHERS SURVIVES SCARE FROM IRISH

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- It took everything the Struthers Wildcats has to fend off Ursuline in Thursday night’s district semifinal at Boardman. The Wildcats narrowly escaped with a 59-55 win.

The Wildcats led most of the game. After a thrilling fourth quarter comeback the Irish cut the Wildcat lead to just one 54-53, but Carson Ryan responded with a big bucket to stop the spread of momentum. Aiden Slocum also contributed key points in the final seconds. Struthers got contributions from plenty of scorers on the night. Three Cats finished in double figures.

Brandon Washington led the Wildcats to victory with a strong 20 point performance. Carson Ryan finished with 14. Trey Metzka rounded out the double figure scorers with 10.

Brady Shannon led the Irish with 18.

Struthers moves on to play Chaney in the district championship game Saturday night at Boardman High School. The tip is set for 4:00.

IRISH SURVIVE LATE HOWLAND RUN

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- The OHSAA playoffs have begun for boy’s basketball, and the first round of action at the Cafaro Gymnasium did not disappoint. The Youngstown Ursuline Fighting Irish defeated the Howland Tigers, 72-70, on the home Lyden Court. The Irish, who controlled the lead for the majority of the game, struggled to guard the three-point line in the late fourth quarter. Howland’s long-range shooting cut what was a double-digit lead to two points. However, the Irish put Howland in foul trouble late and would escape to win from the free-throw line. 

Three Fighting Irish players scored in double figures during the night. The leading scorer was senior Daysean Harris, who put up 15 points, along with three rebounds and an assist. Sophomore JaKaylen Irving and freshman Terrance Pankey each dropped 11 points, Pankey having three rebounds and two assists. Irving and sophomore Brady Shannon led the team in rebounds, with six apiece. 

Like the Fighting Irish, Howland had three players in double-digit scoring; however, their best performance belonged to senior Cam Durig. Durig posted a double-double against the Irish, scoring 17 points while grabbing 10 rebounds with two assists. Although Durig had a double-double, senior Justin Jones was the leading scorer for Howland. Jones put up an impressive 24 points with four rebounds. The third man in double-digits was sophomore Anthony Massucci, who scored 10 points, with three rebounds and four assists. The leader in assists was junior Jordan Sperling, who dominated in the second half. Sperling had nine points, with five rebounds and five assists. 

The Fighting Irish were 21 of 58 from the floor, 10 of 29 from three, 20 of 29 from the free-throw line, and grabbed 27 rebounds total. As for Howland, they were 20 of 47 from the floor, 8 of 18 from three, 8 of 9 from the charity stripe, and grabbed 31 boards. The Irish will now prepare to take on the West Branch Warriors, who went 18-4 in their regular season campaign. The game is slated for Friday night at West Branch.

 

*Story contributed by YSN’s Dom Joseph

CLIPPERS JET THROUGH URSULINE TO DISTRICTS

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COLUMBIANA OH- In December, Ursuline handed Columbiana a 49-30 loss, a loss that stayed in the mouths of the clippers until Saturday afternoon. Revenge was sweet as the Clippers got by Ursuline 54-43 to advance in the tournament.

The Clippers did not have to deal with any of the rust a bye week can bring. They flew out of the gates and had an impressive first quarter gathering 17 points to lead by 7. Their lead grew in the second quarter to 11, but thanks to a big three by Cara McNally, and bucket in the closing seconds by Anisah Moorman made it 32-25 at the half.

An 8-0 run out of the locker room by the Clippers would all but seal the fate of the Irish. They did not have enough firepower to mount another comeback. Not without effort, however, as the Irish did cut the lead down to nine again at the end of the third. But all that work to still be down by a point more than at halftime. The energy exposed took its toll.

Columbiana was led by Grace Witmer and Tori Long who both scored 13. Kayla Muslovski added 11.

Paris Gilmore and Moorman both led the Irish with 13.

Columbiana advances to the district semifinals on Wednesday against South Range at Struthers. The tip is set for 6:00.

ANDERSON LEADS BOARDMAN OVER IRISH

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- It was a nerve-wracking battle at the Cafaro Gymnasium on Tuesday night. The 19-1 Boardman Spartans boys basketball team were given a run for their money by the 9-11 Youngstown Ursuline Fighting Irish. 

The Fighting Irish came up just short against Boardman, at a final score of 62-60. Leading the way for Boardman was Derrick Anderson. Anderson scored a phenomenal 38 points, 61% of the team’s points. In the third quarter, as the Fighting Irish surged ahead of the near-perfect Boardman, Anderson took matters into his own hands. Anderson visited the free-throw line three times, making all six shots, while also putting the Fighting Irish in foul trouble. In the final seconds, Anderson launched a three-pointer in from the bench area, double-teamed, and nailed the shot. Anderson’s shot swung the momentum back to Boardman and were able to pull away with the victory. 

It was a heartbreaker for the Irish, who were celebrating senior night. The team was led by senior Daysean Harris, who dropped 18 points. Harris fought hard in the final seconds, looking for a game-tying shot, but his attempts were unsuccessful. 

The Irish were 25 of 53 from the field, while Boardman was 19 of 38. Most importantly, once again, it was free-throw shooting. Boardman was a stellar 18 of 22, while the Irish were 5 of 12. The Irish fall to 9-12, with their next matchup coming on the road against the Massillon Washington Tigers. Boardman, on the other hand, improves to a stunning 20-1 and will look to get their second win of the season against the Austintown Fitch Falcons next.

 

*Story contributed by YSN’s Dom Joseph

IRISH LOOK STRONG IN WIN OVER RANGE

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CANFIELD, OH- The South Range Boys move to 12-8 on the season after a tough loss to Ursuline, 59-44.

The Irish had a great night capitalizing and scoring, where the Raiders struggled to get shots to fall. South Range was not able to get any momentum and Ursuline extended their lead late for the victory led by Daysean Harris, Vince Armeni and Brady Shannon.Chris Brooks led the Raiders with 21 points and 13 rebounds on the night. Dante DiGaetano added 12 points for the Raiders. Also, Kris Scandy ended with 9 points on the night. For Ursuline, both Armeni and Shannon led the way with 11 points. Terrance Pankey Jr added 9 points, also Harris and Shawn Phillps added 8 points.South Range will be back in action on Tuesday to host Mooney. Ursuline will also be home on Tuesday to host Boardman. Tip off for the JV will be at 5:30. Varsity at 7:00. Do not miss it on YSN.

*Story Contributed By YSN’s Brendan Miller.

THE HOLY WAR GOES TO MOONEY

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Over 60 years of tradition and competition between them, Mooney and Ursuline took to the hardwood tonight. Ursuline looking to avoid an 0-8 season against their rivals, when you include JV and varsity teams. Mooney trying to defend home court, something they have not done well this year. And as per usual, these two prestigious programs did not disappoint.

A feeling out process took up the majority of the first quarter. Each team taking turns trading baskets as well as turnovers. Terrence Pankey for Ursuline was especially active, accounting for 12 points across the first two quarters. Tommy Fire, a guard for Mooney, found himself at the free-throw line numerous times as his aggressive, slashing style drew plenty of contact from Ursuline defenders. Fire was 8/10 from the line and finished with 12 points.

In the first matchup, the backcourt of Mooney, Pelini, and Jenkins, were instrumental in their victory. Clearly the Irish had that in their gameplan as it was relatively quiet in the first half from both. Their defense stiffened in the second quarter, and the Irish would go into the halftime locker room with a lead 25-27.

Great players, however, arise in the biggest moments. With two huge 3 point shots, Mike Pelini would begin hitting his stride in the third quarter. Devon Jenkins, who would be injured during the game and forced to come out, got a huge block on Johnny Rowland that brought the crowd to their collective feet.

And in the most feared yet strangely desired moment a player can find themselves in, senior Sonny Rodriquez, with Ursuline attempting to mount a comeback in the fourth, found himself at the free-throw line. He hit 4 in a row, with another coming after a tough foul that caused Sonny to wince and grab his shooting arm. Despite the efforts of Brady Shannon, who finished with 12 points, and Daysean Harris with 12 as well, Mooney would hold on and finish out their rivals 62-54. A clean sweep of the Holy War for Mooney, with the ever-present chance that these two schools could, again, meet in the tournament.

 

GAME PHOTOS: HERE

LADY IRISH MAKE A STATEMENT IN FINAL HOME GAME

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Emma Ericson and Kim Henderson, the sole seniors on this Ursuline varsity team, were recognized prior to last night’s game against the Labrae Vikings. And while it cannot be for certain, it definitely appeared that the added motivation of it being the final home game for them pushed the Irish all game long.

Labrae came into the game 11-5, a tough and physical team led by two sisters, Heidi and Jenna Reppart. While the records were somewhat flip flopped in this matchup, the Irish were not intimidated. Ursuline jumped out to a very early lead, Cara McNally hit two big 3 pointers, and Jamie Nelson’s ferocious defense seemed to give the Vikings fits. Labrae was forced into multiple turnovers in the first half, whilst Ursuline would capitalize, playing unselfish and well disciplined basketball. Junior Anissa Moorman led the Irish with 13, hitting a 3 pointer as well, but it was the balance of the offense that carried them. Nearly every single player who took the court for the Irish got on the scoreboard, and they would carry a 34-15 score into the second half.

The Vikings attempted to answer defensively with more zone, but the Irish simply passed around the perimeter, and forced Labrae into more mistakes. The Irish, who have had their struggles this year holding onto leads, did not let this victory slip through their fingers. Late in the third, a dagger 3 pointer by guard Rachel Fabry pushed the lead to 30 points. The fourth saw plenty of fresh faces enter the game on both sides, and while Briley Daniels for Labrae managed to snag a couple steals and fast break layups, the lead was just too great. A sensational performance against a very tough opponent, Ursuline would go on to win 53-29, the lowest Labrae had scored all year.

Ursuline will now be on the road for the remainder of the regular season, their next game another tough test against the East Golden Bears.

COWBOYS CORRAL IRISH

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- Chaney got a big win over Youngstown rival Ursuline Tuesday night 63-55.

The win keeps the Cowboys unbeaten in Steel Valley play.

Travis Easterly led the Cowboys with a game-High 19 points. Quincy Jones was also in double figures for Chaney with 17.

Brady Shannon led Ursuline with 17. Vince Armeni and Daysean Harris were also in double figures with 13 for Armeni and 11 for Harris.

Chaney will have a week off before they travel to the Spire Institute next Tuesday.

Ursuline travels to Mooney Friday night.

PERRY POWERS MOONEY PAST URSULINE

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- The Youngstown Ursuline Lady Irish hosted their arch-rival, the Youngstown Cardinal Mooney Cardinals, on Wednesday night at the Cafaro Gymnasium. This would be the second meeting between the two rivals in the 2019-20 season. In the first contest, Cardinal Mooney protected home court, clinching a 43-31 victory over the Lady Irish. The change of scenery was no problem for Cardinal Mooney.

The Holy War was a lopsided one, as Cardinal Mooney would roll past the Lady Irish 66-36. The defense of Cardinal Mooney was lock-tight, and the lack of size cost the Lady Irish precious rebounds. 

The spotlight shone brightly on Cardinal Mooney senior, Caitlin Perry. Her 23 points were just two shy of her career-high, and her overall presence on the court was felt right from the opening tip. The Lady Irish struggled to guard the senior, as Perry found success in the paint and from long range. On defense, Perry read the Lady Irish schemes effortlessly, making quick steals and avoiding screens before they are set. 

Perry dominated on both sides of the floor, and she did so with her teammates scoring in double-figures as well. Katie Hough, Maria Fire, and Alaina Scavina each scored in double-digits for Cardinal Mooney. The lone scorer for the Lady Irish to reach double-digits was Paris Gilmore. 

The Lady Irish fall to 5-11 overall, and will now face Kennedy Catholic on the Lyden Family Court. Cardinal Mooney will prepare for their next matchup, another road test, against the Southeast Pirates.

 

*Story contributed by YSN’s Dom Joseph

IRISH SHOW TOP LEVEL AGAINST GIRARD

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- The Youngstown Ursuline Fighting Irish boys basketball team hosted the Girard Indians at the Cafaro Gymnasium on Tuesday night. The Fighting Irish, fresh off a thrilling victory over the Bristol Panthers, carried the momentum to a 93-47 routing of Girard. For the Irish, much of their success came from three-point shooting. 

Astonishingly, six players scored in double-digits for the Fighting Irish. The leading man was Will Burney, who has been a standout on the Fighting Irish JV squad. In the last two games, Burney has received heavy playing time from head coach, Keith Gunther. Burney scored 14 points, nailing his first four attempts from three. Burney also snagged a rebound in the 4th quarter. 

In yet another breakout performance, Dean Boyd dropped 13 points, along with three rebounds. Terrance Pankey showed off his tremendous athleticism in the game, scoring 12 points, along with five rebounds. Brady Shannon used his size to his advantage, clinching a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Vince Armeni and Tyler Beck each scored 10 points, with Beck finding his groove beyond the arc. Along with 10 points, Armeni was able to collect five rebounds.

The leading scorer for Girard was Christian Graziano. Graziano reached 19 points and grabbed one rebound. Graziano’s great ball-handling skills were matched by strong defense and traps by the Irish. However, Graziano was a wizard in the paint, scoring and-1’s and getting to the line. Graziano finished the game 10-13 from the charity stripe. 

The Fighting Irish were 48% from the field and a stunning 59% from three-point range. As for Girard, they were 32% from the field, and 24% from three. The teams were fairly even at the free-throw line, the Fighting Irish going 15 of 21 and Girard going 14 of 23. The Fighting Irish outrebounded Girard 43 to 22. 

The Fighting Irish advance to 7-8 overall; however, a challenging six-game road trip is ahead. Their next matchup will come against the Erie Cathedral Prep Ramblers, a 7-5 program. Girard falls to 5-9, with a home game against the Jefferson Area Falcons next. 

 

*Story contributed by YSN’s Dom Joseph