CCHS bests Toronto, honors Mioduszewski
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STEUBENVILLE -- Friday's clash between Catholic Central and Toronto had everything one could want in a rivalry game.
There were key baskets, critical free-throw makes and numerous scoring runs. When all was said and done, the Crusaders earned a 47-40 victory before a full house inside the Mickey Barber Gymnasium.
"It was a good win for us with such a good rivalry," Central coach Don Ogden said after watching his Crusaders improve to 3-7. "It's great to see two communities come together. Fortunately for us, we came out on top tonight. It was just a great atmosphere.
"There also was an atmosphere of gratitude with the recognition of coach Frank (Mioduszewski)."
Prior to the game, Central recognized Mioduszewski, who passed away on May 28, for his service to the school as a basketball coach and a volunteer. He coached at the high school and junior high levels and was on Sean Tucker's staff when he guided the Crusaders.
The Crusaders also launched a new tradition with the introduction of the Frank Mioduszewski Memorial Trophy, which now goes to the winner of the Central-Toronto game played at CCHS.
"I think all high school games should be like this one," Tucker said. "Unfortunately, someone has to lose. It was a great game between two rivals, and it's good to have this rivalry back.
"Both teams left it out on the floor. I'm really proud of our kids -- they showed a lot of heart and energy and continued to show growth. As a veteran coach, you want to see that when you have a young team."
The game was a back-and-forth affair (there were 12 lead changes and five ties). Late in the fourth quarter, the Red Knights knotted the score at 38 on a bucket by sophomore Shane Keenan. Central then put together a 9-0 scoring run to seal the victory.
Charles Miller got things started when he canned a jumper from the lane. Luca Connor followed with a hoop, and Jack Rook knocked down a free throw. Four makes from the charity stripe by Connor and Vince Carapellotti finished the Central burst. Keenan accounted for Toronto's final points.
Central led 12-11 after the opening quarter but was down 22-20 at the intermission. The Crusaders outscored the Red Knights, 13-6, during the third period.
"I thought we played real scattered almost the entire game," Ogden said. "At halftime, we didn't do much X and O stuff. Instead, we just kind of challenged their heart. In the first half, we were losing all the loose balls and weren't boxing out. We made a decision to back off our defensive pressure a little. Instead, we sat back in our zone. I thought that was good move for us.
"Our assistant coaches put together a good game plan. Once we got the kids focused, they executed it fairly well. I wasn't happy with the execution overall, but when we needed it, they came through so God bless them."
Connor led Central with 14 points, while Rook finished with 11.
Keenan had 14 points for the now 3-8 Red Knights. He finished his double-double by snaring 10 rebounds. A.J. Clegg added eight points.
"Our kids are led by two outstanding seniors who are on the floor (Clegg and Brendan Matyas)," Tucker said. "As long as our seniors continue to buy into what we are trying to do, these younger guys are going to get more and more experience.
"As their confidence continues to grow, the wins are going to come. We're taking the back end of some losses right now and we have to learn how to finish. Unfortunately, we came up short tonight but I am extremely proud of our kids."
JV ACTION
Anthony Venditti tallied 10 points, as Central hung on for a 31-29 victory in the junior varsity contest.
Nathan Chociej paced the Red Knights with 11 points, while Jay Hanlin swished three triples to finish with nine.
UP NEXT
TORONTO: The Red Knights will travel to Oak Glen Tuesday.
CCHS: The Crusaders will host Barnesville Tuesday.
Catholic Central 47, Toronto 40
Toronto 11-11-6-12 -- 40
Central 12-8-13-14 -- 47
TORONTO (3-8): Hanlin 1 0-0 3; Reeves 2 1-2 6; Matyas 1 0-0 2; Myslinsky 2 0-0 5; Clegg 3 2-2 8; Anderson 1 0-2 2; Keenan 7 0-6 14. TOTALS: 17, 3-12: 40.
CENTRAL (3-7): Rook 4 1-2 11; Connor 5 4-6 14; Lefever 1 0-0 2; Hough 1 0-0 2; Miller 3 2-4 8; Maragos 2 1-2 5; Carapellotti 1 2-2 4; Lesnefsky 0 0-0 0. TOTALS: 17, 10-16: 47.
3-POINT GOALS: Toronto 3 (Hanlin, Reeves, Myslinsky); Central 3 (Rook 2; Connor); REBOUNDS: Toronto 25 (Keenan 10); Central 28 (Carapellotti 7, Miller 6); TURNOVERS: Toronto 16; Central 16.