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Wildcat Basketball’s fast start leads to 71-61 win over Cleveland Heights

By John Fanta ’13

Nobody said it would be easy. The Solon District’s competition level lived to the hype in Wednesday’s District Semifinal between Saint Ignatius and Cleveland Heights

Coach Sean O’Toole’s Saint Ignatius Wildcats are moving on to the Solon District Championship Game, as they faught off Cleveland Heights, 71-61, in a game that saw a late comeback attempt by the Tigers.

The Wildcats bolted out to a quick start, as they led after one quarter, 16-4. In a re-match of the regular season affair on February 14, the Wildcats wanted to get off to a good start. They had started quite slowly at Cleveland Heights, but held off the Tigers, 58-54.

The Tigers did not score until 57 seconds were left in the first quarter. After a quarter, Francisco Santiago, Derek Sloan, and Bryan Fisher all had four points. It was an effective balance on the offensive end that had the ‘Cats going, but the lane defense of Saint Ignatius was tremendous.

The Tigers ended the first half on a strong note, as they hit a three-ball to only trail 28-17. Cleveland Heights outscored Saint Ignatius, 13-12, in the second quarter. Derek Sloan had ten points and Francisco Santiago had six points, but they were just getting started. Although it wasn’t an explosive offensive half, the ‘Cats grinded a great half out defensively to hold the Tigers at seventeen points.

In the third, the Wildcats would not let off the gas pedal, as Francisco Santiago would put an exclamation point on the third with a buzzer beating three-ball. The Wildcats put up 23 points in the third. Sloan scored ten points in the 3rd to lead them to a 51-35 lead.

The Tigers came alive in the fourth, as they would not go down without a fight in the game. With 3:23 to go, Saint Ignatius led the game 60-43. The Tigers began a trek trying to get back up, as they got within six points with 1:10 to go in the game. It was 62-56, but Saint Ignatius would close the game out with free throws and resilience, as the Wildcats outlasted the Tigers by ten. Derek Sloan ended with a game-high 25 points.

NEXT UP at SOLON!

The Wildcats will meet the winner of tomorrow’s district semifinal match-up between 3rd-seeded Shaker Heights and 5th-seeded Bedford on Saturday in the District Championship Game at Solon HS at 2:30 pm.

I will have updates on tomorrow’s contest between Shaker Heights and Bedford on twitter @JohnFanta13.

The Solon District is a pure example of the phrase, “March Madness.” It takes a “one game at a time attitude,” and that’s what the Wildcats will have in the final on Saturday as they have two days in advance to prepare.

 

SIBN COVERAGE / MEDIA: Saturday’s District Championship at Solon HS will be broadcasted live on the Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Network. Coverage begins at 2:15 pm in advance of the 2:30 pm tip-off. Go to Eddie Dwyer’s Corner for a preview on the game and all of the stories on Saint Ignatius Basketball.

Check my updates out on twitter of tomorrow’s other district semifinal between Shaker Heights and Bedford.

In One Ear, Out the Other: Longstanding Rivals

49 school days until graduation

I’ve previously shared that I love to spend unquantifiable amounts of time scouring the vast abyss of Netflix. Recently, I’ve become obsessed with the series, House of Cards. Now, before you say anything, know that I’m not only talking about the new one, but also the BBC version from the 1980’s. While talking to my old man about the great things I’d heard about the new Netflix original version, he told me that the British version would be much better. He was right! Seeing them side by side is a great way of comparing them, and I must be honest the British version is outstanding. Not to say that the American one is bad, but it just doesn’t have the same suspense, articulate vernacular, or overall class as the BBC’s rendition. Let me give you an example to show you how they compare. The American version is like riding in a plush and comfortable Cadillac. Sounds great right? Well, the BBC version is like being driven around in a stately and luxurious Rolls-Royce…powered jumbo jet with 50 assistants at your beckon call, a large TV with Madden playing, unholy amounts of Chipole, and Michael Jordan sitting next to you. Yeah, it’s that good.

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Entrepreneurs pitch ideas; come away ready to excel

Sami Petros '15 won the largest prize in SIEntA's first contest for venture capitalists.

by Daniel Ertle ’15

For six groups of aspiring entrepreneurs, the February 26 meeting of the Saint Ignatius Entrepreneurial Academy (SIEntA) was a monumental event in their careers as businessmen. It was at this meeting that six groups of students were awarded real money for their work in creating business plans that will lead to the creation of their own businesses. The club’s co-moderator Mr. Hess, known for his frankness, commenced the meeting addressing the club saying that he has “been walking on air, just so excited about the work [club members] did.” On the previous Sunday, the 24th of February, these six groups of entrepreneurs took part in Saint Ignatius’s very own edition of Shark Tank, as moderators Mr. Hess and Mr. Moy were joined by Mr. Joe Cassaro ‘03 to judge the business plans made by club members. All of the groups were awarded at least $50, but the club also awarded larger sums of money to more promising business plans.

Ryan Linker '14 and Mr. Hess celebrate after Ryan was awarded $250 for his car detailing business.
Ryan Linker ’14 and Mr. Hess celebrate after Ryan was awarded $250 for his car detailing business.

In response to Saint Ignatius’ first ever Shark Tank, Mr. Hess said, “It’s exciting that a club at St. Ignatius can act as venture capitalists and see six promising business come into existence.” The first winner was sophomore Harrison Klee who pitched his invention that Mr. Hess described as a gadget that causes one to think to himself, “Wow, this doesn’t already exist?” The innovative sophomore created a product he calls “Topswell Backpack,” a waterproof backpack that also serves as a flotation device. Harrison is aiming this product at the up-and-coming paddleboarding industry, as well as the preexisting jet ski industry. Because of the difficulty of the patent process, the club decided it could not be of much service to Harrison and his backpack, so he was awarded the minimum prize of $50.

Also being awarded $50 were sophomores Sean Sovacool and Clark Gronek. Sovacool, a now-seasoned veteran in his field, pitched his system of micro-marketing, in which he hand-delivers rentable advertising to potential buyers’ doors. With prior success, the club believes Sovacool will experience even more success with more capital, and thus awarded Sovacool $50. Joining Sovacool and Klee with their sweet winnings was Clark Gronek, who pitched his idea of creating cookies with the logos of companies. The sharks believed Gronek created a great product, yet had their doubts of his potential success because of the competitive food industry packed with already-established companies.

Sami Petros, Mr. Hess, and Brian Sovacool look at Sami's prototype for the "Fun Box, powered by Raspberry Pi"
Sami Petros, Mr. Hess, and Brian Sovacool look at Sami’s prototype for the “Fun Box, powered by Raspberry Pi”

Starting off the winning of larger sums was junior Ryan Linker, who pitched the startup of a car-detailing company with a low startup cost. Impressed by his passion and experience, the sharks decided they would help Linker in his pursuits by buying him a $250 steam cleaner, finalized with a handshake agreement that Linker would start the company over the summer. Other winners of the coveted $250 business-model award were sophomores Louis Thiery and Prithvi Pendekanti, who pitched the creation of the “North Coast Junior Forensics League” that will address the absence of a speech league for Northeastern Ohio middle school students. The eloquent sophomores plan to establish a program in which they will go to middle schools and establish debate teams that would compete in a tournament here at Saint Ignatius.

Finally, earning the most praise and money was junior Sami Petros, who has worked with a friend from Highland Heights High School to create a “compact and affordable alternative to traditional personal computing.” Petros calls this invention the “Fun Box, powered by Raspberry Pi” and received $500 from the club to help with startup costs. The “Fun Box, powered by Raspberry Pi” features an operating system similar to Apple TV with a word processor that creates a brand-new PC. Shockingly, Petros and his partner hope to sell this “alternative to personal computing” for only $100. In an interesting turn, Mr. Hess did his best impression of Mark Cuban, and announced that the club would be willing to add another $500 in return for a one-third stake in Petros’s company. Petros is unsure at the moment whether he will accept the deal, but will definitely consider the offer. The money from the club’s offer will come from the $2,000 that the SIEntA has grossed in their sale of bricks reclaimed from West 30th Street, which demonstrates SIEntA’s unique mission: making real money and then investing that money in real student businesses.

Sean Sovacool '15 and Mr. Hess smile after Sean won $250 to aid in his already existing micro-marketing business.
Sean Sovacool ’15 and Mr. Hess smile after Sean won $250 to aid in his already existing micro-marketing business.
Louis Thiery '15 won a $250 award for his business model to start a junior forensics league.
Louis Thiery ’15 won a $250 award for his business model to start a junior forensics league.

Zeigler and McLaughlin both place at wrestling state championship tournament

by John Fanta ’13

Tommy Zeigler (126 Pounds) Takes 3rd While Anthony McLaughlin Takes 6th (170 Pounds)

What an emotional weekend it is for senior Tommy Zeigler, as he takes the mats for the final time as a Saint Ignatius wrestler. Zeigler finishes as a three-time state placer, as he finishes 3rd in Columbus in his weight class. Saturday morning, Zeigler edged Chance Driscoll (St. Edward), 1-0, to advance to the third-place match. Jarrad Lasko (Madison) wrestled Zeigler for third place, and Tom would end his career on the right foot. He fought past Lasko, 3-2.

Although junior Anthony McLaughlin fell in the fifth place match to Matthew Walker (Hilliard Darby),  McLaughlin finished sixth. As a junior, Anthony has next year to look forward to, as he will most likely be the leader for Mark Sullivan’s Wildcats.

Jim Ferritto defeated Alec Logsdon (Lebanon) on Thursday night, 6-4, after falling in his preliminary.

Congrats to all of the Wildcat wrestlers who represented Saint Ignatius High School well this weekend!

Basketball routs John F. Kennedy, 84-50; advances to District Semis

 By John Fanta ’13

Derek Sloan and the Wildcats took care of business on Friday night at Solon High School, when the 1st-seeded Saint Ignatius Wildcats cruised past 7th-seeded JFK.

Sloan scored 19 points as sophomore Jaylin McDonald contributed 12 points for the 20-3 Wildcats. It took the Wildcats some time to begin dominance over the Fighting Eagles, but they would wear away JFK once the second quarter hit. Francisco Santiago hit on back-to-back three pointers and Kyle Berger had a swift move in the second quarter. A big highlight of the second quarter was junior Jake Strippy’s entrance into the game. Coach O’Toole (5th season) was yelling for any sub, and Strippy, who hasn’t had any major highlights this season, stepped up to the challenge. Jake put in a bucket, but it was his attitude of knowing his role that stood out in the contest.

In the third, there weren’t many changes. Derek Sloan put in his first one-hand authoritative jam of the postseason and the Wildcats hit on three consecutive triples by Jaylin McDonald, David Black, and Austin Sterpka.

The Wildcats advance to the District Semifinals, where they will meet the #4-seed, Cleveland Heights Wednesday night at 7 pm. The Tigers and ‘Cats last met on February 14th, when Saint Ignatius outlasted the Tigers, 58-54. Andy Suttell’s Tigers rolled through Kenston on Friday night, 69-49.

In the other District Semifinal match-up, 5th-seeded Bedford, who upset 2nd-seeded Garfield Heights, will meet 3rd-seeded Shaker Heights on Thursday night at 7 pm.

Saint Ignatius wrestlers receive state championship tournament pairings

by John Fanta ’13

The Ohio High School Athletic Association has released the individual state tournament championship pairings for this upcoming weekend’s action. Senior Jimmy Ferritto (113 pounds) won his 3rd place match at the Mentor District Tournament to advance to the State Tournament. Junior Anthony McLaughlin (170 pounds) is on his way to Columbus as he took second at the District Tournament. Finally, Tommy Zeigler (126 pounds) will head to Columbus coming off of a second place finish in his class at the Mentor “Meat Grinder” District. Mark Sullivan’s Saint Ignatius wrestlers seek to make some noise at Value City Arena this weekend.

It will surely be lively this week in Columbus!

PAIRINGS- PRESENTED BY THE OHIO HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

Armando Torres (Elyria) vs. Jimmy Ferritto (Saint Ignatius)

Tommy Zeigler (Saint Ignatius) vs. Bryan DeRuchie (Amherst)

Michael Weber (Loveland) vs. Anthony McLaughlin (Saint Ignatius)

A weekend to cherish in Saint Ignatius Winter athletics

by John Fanta ’13

What another weekend it was in the pool, on the mats, on the court, and on the ice in Wildcat athletics. Saint Ignatius’ winter athletic squads represented West 30th and Lorain well.

At the swimming state championship meet in Canton, the relay teams led the way for the Wildcats. Coach Jeff Ridler’s team took 3rd place as a team, with two relay teams bringing home first place finishes. Our Jesuit brothers from Saint Xavier took home its fifth state title in a row. The Wildcats won the 200 medley relay and they also succeeded in standing at first in the 400 relay. Peter Simcox, Nate Christian, Charlie Pophal, and Derek Hren took home the gold in both of the relays.

In other action at the swimming state title meet, Nate Christian and Charle Pophal took part in the 50 yard freestyle race. Christian, a junior, was fourth and Pophal, a senior, was seventh. Peter Simcox took fourth place in the 100 yard butterfly and as the night was wrapping, the team of Nate Christian, Pete Simcox, Rayon Artis, and Charlie Pophal were third in the 200 yard freestyle relay. In the final standings, Saint Xavier ended at 270 points, while Upper Arlington finished second with 187.5 points. The Wildcats had 186 points on the meet. What another strong swimming and diving season it was for Coach Ridler and the ‘Cats.

The Mentor “Meat Grinder” District is tough, there’s no question about that. Eight Wildcat wrestlers participated over the weekend. Tommy Zeigler (126 pounds), Jim Ferritto (113 pounds) were both North Royalton Sectional Champions, as Anthony McLaughlin (170), Isen Vajusi (195), Max Baughman (220), Joe Conway (182), Dan Lynch (145), and Kyle Vilsack (130) wrestled in Mentor over the weekend. Zeigler, McLaughlin, and Ferritto are heading to the state individual tournament championships at Value City Arena next weekend in Columbus. Zeigler and McLaughlin both were runners-up in their District Final matches and will head to Columbus. Ferritto won his third-place match to advance to Columbus.

The top team in the Plain Dealer Poll and seventh in the state, the Wildcat Hoops squad capped the regular season with two quality wins in an emotional weekend. On Friday night, the Senate League Champion, Glenville, came to Sullivan Gym for an encounter with the Wildcats. They fought to the very end, and hung very close with the Wildcats. It was a tight one, but the Wildcats’ length and depth were too much. Derek Sloan (Plain Dealer Player of the Week) scored 22 points and Francisco Santiago had 19 on the night to lift the Wildcats over a very athletic squad in the Tarblooders, 73-62. Although defensively challenging for the Wildcats to handle, Saint Ignatius did enough to hold off  Michael Holt’s squad in a good battle of two Cleveland-area squads. The Tarblooders are in the Euclid District, so keep a bit of an eye on them. Mentor is the top seed there, but the Cards cannot just walk on the floor against Mentor and get a win. Just something to chew on with the postseason arriving.

The Wildcats stood at 18-3 on Friday, as they would aim to break the school record for wins in a regular season (18) the next night against Benedictine. Walking into it, the ‘Cats saw a team in the Bengals that was 6-15 and struggling greatly going in to the game. But that wouldn’t stop the Bengals from giving the Wildcats a handful and so much more. The Division II team that the Wildcats have wrapped the season against for four straight years never went away. Derek Sloan scored 23 points though as the Wildcats held off the Bengals with key finishing plays, 67-58.

Alec Papesch, Bryan Fisher, Francisco Santiago, Derek Sloan, and Austin Sterpka were the players honored on Senior Night. Senior manager Patrick Gibbons walked with his family onto the Sullivan Gym floor for the final time, and the SIBN broadcasters were both cherishing the night. Greg Ziton was honored for his three years on the air, and I was so honored to have the opportunity to walk on the floor that I love for the final time. It was a walk I will always remember, and I thank you for the “Thank You” chants. It was a great night that I will never forget.

The Wildcats broke the record for regular season wins, as they now prepare for the Solon Sectional District. The Wildcats face the winner of John F. Kennedy/Lincoln West in a Sectional Final match-up on Friday at Solon High School at 6 pm.

Saint Ignatius Hockey blanked Elyria Catholic 10-0 to advance to the District Semifinals of Brooklyn District Play. The top-seeded team has cruised in their first two games, outscoring their opponents 23-0. Miles McQuinn scored two goals on Saturday to move his total to 36 goals on the season and second behind Paddy Spellacy ’12 on the Ice Cats’ all-time career points records. Saint Ignatius takes on 4th-seeded Rocky River on Tuesday night at 7 pm. On Wednesday, #2 St. Edward encounters #3 Holy Name. The winners will meet on Saturday in the Brooklyn District Final at Brooklyn Ice Arena at 3 pm. The SIBN has live audio of Hockey and Basketball State Tournament Coverage. I’ll be on the air throughout all of the tournament coverage, and check me out on twitter @SIHSSports and @JohnFanta13.

It was a weekend where the Wildcats made us all proud as we hail the blue and gold. To think that Friday afternoon got the weekend all started with this extravaganza!

In One Ear, Out the Other: Manhattan Jig

53 days until graduation

Let me get get starting by saying that I personally think that the Harlem Shake is a pretty cool thing. Yes, it’s been used and abused, but a good Harlem Shake is a golden treat to watch and enjoy. When I heard that our very own Saint Ignatius was creating a rendition of the internet sensation, I knew that I would have be a part of it. The planning was intense. What would I wear? How would I dance? I wanted to make sure that my contribution was worthwhile and noticable because I, just like everyone, seek a little bit of fame. All of this planning went nowhere, I just couldnt think of any meaningful moves to share, that is until my Lit class.

There it was, in the corner and against the wall. I was mesmerized with a giant waist up cutout of Mr. Pasko. This was the show stopper I needed. With his permission, I borrowed the priceless gem and proudly strutted my way to the cafeteria after school. You should have seen the way faces of teachers and students lit up when they saw my el grande Pasko. With it held high, I entered Rade and showed off the goods. Mr. Crew took the stage and began to organize everyone. It was like I was watching the directing of a movie. Everyone had his or her own idea and the set was constantly being adjusted. Finally, we began to film.

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Solon District Basketball Preview

by Greg Ziton ’13

One game at a time. That is the mantra that Coach O’Toole has instilled in his basketball team all season long. Even after earning the number one seed at the Solon District, the Saint Ignatius Wildcats know that advancing to Regionals will be no easy task. The Solon District is widely considered the toughest in the state. Game number one for Saint Ignatius, ranked #1 in Northeast Ohio by the Plain Dealer and #7 in the state by the AP poll, will be a March 1st Sectional Final against the winner of the February 26th Sectional Semifinal between Lincoln West and John F. Kennedy. Senate Athletic League runner-up JFK is favored there. This Sectional Final game should be a relatively comfortable win for the Wildcats. After that, the real challenge begins.

The March 6th District Semifinal will likely be against the 4th seeded Tigers of Cleveland Heights, who finished the regular season with a 16-6 record and will play the winner of Maple Heights and Kenston in their first playoff game. Saint Ignatius won a 58-54 thriller on the road at Cleveland Heights back on Valentine’s Day. The Tigers, ranked #7 by the Plain Dealer, bring an abundance of speed and athleticism to the court and are able to run at will. Guard Marcus Bagley and 6’7 post Antonio Harper are the players to watch for fourth-seeded Cleveland Heights, who also boasts a wide array of capable three-point shooters.

Looking ahead to the district title game on March 9th, if the Wildcats advance to that point, the probable opponent would be the winner of a projected Garfield Heights vs. Shaker Heights matchup. Two-seed Garfield Heights (15-6) and third-seeded Shaker Heights (16-6) are neck and neck in the PD poll at 4th and 6th, respectively. Garfield Heights’ balanced attack, with standouts like Willie Jackson, Robert Hurst, Al Burge, and 6’10 junior and Ohio State commit Dave Bell, can give opponents nightmares. Coach Sonny Johnson’s Bulldogs were the 2012 district runner-up.

Shaker Heights is trying to repeat as District Champion. The 2012 Raiders ended the ‘Cats’ postseason run last season in the District Semifinals. Led by Kash Blackwell, Esa Ahmad, and Rosel Hurley, the 2013 Shaker squad is a tough, physical team that isn’t afraid to play defense. The Raiders showed that in a tightly-contested pre-season scrimmage against the Wildcats. Garfield Heights beat Shaker Heights, 62-60, in Shaker when the teams matched up in mid-January. However, Shaker trounced Garfield, 52-35, in the rematch on February 21st in Garfield Heights.

The Wildcats are looking to show Northeast Ohio that they deserve their #1 seed by advancing to the Cleveland State Regional for the first time since 2010. Their challenging regular season schedule, which they handled with a record of 19-3, has prepared them for the Solon District. Saint Ignatius will bring momentum into the playoffs, with a 10-game winning streak in progress and the return of senior center Alec Papesch expected shortly. Senior captains Derek Sloan and Francisco Santiago have also been on a roll as of late, averaging 20 and 15.6 points, respectively, over the team’s last five games. Here’s to the first step in the Wildcats pursuit of their ultimate goal, a victory in Columbus on March 23rd.

 

Check out the district bracket in the last edition of The Eye, or at the OHSAA site. I’ll have the call with John Fanta for all of the playoff action on the SIBN live from Solon High School if you can’t make it.

Gideon’s Guide: You call yourself a Catholic?

The other week I had a huge debate via text with a female friend of mine (no names please) about abortion. I took a lot of much time trying to form convincing and compelling arguments to get my point across, and I lost some sleep trying to trump her in this intense, moral, and complex dispute. In the end, we basically both stood firm in our beliefs, apologized for our at times edgy words, and we switched back from adversaries to friends.

Looking back on that debate, I started thinking how stupid it was that it even started because we’re both Catholics, so shouldn’t we be on the exact same page? Well we should have but she, as a strong liberal, believes the Church is wrong in some cases and, through her own thought and consideration, chooses to oppose her religion on its stance on abortion. I think this idea of challenging one’s faith can certainly be good in a way, but I don’t think my friend did so in the best way.

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About The Eye

The Eye is the student-led publication of Saint Ignatius High School.

Editors-in-Chief: Kelly Coleman '23, Young Kim '23 & Aidan Oliss '23