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St. Ignatius halts Harding’s streak
By Steve WILAJ
WARREN
Considering the challenge of undefeated Cleveland St. Ignatius, Warren G. Harding coach Andy Vlajkovich characterized Saturday’s matchup with the Wildcats as a “withdraw” game.
What exactly is that kind of game?
“Every day in practice you put a little money in the account,” Vlajkovich explained. “Every game you put a little money in the account based on what you’ve done.
“And tonight was a night where you go withdraw everything you got. We tried to withdraw everything we had, but I don’t think we’ve had a lot built up.”
Hindered by a poor second quarter, the Raiders lost for the first time this season, falling to St. Ignatius, 61-55.
“I though we gave everything we had,” Vlajkovich said. “I thought we competed all night. We got a little soft in the second quarter when they got a little physical with us and we weren’t ready to handle it.”
After a 15-14 first quarter in favor of the Wildcats, St. Ignatius (5-0) used a 27-16 second period to take a 42-30 halftime lead. The run was keyed by 13 Harding turnovers.
“When you play good teams like that, you can’t take three or four possessions off,” Vlajkovich said. “They’ll take advantage of every single mistake that you make.”
The Raiders (6-1) cut the deficit to eight points after three quarters. They then got within three points twice in the fourth quarter — including 58-55 with 1:06 remaining — before the Wildcats put them away.
Dre’Mont Jones paced St. Ignatius with 17 points and nine rebounds. Deven Stover added 15 points and Andre Wolford had 13.
Shondell Jackson led Harding with 17 points, while Gabe Simpson scored 14. Jackson left the game late in the fourth quarter with an apparent knee injury, although Vlajkovich said it doesn’t appear to be serious.
Sophomore center Derek Culver — who found himself in early foul trouble — added eight points and six rebounds.
“Jones is a beast inside,” Vlajkovich said. “When you’re a sophomore, you can get exposed by that a little bit.”
The Raiders shot just 37 percent (17 of 45) compared to St. Ignatius’ 46 percent (22 of 48). Harding also missed 19 of 22 3-point attempts and committed 21 turnovers.
“We kind of put it on cruise control some games this year,” Vlajkovich said. “We’ve had some cruise-control practices. Our practices have to be more competitive and tough. And I have to be tougher on them.
“But it’s good to learn that lesson now and let it recharge you.”