Ohio City - The young 2017-18 Varsity Basketball season has presented more downs than ups for the Warren G. Harding Raiders.
After saying goodbye to several mainstays from last season, Harding has been hampered by inconsistent play through the first month of what is always a demanding schedule out on Elm Road in Warren, Ohio.
The recent roller coaster ride for the inexperienced Raiders of Coach Andy Vlajkovich took place over the past two weeks.
After being dominated by Youngstown East to the tune of a 29-point setback on December 15th, Harding rebounded with a 21-point triumph over Austintown Fitch in what was an All-American Conference encounter on December 19th.
The Raiders, who will take a record of 2-3 into Wednesday's tipoff with Saint Ignatius (4-2) at 7 PMin the Wildcats' storied Father Sullivan Gymnasium, rode a strong defensive effort and a lift on offense from senior guard Chris Hughes in outplaying the Fitch Falcons.
Harding was in a defensive mode from the get-go, as it limited the Falcons to nine first-quarters points.
Hughes, who was an offensive provider last year, had a sub-par shooting percentage through the Raiders' first four games this season. That draught came to an end in a big way, as Hughes hit his first six shots against Fitch. Five of those sweet six were 3-pointers.
Hughes made three consecutive 3-pointers early in the second quarter that helped stretch a seven-point lead to 32-13. He scored 17 of his game-high 18 points in the first half.
A CASE FOR THE DEFENSE, THE SUPPORTING CAST AND A QUICK GLANCE AT LAST SEASON
Coach Vlajkovich's Raiders forced several first-half turnovers with a pressure defense, an effort that also played a key role in Fitch's low-percentage shooting night.
Along with Hughes' big first half, Harding got a 16-point, five-assist performance from point guard Dom McGhee and 10 points and 9 rebounds courtesy of forward Terrion Jackson.
Last winter, Coach Brian Becker's Saint Ignatius Wildcats traveled to Warren G. Harding and, with two clutch free throws in the final five seconds by current gifted senior forward Luke Wiskes being a major factor, turned away the Raiders, 64-61.
Coach Becker's 'Cats are coming off an impressive all-around effort in Saturday night's 68-57 victory over Canton McKinley in Sullivan Gym, a game that saw the Wildcats at full strength for the first time this season.
Coach Becker couldn't say enough about the job the 1-2 senior punch of forwards Dom DiNunzio and Aymin Bahhur did in pounding the boards against the McKinley Bulldogs, and the clutch shooting of senior guard Neeko Melendez, who solved McKinley's defense with a game-high 20 points that included six 3-pointers. Five of Neeko's six treys came in the decisive second half. Neeko hit five 3-pointers in the season opener versus John Hay.
Saint Ignatius' record for 3-pointers in a game is eight. It was set by the smooth jumper of Andre' Wolford during the 2013-14 season. Andre' received a Saint Ignatius "Milestone Award" at the end of the '13-14 season.
"We had another nice outburst in the third quarter," said Coach Becker of the 'Cats' 28 points in the third quarter against McKinley. "That's what you're looking for at this point of the season, something to build on."
AIR WAVES
If you can't make it out to Wednesday night's game, the golden and savvy voices of The Dean, senior Matt MacKenzie, and junior analyst Zack Strom will bring it to you live over the Saint Ignatius Broadcast Network. The 7 PM Varsity Game will be preceded by a 5:30 Junior Varsity tipoff. Saint Ignatius' Jayvees currently stand at 6-0.
THE HOUSE THAT LEBRON BUILT
After Wednesday's matchup with the Harding Raiders, Coach Becker's 'Cats will travel to The LeBron James Arena on New Year's Eve afternoon to face the always strong and talented St. Vincent-St. Mary Fighting Irish. The Varsity tipoff is 3:30 PM and the respective Junior Varsity programs will get the action started at 2 PM.
Have a wonderful and Blessed Christmas Day.