INSIDE PRESENCE LEADS TO IRISH WIN

Scioto posted its 8th consecutive win by taking advantage of a bigger, strong frontcourt against Columbus St. Charles in a 64-37 road win on Tuesday night.

Playing on one of the smallest high school floors in central Ohio, which provides little opportunity for the usual offensive spacing, it was a necessity to work the ball inside.

And, that’s what the Irish did as evidenced by a 40-12 advantage with points in the paint. They also took used their height and strength to outrebound the Cardinals 45-32.

The Irish set the tone early by scoring four put back buckets after offensive rebounds in the first quarter. Coupled with four other assisted baskets and a pair of free throws, they led 19-6 after one quarter.

A minute and a half into the second quarter, the Irish led 24-8 and St. Charles called its third timeout. The Cardinals settled in and remained within striking distance at the half at 28-14 thanks to some missed Irish free throws.

While the offense slowed down a bit in the second quarter, the Irish defense remained strong throughout the first half. In their last two games, St. Charles put up 37 first half points against state-ranked Columbus DeSales and 30 points against Worthington Kilbourne. Against the Irish, though they shot less than 40 percent from the field, including 0-6 from beyond the arc.

Nine different Irish players scored in the third quarter and it enabled them to build a 51-26 lead heading into the final stanza. From there, they cruised to the final margin.

Marco St. John led the Irish with game highs of 20 points, 15 rebounds and 3 steals. He also chipped in 2 assists.

Bradley McDougald was next with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. He shared game high honors for the latter category with David McKinley.

Other Irish players who scored were: Jamare Mills (9), Rainer Duzan (6), McKinley (5), Deji Olatoye (4), Eric Stamets (4) and Tyler Harrell (1). Playing, but not scoring were Destin Thomas, Jason Reinick, Raneal Ewing, J.R. Bernans and Jacob McPheters.

Jourdan Wickliffe led St. Charles with 11 points. Dane McLoughlin added 10 points and 8 rebounds.

The victory leaves the Irish at 11-1 overall heading into a January 23 home match-up against Olentangy. The Irish opened OCC Cardinal play against the Braves in December and came home with a 73-59 victory.