Vrabel’s big night leads Canfield

January 26, 2014 at 12:09a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

One day after seeing Canfield’s 10-game win streak snapped, the Cardinals’ Jarret Vrabel ensured that a new one began.

Vrabel scored a game-high 19 points while Mike Yourstowsky and Andrew Midgley added 14 and 13 points, respectively, as Canfield topped West Middlesex, 61-59, in double overtime in the Saturday finale of Lariccia’s “See Them Rise” High School Basketball Showcase at the Covelli Centre.

“We started slow because we didn’t know what to expect from West Middlesex,” Vrabel said. “Both teams battled, made adjustments throughout the game and played hard. It was a game in which both teams will learn from each other.”

Vrabel was presented the John Kovach Award, named in honor of the late Vindicator sportswriter who was a founding member of the high school basketball series.

“It is an honor to win the award for sportsmanship and hard work, both on and off the court,” Vrabel said. “Winning the game the way that we did makes it even more special.”

Four points by Vrabel helped the Cardinals to an early 10-9 lead while a basket and a 3-pointer with seconds remaining in the half gave Canfield (11-3) a 25-20 lead at intermission.

Yourstowsky scored seven points at the outset of the third quarter for a 32-23 Cardinals advantage, but the Big Red used a 6-0 run to close to within 37-33 with one quarter remaining.

Nine points by Vrabel in the final period sent the game into overtime tied at 50.

“Jarret just does it all,” Canfield coach Todd Muckleroy said. “He was struggling early in the box, but moved out and worked the perimeter.

“He just gets everybody involved.”

Neither team could mount much of an offensive attack, scoring just a bucket in the first overtime session. But Canfield outscored West Middlesex 9-7 in the second extra frame to seal the victory. “We had a good look at a wide open 3 at the end, but just couldn’t knock it down,” said West Middlesex coach Chad Mild.

The Cardinals fell at home to Fitch in a key All-American Conference, American Division game on Friday night.

“I thought we responded really well tonight,” Muckleroy said. “I still saw some things we have to work on, but overall I was really pleased with our effort. Give credit to both teams because neither quit.”