Led by the versatility and skill of 6-foot-7 Jake Strippy and the Black twins, 6-7 Eric and 6-6 David, Saint Ignatius won four of its five quarters during a three-way scrimmage with the East Tech Scarabs and the Brush Arcs on Wednesday morning in Sullivan Gymnasium.
Saint Ignatius Head Basketball Coach Sean O'Toole '87 was pleased with his team's performance in the post, the consistency of it and the overall entry work of going inside and then out offensively.
The Wildcats, behind some impressive play down low by Strippy, who is coming off a strong off season, and big-game tested veterans Eric and David Black, started the scrimmage with a 16-5 quarter over East Tech and a 21-13 quarter over Brush.
Guards Andre Wolford and Deven Stover also turned in some solid minutes in the first two quarters and speaking of versatility, Coach O'Toole emphasized how great it was to have 6-6 wing/forward Jaylin McDonald back, as Jaylin just completed his varsity football season as a wide receiver.
Dre'Mont Jones (6-4, 250), who also put the football pads away this week after an outstanding season as one of the most dominant defensive linemen in Ohio, will begin practicing full time with the varsity basketball team on Friday. Dre' was at practice on Tuesday and on hand for Wednesday morning's scrimmage to lend encouragement to his teammates.
In the third quarter, which saw East Tech and Saint Ignatius rotate their players in and out and employ different combinations, the Scarabs came away with a five-point advantage. 'Cats guard Ryan Napoli buried a nothing-but-net 3-pointer in the third quarter and also made a smooth entry assist to Eric Black.
Behind point guard Danny Bova's endless hustle and defense, and some more impressive play by Strippy and the Black twins, the Wildcats' fourth quarter saw them come away with a 17-12 advantage over Brush.
In the final minute of the fourth quarter, Coach O'Toole had his team work on taking the last shot. The highlight of that work was a near picture-perfect sideline inbound lob from David Black to Eric Black, the result of which was a three-point play for Eric Black.
The fifth and final quarter of the scrimmage was another match up between the Wildcats and the Scarabs and Saint Ignatius, which got an authoritative drive and slam from Jaylin McDonald and some tough defense from guard Ogo Okolo, finished the day on a positive note.
If this corner was asked to pick the player who left a lasting impression through the five quarters, my vote would go to Jake Strippy.
In what will be the last major tune-up for the regular season, Coach O'Toole and his Wildcats will travel to LeBron James Arena on Saturday morning for a three-team scrimmage with 2012-13 Division II state runner-up St. Vincent-St. Mary, defending Division I state champ Mentor and Columbus power Northland High School.
Once again, the corner will preview Saint Ignatius' 2013-14 varsity basketball season early next week.
Have a Blessed and Wonderful Thanksgiving!