Cleveland Central Catholic eliminates Ursuline

CANTON — Ursuline fell behind early and never recovered in a 76-52 loss to Cleveland Central Catholic in a Division II boys basketball regional semifinal today.

The Irish struggled from the outset, trailing 11-6 after one quarter and 35-22 at halftime at the Canton Memorial Civic Center.

When the Ironmen began the second half with a 14-5 run for a 49-29 lead late in the third quarter, any hopes of an Ursuline comeback were effectively dashed.

The Irish end the season at 19-9.

Ursuline's loss means Warren JFK is the final Mahoning Valley basketball team still alive in tournament play. The Eagles meet Lutheran East in a Division IV regional final Friday night at the Canton Fieldhouse.

It is a repeat of the end of the high school football season, when Warren JFK was the area's last team standing and eventually won the Division VII state championship.

Return to Vindy.com and read Friday's Vindicator sports section for complete details.