February has arrived, bringing with it the approach of postseason play.
Four Saint Ignatius varsity squads will be in action this weekend, as the swimming and diving team receives a short respite before Sectionals.
Here’s what’s ahead for the Wildcats this weekend.
Basketball
The Wildcats received a small break this week after snow caused the postponement of Tuesday’s game versus Benedictine. Thanks to the weather, the Basketball Cats are well-rested for Saturday’s showdown against Cleveland Heights at Sullivan Gym at 7:00 p.m.
The Wildcats enter the contest at 11-4 following a 70-45 win over John Marshall last Saturday. Austen Yarian garnered Student-Athlete of the Week honors for his 16-point, 19-rebound performance in that game, along with his 13-point night last Thursday against Lutheran East. The Cats sit atop the Top 25 poll by Cleveland.com and at No. 11 in the MaxPreps JJHuddle Ohio Big School Terrific 20 Poll.
Meanwhile, Cleveland Heights stands at 10-5 and No. 8 in Cleveland.com’s Top 25 poll. The Tigers were most recently in action on Saturday, defeating Wayne, 64-56. Cleveland Heights lost to Lorain on Friday, 69-67. Jaylen Harris and Tyreke Smith, both Division I football commits, lead a talented front court the Wildcats will have to watch out for.
The Tigers defeated the Wildcats in the season-opener on December 3 at home, 66-65.
The JV, freshmen gold and freshmen blue teams will also be in action on Saturday. The freshmen gold squad will play at Akron Buchtel at 12:30 p.m., the freshmen blue team will battle Cleveland Heights at 4:00 p.m., the JV squad will face the Tigers at 5:30.
When attending basketball games at Sullivan Gym this weekend, please consider bringing your old varsity jacket or heavy coat for “Varsity Coats for Needy Folks.” The group collects old varsity jackets from folks who don't use them anymore, take the lettering off, and hand out these jackets to the needy and homeless.
Wrestling
A home contest awaits the Wildcats this weekend. The Mat Cats will host Bedford and Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy on Friday at 6:00 p.m. in Sullivan Gym.
The Mat Cats will look to rebound after a 56-16 loss to St. Edward in the OHSAA Team Dual Regional Semifinal yesterday at Olmsted Falls. Overall on the year, the Wildcats have an 8-2 mark in dual meets, including an 8-0 mark against teams not named St. Edward.
Najee Lockett is one Wildcat who has stood out lately, as the freshman picked up two first period pins last week. Congratulations also go to senior Kaden Russell, who officially committed to wrestle at Duke University yesterday.
Hockey
The Ice Cats face a big test this weekend. The Wildcats will play two games in Michigan against some of the best competition from that state up north, as part of the 2017 MIHL Prep Hockey Showcase, one of the most respected tournaments in the Midwest.
The first game will occur tomorrow, as the Wildcats will face Brighton at 11:30 a.m. Then, the Wildcats will battle Orchard Lake St. Mary’s on Saturday at 4:50 p.m.
According to mihshockeyhub.com, Brighton has a 15-2 overall record, with a 5-0 mark against foes from the Kensington Lakes Activities Association. St. Mary’s has an 11-5-2 record on the year, with a 3-2-2 mark in the Michigan Interscholastic Hockey League, which also features Detroit Catholic Central and Brother Rice.
You can catch both games on the SIBN, as both will be audio-only broadcasts.
The varsity gold team, meanwhile, will be participating in the Fraser Showcase in Fraser, Michigan. The Wildcats will face Bay Preps on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and Clarkston on Sunday at 9:10 a.m. The JV Wildcats will face Rocky River on the road Saturday at 9:00 p.m.
Bowling
After last weekend’s Greater Cleveland Interscholastic Bowling League (GCIBL) Scratch Championships, the bowling team is back in action this weekend.
The Alley Cats will participate in the GCIBL Handicap Championship and OHSAA points Championship. The bowling will take place at Cloverleaf Lanes in Independence.
Best of luck to the Alley Cats and all Saint Ignatius teams in competition this weekend.