Saturday, December 28, 2002
The Cardinalstriumphed inCanfield, 63-49.
By JOHN KOVACH
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
CANFIELD -- Cardinal Mooney High's Curtis Ingram displayed a new dimension to his multi-dimensional basketball play this season -- a complete game of outstanding play.
And when the 6-foot-3 senior plays well in both the first and second halves, he spells double trouble as Canfield found out Friday.
"It's my first game with two good halves," said Ingram, who poured in 32 points, including 10 of his team's final 14 points, to lead the Mooney boys to a 63-49 win that stretched the Cardinals' undefeated streak to seven games.
Canfield (2-4) had rallied from a 37-21 deficit to pull within 49-41, but Ingram proved to be unstoppable by hitting three straight goals to draw the Cardinals safely away to 55-41 advantage.
"I was moving the ball around pretty good," said Ingram, who has committed to attend Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C. "I shot free throws [making eight] pretty good."
Got fastbreak going
Ingram, who is quick, high jumping and sharp-shooting, helped to get Mooney's fastbreak going to foil Canfield's final attempt at a comeback.
"We're a very explosive team that is capable of running off points," Mooney coach Nick Bellino said. "We used our fastbreak to get easy points. Curtis got out there a few times. We had good passing on offense and good shots, close shots."
Bellino also said Dave Zidian, a 6-foot-4 junior who had 13 points, including eight in the final quarter, and a strong rebounding game, also helped to get the fastbreak moving.
"Zidian played an excellent game on the boards. He was getting the ball out," Bellino said. "Our two guards [Mark Seddon and Patsy Daltorio] were pushing the ball up the floor."
Drills to jump high
Ingram, who had 16 points in the first half to spark Mooney's 27-15 advantage, credits his ability to jump high to his workouts.
"I jump stairs and Jump Stretch. I do lots of squats with weights on my back. I jump on one leg. I jump rope. I can spring high," said Ingram, noting that he has a 39-inch vertical jump.
Coach John Cullen of Canfield said Ingram and Zidian were the difference in the outcome.
"We got it down to seven. We didn't want Ingram to get any good looks. He moves around a lot and he's a very versatile and strong player. He moves around and they move the ball," Cullen said. "His 32 points are the most anyone has had on us this year.
"Zidian really hurt us."
Chad Baker led Canfield with 16 points while Jordan Ferns contributed 12, including nine of his team's final 11 points to help Canfield stay within striking distance down the stretch.
Baker's goal and foul shot opened the scoring in the final period to draw Canfield within seven at 41-34, but Ingram responded with two foul shots and Zidian followed with three straight goals to push Mooney ahead 49-38.
Ferns' 3-point goal yanked Canfield back to within seven at 49-41 before Ingram went on his final scoring spree to clinch the decision.
Mooney shot well -- 25-for-47 from the field and 13-for-17 at the foul line -- and committed only eight turnovers to Canfield's 18.
kovach@vindy.com