NEWS AND NOTES

Cheerleaders and Zutti Zone...making their presence known..Through five games Irish have been supported by a great group of cheerleaders and a boisterous student section this season. The cheerleaders made the trip to the College of Wooster for the game against North Canton Hoover, and, have added a banner for when the team enters the floor at home games. They also developed a sign for the student section - the Zutti Zone. These energetic and loud students have made themselves a valuable - 6th man - for the Irish this season - at home and on the road. Sitting behind the team bench, the Zone played a role in the Irish comeback rally against North Canton Hoover and had a major presence at Westerville North. The group has come up with new chants and props.

We’ve been here before... Westerville Central and Scioto were part of the Cardinal Division during 2004-05 and 2005-06, before parting ways in the two most recent seasons. The Irish won all four of those meetings.

League of champions...The newly constituted OCC Cardinal features three defending boys basketball champions. Jerome was 8-2 and won the Cardinal, Westerville Central was 9-1 and won the Central, and, Scioto was 10-0 and won the Capital. In addition, the Irish and Westerville South earned district championships during postseason play.

On the road again...The Irish are playing the third of four consecutive games away from home when they square off against the Warhawks. They will visit Columbus Independence on December 30, before returning home to face the Mt. Vernon Yellow Jackets.

Alumni in the house...Scioto will celebrate Alumni Night on January 2 against Mt. Vernon. Former Irish players will be recognized during the varsity game.

Good start for Davis Middle School teams...The boys basketball teams at Davis Middle School are off to very good starts this season. Coach John Bernans’ 8th grade team enters the holiday break at 5-1. Coach Mick Neace’s 7th grade team is 6-0. The middle school teams will be introduced at the January 16 home game against Marysville.

Cardinal Division updates... A hot Olentangy Braves team won its fourth consecutive game by posting a 68-57 win at crosstown rival Liberty on December 20. The Braves opened with a 73-59 loss to the Irish but have won every game since by double digits..Westerville South used an 18-8 third quarter to take control of the game at Jerome on December 19 and beat the Celtics 60-41. The Wildcats led 26-20 at the half..Westerville Central broke into the win column in league play with the 68-43 win at Marysville.