For the first time in program history, the Saint Ignatius basketball team is heading to Florida.
The Wildcats will be playing in the Sunshine State next week, in a showcase hosted by our Jesuit brothers from Miami, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School.
Sunshine, basketball, and team bonding. What could be better?
The Wildcats will play three games while in Florida. After arriving in Miami at around 10 pm on January 1, the Wildcats will rest and relax before the showcase opener on Thursday, January 2. Cam Joyce's men will face Schoolhouse Prep, based in Miami, in a 6 pm contest. The Wolfpack currently have a 3-2 record, averaging 73 points per game. Schoolhouse Prep enjoyed its best season in school history in 2018-19, reaching the Class 2A state semifinals, according to the Miami Herald.
The game circled on the calendar is January 3 – a battle of Jesuit brothers. Belen Jesuit will host Saint Ignatius in a primetime showdown at 7:30 pm. The Wolverines currently stand undefeated at 6-0, according to Max Preps. This game should be a fun one.
The Wildcats will wrap things up on Saturday, January 4 vs. Monsignor Pace, another Florida school. The Spartans stand at 3-2 on the season, according to Max Preps. Tipoff is set for 3:30 pm.
Besides the basketball, Coach Cam plans for his players to use the trip as an opportunity for team bonding.
"I'm so excited to start the new year off with the team! The opportunity to travel across the country and experience Miami is going to shape our season," Joyce said. "It will be a time to grow bonds and build all while having fun competing. I can't wait until next week when we fly down there."
The trip is a rare one for the Wildcats' basketball team. The last time the Wildcats played outside of a contiguous state was in the 2010-11 season, when the squad played in the Fr. George National Jesuit Classic in Washington, D.C. Under Coach Cam, the Wildcats hope to travel more often.
Looking to make a year-end gift? Consider supporting the Wildcats' parents in helping to make this once-in-a-lifetime trip to Miami possible for our student-athletes. Click here to give.
The SIBN will broadcast all three games live at ignatiuswildcats.com/SIBN-live. Kurt Pickering '21 and Adam Eagleeye '21 will be on the call.
Go Cats!