2016-17 VASJ Game Notes Week 5
Villa Angela-St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes
-
January 6, 2017
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015
THE SCHEDULE Overall (NCL) Record
Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
THIS WEEK IN THE VILLAGE
4-2 (1-0)
2016-2017 OHSAA DIVISION III STATE RUNNER-UP
Game Number 7
DAY
Friday, January 6, 2017 Wheeling Jesuit University - Alma Grace McDonough Center Cancer Research Classic - Wheeling, W.Va.
OPPONENT
TIME / RESULTS
DECEMBER 2 at Euclid Panthers 3 at Columbus Northland Vikings (Clark Kellogg Classic, Columbus, Oh.) at Lutheran East Falcons CLEVELAND CENTRAL CATHOLIC IRONMEN ** vs Benedictine Bengals (Scholastic Play by Play Classic, Cleveland, Oh.) RICHMOND HEIGHTS SPARTANS
9 16 27 30
W L
72-64 49-57
W W L
68-66 79-50 63-66
W
76-46
JANUARY 6 vs LaPorte (Ind.) La Lumiere Lakers 3:20 PM (Cancer Research Classic, Wheeling Jesuit Univ., Wheeling, W.Va.) 13 vs Fairfax (Va.) Paul VI Panthers 6:00 PM (Burger King Classic, Cathedral Prep High School, Erie, Pa.) 14 vs TBD TBD (Burger King Classic, Cathedral Prep High School, Erie, Pa.) 17 YOUNGSTOWN VALLEY CHRISTIAN EAGLES ** 7:00 PM 20 at Trinity Trojans ** 7:00 PM 24 LOUISVILLE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS KNIGHTS ** 7:00 PM 27 at Cleveland Central Catholic Ironmen ** 7:00 PM 28 at St. Edward Eagles 7:30 PM 31 at Warren John F. Kennedy Eagles ** 7:00 PM
FEBRUARY 3 at Youngstown Valley Christian Eagles ** 4 MENTOR CARDINALS 7 GILMOUR ACADEMY LANCERS 10 WARREN JOHN F. KENNEDY EAGLES ** 15 at Akron St. Vincent-St. Marty Fighting Irish 17 TRINITY TROJANS ** (VASJ Senior Night) 24 at Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas Knights **
MARCH 3-4 6-11 13-18 23-25
7:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM
OHSAA Sectional Tournament OHSAA District Tournament OHSAA Regional Tournament OHSAA State Tournament
TBD TBD TBD TBD
LaPorte (Ind.) LaLumiere Lakers VASJ Vikings Tip-off: 3:20 PM
If you want to be the best, you have to play the best. Villa Angela-St. Joseph gets that chance on Jan. 6 – on national TV no less – when the Vikings face La Lumiere (Ind.) at the Cancer Research Classic at Wheeling Jesuit. The Lakers are the unanimous No. 1 team in the country according to the national polls, coming into the game at 14-0 and having won their last five by more than 24 points per contest. VASJ and La Lumiere will play at 3 p.m. in a game televised by ESPN. The Lakers' roster is led by forwards Brian Bowen and Michigan State commit Jaren Jackson, each a five-star recruit per Scout.com. Four-star guard and Michigan commit Jordan Poole, four-star center Jacob Epperson and 2019 point guard Tyger Campbell - already ranked as the No. 2 point in his class - constitute a lineup which will likely be the best VASJ faces all season. The Vikings are 4-2 and getting healthy finally with point guard Jerry Higgins returning to action after missing a majority of the season with an ankle injury. Sophomore center Alonzo Gaffney is coming off his best game of the season in a big win over Richmond Heights. Danny McGarry has been a major contributor all season both scoring and rebounding for VASJ. Noah Newlon, Andre George and Terrance Lawler are among a host of Vikings who will play a major role in this game and moving forward this winter for Coach Babe Kwasniak. “When you just look at this game on paper when it comes to talent, to be honest I am not sure if we belong on the floor with La Lumiere, but as a program we have earned the right to be here and these guys are going to give me everything they have,” Kwasniak said. `“This is a game that will make us a better basketball team no matter what happens, and for our program and our school to get this opportunity to play the top team in the country means a lot. This is maybe the seventh time in the program’s history we have play the No .1 team in America – that is really special for a school from Cleveland, Ohio that isn’t the biggest school in the area. We are very proud of our history and what we have accomplished and we are going to go out and compete. That I have no doubt.”
VIKES AT THE MIC “We did some positive things, but we aren’t about just competing or getting close. We needed to play harder and I think we will do that going forward.”
** - - North Coast League - White Division Game
- Head Coach Babe Kwasniak, following the loss to Benedictine on Dec. 27
FOLLOW THE VIKINGS @babekwas @vasjbasketball @VASJ_HighSchool @Vikings_AD @RealChalkTalk
For full schedules, statistics, and upcoming events of the VASJ Basketball team, visit www.vasjvikings.com and www.vasj.com.
“January is going to be a very difficult month for us against some elite teams. But, everything we do and the schedule is all about getting ready for March." - Kwasniak, on the upcoming schedule for the Vikings
“This whole week in practice Coach preached doing the little things and we were able to do that. We had so much energy coming into this game tonight and we really wanted it.” - Sophomore Forward Alonzo Gaffney, following the win over Richmond Heights on Dec. 30
“It was all about the little things tonight, what Coach told us we had to focus on, even the things that didn’t show up in the box score. I feel great right now, best I have felt all season, but we have to work hard to get ready for this next game.” - Junior Guard Jerry Higgins, about the focus of the team on Dec. 30
Villa Angela-St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes
-
January 6, 2017
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015
POLLS AND RANKINGS CLEVELAND.COM / PLAIN DEALER (Janaury 2, 2017) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
St Edward Eagles Lorain Titans Cleveland Heights Tigers Garfield Heights Bulldogs St Ignatius Wildcats Akron St Vincent-St Mary Fighting Irish Mentor Cardinals Medina Bees Akron Archbishop Hoban Knights Benedictine Bengals VASJ VIKINGS
7-1 5-1 5-2 8-1 5-3 4-3 5-0 9-0 6-1 6-1 4-2
NEWS-HERALD TOP OF THE CROP (December 30, 2016) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Mentor Cardinals Cornerstone Christian Patriots Benedictine Bengals Brush Arcs VASJ VIKINGS Madison Blue Streaks Lake Catholic Cougars Gilmour Academy Lancers Andrews Osborne Phoenix South Rebels
5-0 5-3 6-1 7-1 4-2 5-0 5-1 5-2 8-0 4-5
Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
2016 - 2017 VASJ VIKINGS ROSTER #
%
0 1 3 4 5 10 11 12 14 15 21 22 23 35
0 1 31 3 5 10 11 12 14 15 21 50 23 35
Player Alonzo Gaffney Chad Porter Anthony Dinunzio Noah Newlon William Butler Terrance Lawler Oliver Carson Danny McGarry ** Andre George ** Jerry Higgins ** Stefan Weems Jordan Calhoun Jhalen Hill Graham Koppelman
Position Forward Forward Guard Guard Guard/Forward Guard Guard Forward Guard Guard Guard Guard Center Forward
Height 6-8 6-2 5-11 6-3 6-1 5-10 5-8 6-4 5-9 5-9 5-8 6-0 6-3 6-3
Year SO SR JR SR SR SR JR SR SR JR JR SO SR SO
Grade / Previos School St. Jerome CVCA Wickliffe Middle Mayfield Middle Our Lady of the Lake St. John of the Cross Hudson Middle Forrest Park St. Stanislaus Wickliffe Middle Our Lady of the Lake Saints Robert and William Success Tech Academy Chardon Middle
** denotes 2016-17 VASJ captain
# denotes uniform number, when Vikings wear BLACK/WHITE or BLUE uniforms
% denotes uniform numbers, when Vikings wear RED and WHITE uniforms
Head Coach
Babe Kwasniak ' 94 (7th season - 127-41)
Hired May 4, 2010
Assistant Coaches
Tedd Kwasniak, Maurice Haynes '07, Ashen Ward '08, Rich Newlon, Gary Wilson, Anthony Turk '16 (Graduate Asst)
Managers
Collin Green (Head Manager), Adam Stauffer (Manager)
Video
Chris Harris
OHIO ASSOCIATED PRESS - DIVISION III 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
No Poll Release This Week By the Associated Press
2016 - 2017 VASJ VIKINGS STARTERS OPP
1
2
3
4
5
Euclid Northland Lutheran East Cleveland CC Benedictine Richmond Hts La Lumiere BK Classic TBD BK Classic TBD Valley Christian Trinity St Thomas Aq Cleveland CC St Edward Warren JFK Valley Christian Mentor Gilmour Warren JFK Akron SVSM Trinity St Thomas Aq
Higgins Lawler Lawler Lawler Lawler Lawler Higgins
George George George George George George George
Newlon Newlon Newlon Newlon Newlon Newlon Newlon
McGarry McGarry McGarry McGarry McGarry McGarry Butler
Gaffney Gaffney Porter Gaffney Gaffney Gaffney Gaffney
** - Projected Starters
Rec 1-0 1-1 2-1 3-1 3-2 4-2 **
Villa Angela-St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes
-
January 6, 2017
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015
VASJ QUICK FACTS
Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
2016 - 2017 VIKINGS SEASON PREVIEW SEASON BEGINS WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS BUT TEMPERED RESTRAINT
Location Founded
East 185th & Lakeshore Blvd, Cleveland, Ohio Villa Angela (1878), St Joseph (1950) Federated in 1990 Affiliation Roman Catholic (Diocese of Cleveland) Conference North Coast League (White Division) Enrollment 447 (co-educational) Colors Columbia Blue and Scarlett Red Nickname Vikings Home Arena Viking Village Capacity 1,250 President Bill Cervenik Principal David Csank Athletic Director Nate Zavorek '94 Athletic Phone 216-481-8414 extension 224 Head Coach Babe Kwasniak '94 (7th season 127-41) Tedd Kwasniak, Maurice Haynes '07, Ashen Ward Assistant Coaches '08, Rich Newlon, Gary Wilson, Anthony Turk '16 (Grad Asst.) Sports Information Liasion Bill Tilton VASJ Basketball - By The Numbers District Championships Regional Championships State Runner-ups State Championships NCAA Division I Players NCAA Division II & III Players NBA Players European Professional Basketball Players Basketball Players in the NFL
30 15 6 6 48 38 5 9 9
Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School began in July of 1990. It has a rich past and is celebrating over 130 years of educational excellence in the Diocese of Cleveland. VASJ resulted from the merging of Villa Angela Academy (1878-1990) with Saint Joseph High School (1950-1990). Villa Angela Academy was the oldest Catholic institution of learning in the Diocese of Cleveland, founded by the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland in 1850. For 110 years, Villa Angela was a witness to Christian education with more than 6,000 graduates. St. Joseph High School was opened in September of 1950. The Bishop had asked the Society of Mary (Marianists) from Dayton, Ohio, to administer the school. In St. Joseph's history, more than 10,000 students graduated from its comprehensive college preparatory or technical programs. The first students of St. Joseph High School selected the school colors of Columbia blue and scarlet. Because of the school's proximity to the lake, the students chose the Vikings as their school mascot. In 1989, the students of VASJ selected that same mascot and school colors for their new school. Service to the community and social justice were core values of both Villa Angela Academy and St. Joseph High School and are strong traditions carried on at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School today.
The 2016-2017 boys basketball season holds a lot of promise for the Villa Angela-St. Joseph Vikings. Coach Babe Kwasniak also is holding back any unrestrained and unrealistic expectations for VASJ until the Vikings can prove themselves worthy of the hype. VASJ closed last winter as the Division III state runner-up, losing in the state championship game to Lima Central Catholic with a team that not many thought would be in Columbus. It was a tremendous season of overachievement, and with the return of a few key pieces, the murmurs surrounding Viking Village are again loud and exciting. However, the leader of the team has reserved exuberance for his squad. “If we’re going to listen to people tell us how good we are, that would be as dumb as if we listened last year to people tell us how bad we were. That’s what I am telling these guys,” Kwasniak said. “First of all, people are acting like we didn’t lose anything when we lost a first team all-state player in Sherman Dean. We lose a kid from a leadership standpoint that took 28 charges and went to West Point in Jacob Stauffer. Kevin Roberts was a tremendous finisher for us. So we did lose some big pieces. “I think last year was the last time we will be under the radar, which is what made last year so enjoyable.” VASJ enters the 2016-2017 campaign as a talented and experienced group, but with a schedule that is grueling to say the least and a long grind to get to the postseason. Junior point guard Jerry Higgins returns off a sophomore season in which he was named a Division III All-Ohio honorable mention selection. Freshman center Alonzo Gaffney will be counted on to produce on both sides of the court with scoring, rebounding and defending the paint. Senior swingman Danny McGarry is a versatile athlete and a leader who will see an increase in his role this winter.
Kwasniak lauded senior Andre George as one of the top on-the-ball defenders in the area. Noah Newlon is a dangerous 3-point shooter. Will Butler, Terrance Lawler and Chad Porter could be key role players for the Vikings this season as well as some younger players emerging with significant varsity minutes. The schedule for the Vikings includes games against Ohio heavyweights St. Edward, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary, Mentor, Columbus Northland (Clark Kellogg Classic) and NCL White rival Cleveland Central Catholic. In addition, VASJ will travel to West Virginia in early January for the Cancer Research Classic Invitational to face the No. 1 team in the country in La Lumiere. “Our schedule is as good as any team in the state of Ohio. It’s not just a good Division III schedule, it is all the heavyweights in the regular season and then we play whoever they tell us to play in the tournament,” Kwasniak said. Kwasniak likes the make-up of his team, including several players who have had a chance to grow and improve and experience success from their freshman season. “When I think about this team one thing that is really irregular is we had so many guys who started on our freshman team. The reality is at this program usually guys will play up, so to have several of our core guys have that experience as starters on the freshman team is unique,” Kwasniak said. The strength of the Vikings, aside from the obvious talent of Higgins and Gaffney, lies on the defensive side of the court. “We have the ability to be as good defensively as we have been in a long time,” Kwasniak said. “Last year was our best defensive team since we have been here from a statistical standpoint and this year might be better. Defense will be our calling card, as well as our speed. “We know what we have in Jerry, but will need Danny to be more aggressive. We need Alonzo to double his numbers from his freshman season. But, we also need to lock in and defend the daylights out of people and turn defense into offense.”
Villa Angela-St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes
-
January 6, 2017
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015
HEAD COACH BABE KWASNIAK '94 Babe Kwasniak is a 1994 graduate of Villa AngelaSt. Joseph High School which was the first class of the merger between Villa Angela and Saint Joseph high schools. He was a member of the National Honor Society, peer ministry and student council while at VASJ. He played basketball for the Vikings, who won state titles in 1991, 1992 and 1994. Kwasniak is a 1999 graduate of the United States Military Academy (West Point, NY) where he played four years of Division I college basketball (team captain for two years). He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army as an Infantry Officer. His assignments were: Athletic Officer and Platoon Trainer — Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. Executive Officer, 2 Battalion 11th Infantry Regiment—Fort Benning, Georgia.Core Plan and Operations Officer, I Corps – Fort Lewis Washington. Captain Kwasniak was awarded the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Global War on Terrorism Medal. Kwasniak left the United States Army in May of 2004, where he achieved the rank of Captain. Coach Kwasniak led the All-Army service basketball team to a gold medal in 2001, 2002 and 2004. He coached the Armed Forces team to an international gold medal in Brussels, Belgium in 2001 and 2004. He was an assistant coach at the University of Missouri-Kansas City from 2005 to 2007 and coached at St. James High School in Lenexa, Kansas in 2008. In 2010, Kwasniak came back to VASJ and became the head basketball coach. He is assisted by his Hall of Fame Father, Tedd. Under Kwasniak the Vikings have won over 100 games and two state championship (2012-13, and 2014-15). Kwasniak has now won two state titles as a player and two as a coach with the Vikings. Kwasniak is one of a select few high school coaches working with ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla at the Steph Curry Camp in California the past two years. Kwasniak is married to Dr. Laura Kwasniak. They have three sons, B.K., Quinn and Logan, and they reside in Highland Heights.
Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
2016-17 VASJ VIKINGS ASSISTANT COACHES Tedd Kwasniak Coach Kwasniak says: My Dad is an iconic figure in the Viking Village. He has to be one of the only high school assistant coaches that head college coaches come to for advice. He is a pivotal part of our players’ development as young men. Every person in our program learns something from Coach Kwas every day. He has just as much impact on our coaches as he does our players.
Ashen Ward '08 (Junior Varsity Head Coach) Coach Kwasniak says: Coach Ward has a magnetic enthusiasm that permeates throughout our program. I’m excited to watch him take over our JV team after being with the Freshman the previous two years. He always has his finger on the pulse of our guys. He knows when they need to be pushed or when they need to be hugged. A former first team all state performer at VASJ, Coach Ash has a bright coaching future.
Rich Newlon Coach Kwasniak says: I truly believe Coach Newlon is one of the best high school coaches in NE Ohio, just happens that we have him as an assistant on our staff. He has an astute attention to detail that manifests itself in the way we play. We talk all the time about outworking everyone, Coach “Juice” shows our players exactly what that looks like.
Gary Wilson '94 (Assistant JV Coach) Coach Kwasniak says: The one word that best describes Coach Wilson is “loyalty”. His loyalty to our kids is always his first priority. I’ve been blessed to coach with him for the last 7 years and call him a friend for the last 25 years. No one has ever been prouder to be a part of our program (player or coach) than Gary Wilson. If you cut him open he would bleed red and baby blue.
Maurice Haynes '07 (Freshman Head Coach) Coach Kwasniak says: I’m ecstatic about Mo taking over our Freshman Team. Mo was a great player at VASJ and played in college for Viking Legend Coach Mike Moran at John Carroll. Coach Haynes will team up with our graduate assistant coach (Anthony Turk) to teach our kids the Viking Way.
Anthony Turk '16 (Graduate Assistant) Collin Green (Head Manager) Adam Stauffer (Manager) Chris Harris (Manager) Tonica Johnson (Academic Advisor)
Villa Angela-St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes
-
January 6, 2017
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015
COVERING THE VIKINGS
Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
VIKINGS NEWS, NOTES, & HEADLINES
VARSITY CHALK TALK
GRAND SLAM FOR TEDD KWASNIAK
McGARRY PICKS UP A WEEKLY AWARD
Since 2009, former News-Herald high school sports reporter Bill Tilton has hosted a live weekly high school sports talk show featuring interviews with players and coaches, trivia contests and giveaways at Hooley House in Mentor on Monday nights.
VASJ assistant coach Tedd Kwasniak is now a trivia question answer.
Senior forward Danny McGarry has been selected as a player of the week by the News-Herald.
Kwasniak is the only coach in Ohio to be on the bench for a state championship in ALL FOUR divisions.
In a 72-64 win over Euclid, McGarry scored 16 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, dished out five assists and had three blocks.
Regular guests on "Varsity Chalk Talk” have included the Vikings head coach Babe Kwasniak and numerous VASJ players. “Varsity Chalk Talk” airs live at Hooley House in Mentor on Mondays (7-9pm) and will be streamed live on ESPNCleveland.com.
CREDENTIALS Credential requests are to be made through the Villa Angela-St Joseph Athletic Department. Season credentials will only be granted to media outlets that cover VASJ on a regular basis. All other requests will be considered single-game requests. Please contact VASJ Director of Athletics Nate Zavorek with any questions.
INTERVIEWS AND PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES All interviews and photo opportunities with VASJ student-athletes or coaches must be arranged through the Villa Angela-St Joseph Athletic Department and/or Sports Information Liaison. Please give at least 24 hours of advance notice for interview requests. Cell phone numbers for student-athletes will not be given out and studentathletes will be instructed not to speak with media (whether by phone or at the end of a class period) without first being contacted by a member of the VASJ Athletic Department, Sports Information Department or one of the student-athlete's coaches on behalf of the VASJ Athletic Department. Student-athletes and coaches are available for interview before or after practice when arranged through the VASJ Atheltic Department or Sports Information Liaison.
POST-GAME INTERVIEW POLICY The VASJ basketball locker room is closed to the media, although studentathletes and coaches will be made available by request after a 10-minute cooling off period following the conclusion of the game. A representative of the Atheltic Department will gather requests from the media during the latter part of the game. Coach Babe Kwasniak will be available prior to player interviews. Interviews involving the opposing team are left to the discretion of the opposing team's athletic departments.
Kwasniak was an assistant on the Vikings D-I state title team in 1991 and the D-II state championship team in 1992.
He is the first Viking to lead team in all four categories in a game since Duane Gibson in 2013.
He has been an assistant for his son as the Vikings have won state titles in 2013 (D-IV) and 2015 (D-III).
McGARRY SHADOWS PARDON
He was the head coach for the Vikings Division III 1997 state qualifying team and was an assistant on the 2014 and 2016 state runner-up squads.
BUTLER EARNS NEWS-HERALD POW VASJ senior guard Will Butler has been named player of the week by the News-Herald after his performance in a win at Lutheran East on Dec. 9. Butler came off the bench to score 19 points and dish out five assists. He also went 8 of 8 at the foul line, including crucial free throws in the fourth quarter of a tight game.
DOUBLE - DOUBLE TO START THE SEASON The Vikings have started the 2016-2017 season with a player recording a double-double in each of the first four games. Danny McGarry has a 16 point-15 rebound game vs Euclid on Dec. 2; plus a 20 point-13 board game vs CCC. And Alonzo Gaffney had a 13/13 slash line in a loss to Columbus Northland on Dec. 3 followed by a 16/11 game vs Lutheran East
NEW TEAMS AND PLENTY OF SKILL COMING TO 2017 BURGER KING CLASSIC CANCER RESEARCH CLASSIC The 10th annual Cancer Research Classic will take place the first weekend of the new year (Jan. 6 and 7) in Wheeling, West Virginia. The CRC is recognized as the nation's premier Catholic High School basketball tournament, hosted by the athletic department at Wheeling Jesuit College. Proceeds from the Cancer Research Classic help fund ongoing prostate cancer and men’s health research at the Urologic Research Institute and academic scholarships for undergraduate studentsenrolled at Wheeling Jesuit University. The Vikings are scheduled to play the current #1 team in the country - the La Porte (Ind.) La Lumiere Lakers on Janaury 6 at 3:15 PM
INJURY INFORMATION Villa Angela - St, Joseph High School and the Athletic Department and all personnel will fully abide by federal HIPPA standards with regards to release of injury information. If the student-athlete does not consent to the release of injury information, VASJ officials will be restricted in regards to informing media of the student-athlete's status.
Senior Danny McGarry grabbed 15 rebounds in a win over the Euclid Panthers on Dec. 2. His is the first Vikings player to clear the glass 15 or more times in a single game since March 21, 2015, when Dererk Pardon ( now at Northwestern) had 18 against Youngstown Ursuline.
GAFFNEY MATCHES PARDON Sophomore forward ALonzo Gaffney has recorded double-doubles in each of his last two games * 13 points, 13 rebounds vs Col Northland * 16 points, 11 rebounds vs Lutheran East Gaffney is the first Viking to record back to back double-doubles since Dererk Pardon in the spring of 2015, when he did it in three consecutive games
The 34th version of this tournament, the Burger King Basketball Classic will tip off in Erie on Friday, January 13th and Saturday, January 14th, 2017 at the Joann Mullen Gymnasium at the Prep and Villa Events Center. This year’s tournament features two schools making their first trip to town and another from down the road that is trying to win another championship. The event continues to garner the attention of the top high school websites in the country, as MaxPreps and Hoops USA called the Burger King Classic the number one fourteam tournament in the nation. The field for the 2017 Classic is complete with programs that have had great success at the state and national level and features a slew of players that are attracting the attention of college coaches nationally. On the first night on Friday, January 13th at 6pm, Villa Angela-St. Joe’s will be making their fifth trip to the Classic and they are searching for their second tourney title. VASJ will match up with a strong national power on night one. Paul VI has won three state championships in Virginia since 2009 and is coming off a 20-win season. With 65 players having gone through this program earning a college basketball scholarship and 13 grads that have played professionally, Paul VI is always one of the top programs in the land. The 7:30pm nightcap will have Westerville South from Ohio against the host school Cathedral Prep. Making a return to the Classic for the 34th straight year will be the host Cathedral Prep Ramblers, a three-time winner of this event.
Villa Angela-St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes
-
January 6, 2017
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015
ANOTHER VIKING ABOARD VASJ GRAD MAURICE HAYNES '07 HAS JOINED THE COACHING STAFF FOR THE 2016-17 SEASON Another Viking has returned to the Village. Maurice Haynes, who was a member of two state final four boys basketball teams in 2006 and 2007, has been added to the VASJ staff by Coach Babe Kwasniak for the upcoming season. Haynes, a 2007 graduate who went on to play for former Viking coach Mike Moran at John Carroll University, will coach freshmen basketball and assist with the varsity. “It has been a while since I have been back at the school and in the Village and I wanted to wait until the time was right and with Coach Kwasniak and the way he puts the kids first ahead of even basketball I know this was the right time,” Haynes said. “I learned a lot from my time at the Village as a player and from every coach I played for or coached with and I want to bring that to the position I am so thankful to be in now. VASJ is a special place and you look around and the memories come back and I want these guys to experience what I did as a player.” As a player, Haynes was part of the 2006 Division III state runner-up team that lost to Cincinnati North College Hill. In 2007. Haynes helped lead the Vikings back to Columbus as a senior on the final four squad. Haynes went on to play at JCU for Coach Moran and was a standout rebounder and defender for the Blue Streaks. “One thing I want to do is emphasize to the kids that they can play to their strength. In my case, I wasn’t a great scorer, but I could rebound and defend and block shots,” Haynes said. “It doesn’t take a lot of talent to rebound or defend, you just have to have heart and effort and will. I want to pass along to the guys the will and the want to be tough and physical. It won’t happen with every player, but hopefully it will get through to most of the guys.” VASJ is coming off a 2016 Division III state runner-up finish, and Kwasniak is extremely certain that the addition of Haynes to an already stellar staff will strengthen the coaching lineup and lineage the Vikings have on board. “He is an asset not only because he played here at VASJ, but also played at JCU for Coach Moran,” Kwasniak said of Haynes. “It really gives all of our coaches the same lineage. “After we won both of our state titles (20013, 2015), I can recall Mo texting me saying how proud he was to be a Viking. That has always stayed with me. It was Ashen (Ward’s) idea to get him re-engaged and he is going to be a great addition.” Haynes, 27, is a supervisor for the United States Postal Office. He played with VASJ assistant coach Ashen Ward on the 2006 and 2007 state final four teams.
Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
VIKING VOYAGE TO THE NCAA Carlton BRAGG Villa Angela-St Joseph '15 Kansas University (Sophomore)
Bragg has appeared in 13 games for the #3-ranked Kansas Jayhawks. Bragg is averaging 16 minutes per game, shooting 52% from the floor. Bragg is averaging 7 points and 6 rebounds per game.
Sherman DEAN, III Villa Angela-St Joseph '16 Hiram College (Freshman)
Dean has played in 10 of the 11 games for the Terriers this season. He is averaging 3 points per game and has knocked down 10 of 20 three-point field goals this season.
Demonte FLANNIGAN Villa Angela-St Joseph '13 University of Evansville (Senior)
Flannigan is the lone senior on the CSU team; he is averaging 12 points per game. He is grabbing 5.5 rebounds per game and shooting 50% from the floor. He had 18 points vs Milwaukee.
Duane GIBSON Villa Angela-St Joseph '13 University of Evansville (R-Jr)
Gibson is bouncing back from an injury-shortened 2015-16 season, starting all 13 games for the Purple Aces. He is averaging 5 points per game.
Tremayne HARVELL Villa Angela-St Joseph '15 Notre Dame College (Sophomore)
Harvell plays defensive back for the Falcons, who finished the season with a 9-2 record. The Falcons finished ranked #10 in the Super Region 1 and third in the Mountain East Conference.
Ryan HOOPER Villa Angela-St Joseph '11 Marquette University
Hooper is the Student Manager for the Marquette Golden Eagles men's basketball team. Marquette is off to 10-4 start this season, with four returning starters from last year's team.
Mo JOHNSON Villa Angela-St Joseph '15 Mt Union University (Freshman)
Johnson is a freshman on the Purple Raiders basketball team after attending Hillcrest Prep for one year. Johnson will have a double major in marketing and psychology.
Dererk PARDON Villa Angela-St Joseph '15 Northwestern University (Sophomore)
Pardon is standing tall in the middle of the Wildcats offense and defensive sets. He is averaging 7 points and 7 rebounds per game this season and leads the teams in blocked shots with 16 in six games.
Brian PARKER Villa Angela-St Joseph '15 Marist College (Sophomore)
Parker is 2nd on the team in scoring, averaging 13.5 points. He also is first with 4 assists per game. Parker leads the team in rebounds, grabbing 6.5 boards per contest, for the Red Foxes.
Jacob STAUFFER Villa Angela-St Joseph '16 U.S. Military Academy (Freshman)
Stauffer was a three-sport letterwinner at VASJ (TE in football, PF in basketball, and discus thrower in the field events) and will be a member of the Cadet's Track and Field team in the Spring of 2017
Simon TEXIDOR Villa Angela-St Joseph '15 College of Wooster (Sophomore)
Texidor is a key component off the bench for the nationallyranked Fighting Scots. Texidor is averaging 3 points per game and is shooting 31% from behind the arc early in seven games
Williams is a wide receiver for the nationally-ranked YSU Tre'von Penguins. The Penguins will play for the FCS Championship on WILLIAMS Sat. Jan 7 in Frisco, Texas, against James Madison Univ Villa Angela-St Joseph '15 Youngstown State Univ. (Sophomore)
Villa Angela-St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes
-
January 6, 2017
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015
VIKINGS TRENDS
Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
THE LAST TIME FOR THE VIKINGS . . .
At Home (Viking Village) On The Road At Neutral Site In Day Games In Night Games On Weekdays (Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri) On Weekends (Sat, Sun)
2-0 2-0 0-2 0-0 4-2 4-1 0-1
When Leading At Halftime When Trailing At Halftime When Tied At Halftime In Overtime Games
3-0 0-1 0-0 0-0
When Shooting 50% or Better From Field When Shooting Under 50% From Field When Shooting 40% or Better From 3 Point Line When Shooting Under 40% From 3 Point Line When Shooting 75% or Better From Free Throw Line When Shooting Under 75% From Free Throw Line
1-0 3-2 1-0 3-2 1-0 3-2
When Having More Assists Than Turnovers When Having A 2:1 or Better Assist to Turnover Ratio When Having More Turnovers Than Assists
4-0 1-0 0-2
When Having 20 or more total Rebounds When Having 30 or more total Rebounds When Having 40 or more total Rebounds
4-2 2-0 1-0
When Having 5 or more total Blocks
1-0
TEAM 1/29/15 - 106 vs Benedictine Scored 100+ points 1/29/16 - 90 vs Lutheran East Scored 90+ points 1/29/15 - 61 (1st half) vs Benedictine Scored 50+ points in half 12/3/16 - 49 vs Columbus Northland Scored under 60 points 12/3/16 - 49 vs Columbus Northland Scored under 50 points Scored under 25 points in half 12/3/16 - 20 (1st) vs Columbus Northland 1/15/16 - 60% (30-50) vs Trinity Shot 60%+ FG 12/9/16 - 55% (24-44) vs Lutheran East Shot 50%+ FG 3/4/16 - 80% (8-10) vs Beachwood Shot 80%+ FT (min 8 FTA) 3/16/16 - 7 - vs STA Had 8 or fewer turnovers 12/16/16 - 10 - vs Cleveland CC Had 10 or fewer turnovers 12/30/16 - 21 - vs Richmond Hts Had 20+ assists 12/9/16 - 10 vs Lutheran East Had 7+ blocks 1/26/13 - WIN 68-59 vs Martinsburg (WV) Overtime Game Double Overtime Game
0-0 0-1 0-0 1-1 3-0 0-0
When The Opponent Score Under 40 Points When The Opponent Score 40-49 Points When The Opponent Socre 50-59 Points When The Opponent Score 60-69 Points When The Opponent Score 70-79 Points When The Opponent Score 80-plus Points
0-0 1-0 1-1 2-1 0-0 0-0
In Games Decided By 3 Points Or Less In Games Decided By 4 to 10 Points In Games Decided By 11 to 20 Points In Games Decided By 20 or More Points
1-1 1-1 0-0 2-0
In December Games In January Games In February Games In March Games
4-2 0-0 0-0 0-0
26 points vs Trinity & 23 points vs Benedictine info unavailable Scored 20+ points in 3 consecutive games Two players with 20+ points 12/16/16 - McGarry (20), Butler (21) vs CCC 12/27/16 vs Benedictine Three players with 10+ points
0-1 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-1 1-0 0-0
BLOCKS 5 blockes in a game 7 blocks in a game 10 blocks in a game
12/9/16 - D McGarry (5) vs Lutheran East 3/28/15 - D Pardon (9) vs Lima CC information is unavailable
STEALS 3 steals in a game
12/30/16 - A Gaffney (3) vs Richmond Hts
5 steals in a game
12/30/16 - A George (7) vs Richmond Hts 12/30/16 - G Higgins (8) vs Richmond Hts
6 steals in a game
12/30/16 - A George (7) vs Richmond Hts 12/30/16 - G Higgins (8) vs Richmond Hts
FOULS Player Fouled Out 2 Players Fouled Out 3 Players Fouled Out Technical Foul
3/22/14 - Pardon & Johnson vs Lima CC 3/22/14 - Pardon & Johnson vs Lima CC
Higgins (19), Gaffney (17), Butler (15) 12/2/16 vs Euclid
McGarry (16), Higgins (15), Gaffney (14), Butler (10)
Five players with 10+ points
1/30/15 - vs Holy Name
Bragg (18), Parker (11), Texidor (10), Pardon (16), Williams (12)
REBOUNDING 12/30/16 - D McGarry (10) vs Richmond Hts 10+ rebounds 12/2/16 - D McGarry (15) vs Euclid 15+ rebounds 3/21/15 - D Pardon (18) vs Ursuline 18+ rebounds 12/3 & 12/9 A Gaffney 10+ rebounds in back-to-back games 13 rebounds vs Euclid, and 11 rebounds vs Lutheran East
10+ rebounds in 3 consecutive games
2/14, 2/15 & 2/21 - D Pardon
14 rebs vs St Thomas Aquinas, 11 vs St Ignatius, 11 vs St Edward
Double-Double
12/16/16 - D McGarry vs Cleveland CC (20/13) (13 points / 13 rebounds)
Triple-Double
FIELD GOALS Made 8 FG in game Made 10 FG in game Made 12 FG in game Attempted 12 FG in game Attempted 15 FG in game Attempted 18 FG in game
3-POINT FIELD GOALS Made 4 3FG in game Made 6 3FG in game Made 8 3FG in game Attempted 8 3FG in game Attempted 10 3FG in game Attempted 12 3FG in game
12/30/16 - A Gaffney (10) vs Richmond Hts 12/30/16 - A Gaffney (10) vs Richmond Hts information is unavailable 12/30/16 - A Gaffney (20) vs Richmond Hts 12/30/16 - A Gaffney (20) vs Richmond Hts 12/30/16 - A Gaffney (20) vs Richmond Hts
12/16/16 - W Butler (7) vs Cleve CC 12/16/16 - W Butler (7) vs Cleve CC information is unavailable 12/16/16 - W Butler (10) vs Cleve CC 12/16/16 - W Butler (10) vs Cleve CC 1/29/16 - N Newlon (12) vs Valley Christian
12/14/13 - B Parker vs Euclid (24 points / 10 assists / 10 rebounds)
Back to Back Double-Doubles
Vs The NCL-Blue Vs The NCL-White Vs Greater Cleveland Conference Vs Chagrin Valley Conference - Valley Vs Columbus City League - North Vs Independents Vs Out of State Opponents
8 vs Cleveland CC and 10 vs Kirtland
12/30/16 - W Butler (3) vs Richmond Hts
INDIVIDUAL SCORING information is unavailable Scored 40+ points 2/6/16 - G Higgins(30) vs Mentor Scored 30+ points 2/6/16 - G Higgins(30) vs Mentor Scored 25+ points 12/30/16 - A Gaffney (21) vs Richmond Hts Scored 20+ points 1/16 and 1/22 - S Dean Scored 20+ points in back-to-back games
Four players with 10+ points
When The Vikings Score Under 40 Points When The Vikings Score 40-49 Points When The Vikings Socre 50-59 Points When The Vikings Score 60-69 Points When The Vikings Score 70-79 Points When The Vikings Score 80-plus Points
ASSISTS 3/9/16 - G Higgins (9) vs Newton Falls 8 assists in game 3/9/16 - G Higgins (9) vs Newton Falls 9 assists in game 2/26/16 - G Higgins (10) vs Kirtland 10 assists in game 3/6/15 - M Johnson (12) vs Cleveland MLK 12 assists in game 2/20/16 & 2/26/16 - G Higgins 8 assists in back-to-back games
12/3/16 and 12/9/16 A Gaffney
vs Northland (13-13) and vs Lutheran East (16-11)
2 players with Double-Doubles
12/13/14 vs Euclid C Bragg (30-13), D Pardon (16-14)
20 points & 10 rebounds Back to back 20/10
12/16/16 vs Cleveland CC - D McGarry 3/7/14 & 3/13/14 - C Bragg
vs Warrensville (27 pts / 13 reb) & Canton CC (22 / 11)
MINUTES PLAYED (when stat is available) 3/19/16 - G Higgins (31) & S Dean III (31) vs Lima CC 30 mins played 12/6/14 - D Pardon (32) & C Bragg (32) vs A-B Carroll 32 mins played
FREE THROWS Made 5 FT in game Made 8 FT in game Made 10 FT in game Attempted 10 FT in game Attempted 12 FT in game Attempted 15 FT in game
12/27/16 - G Higgins (7) vs Benedictine 12/9/16 - W Butler (8) vs Lutheran East 1/19/15 - C Bragg (11) vs Oak Hill 12/9/16 - A Gaffney (10) vs Lutheran East 1/24/15 - C Bragg (12) vs MacDuffie (Mass.) 3/7/14 - C Bragg (17) vs Warrensville
Villa Angela-St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes
-
January 6, 2017
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015
Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
VIKINGS REWIND
2016-2017 VIKINGS SEASON STATS
VIKINGS SPLIT A PAIR OF GAMES BETWEEN CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS
THROUGH SIX (6) GAMES
BENEDICTINE 66, VASJ 63 Villa Angela-St. Joseph has had a lot of success at Garfield Heights High School the past several years, winning four straight district championships on that floor. On Dec. 27, the Vikings were not so fortunate in a 66-63 loss to Benedictine in the Scholastic Play-By-Play Classic. Led by junior point guard Jerry Higgins – named game MVP after returning from injury after missing the past three games – and sophomore Alonzo Gaffney’s 18 points, VASJ rallied in the fourth quarter to cut a double-digit deficit down to one possession, however the Vikings fell to 3-2 on the season with a home game against Richmond Heights coming up on Dec. 30. “I made a lot of mistakes as a coach, and that is squarely on me, but we need to get better as a team and do things a lot better if we are going to be where we want to be back on this floor in March,” VASJ coach Babe Kwasniak said. “You have to give credit to Benedictine and Coach Rob Stircula for the adjustments they made, but it is a game we felt we could have won. That is disappointing, but hopefully we learn from it and get ready for March. That is our focus as a program. We will be back on this floor in March and we need to better than we were tonight.” Higgins scored 17 points and Gaffney added big plays on both ends of the court for the Vikings. VASJ guard Will Butler came off the bench to score 15.
PLAYER 15 Jerry Higgins 0 Alonzo Gaffney 12 Danny McGarry 5 William Butler 4 Noah Newlon 14 Andre George 10 Terrance Lawler 23 Jhalen Hill 22 Jordan Calhoun 1 Chad Porter 11 Oliver Carson 21 Stefan Weems 3 Anthony Dinunzio 35 Graham Koppelman TOTALS
GP 3 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 5 4 2 2 3 2 6
FG-FGA
3FG-3FGA
FT-FTA
15-24 (63%)
3-6 (50%)
13-14 (93%)
3-10 (30%)
1-7
0-0
3-4 (75%)
1-1
0-0
Tot Pts 46 85 72 76 30 35 18 11 6 7 3 5 7 7
33-84 (39%)
1-4
16-34 (47%)
28-48 (58%)
0-2
8-10 (80%)
148-338 (44%)
36-106 (34%)
58-85 (68%)
406
67.7
97 (16.1)
66-110-176 (29.3)
72 / 26
24-60 (40%)
14-36 (39%)
12-15 (80%)
10-40 (25%)
8-36 (22%)
0-0
13-24 (54%)
3-4 (75%)
4-4
6-16 (38%)
4-9 (44%)
2-4
5-9 (56%)
0-0
1-2
3-5 (60%)
0-0
0-0
3-10 (30%)
1-7
0-0
1-5 (20%)
1-5
0-0
1-4 (25%)
1-3
2-2
PPG 15.3 14.2 12.0 12.7 5.0 5.8 3.0 1.8 1.2 1.8 1.5 2.5 2.3 3.5
Asst 12 (4.0) 8 (1.3) 20 (3.3) 18 (3.0) 8 (1.3) 9 (1.5) 13 (2.2) 1 (0.2)
OFF-DEF-Reb Stl/Blk* 4-6-10 (3.3) 13 11* 18-27-45 (7.5) 11* 24-40-64 (10.7) 7 3-10-13 (2.0) 0-4-4 (0.7) 6 8-6-14 (2.3) 15 3-5-8 (1.3) 6 3-4-7 (1.2) 2
4 (0.8)
1-0-1 (0.2)
1
4 (1.0)
4-1-5 (1.3)
1
2 (1.0)
0-3-3 (1.5)
-
2 (1.0)
1-4-5 (2.5)
-
4 (1.3)
4-1-5 (1.4)
1
0
1-1-2 (1.0)
-
The Vikings were sharp early despite an 11-day layoff and led most of the first half, but the Bengals (6-1) made a big run in the third quarter to assume control. VASJ rallied to within three late in regulation, and after two missed free throws, the Vikings had one last possession but were unable to put up a potential game-tying shot.
VASJ 76, RICHMOND HEIGHTS 46 Villa Angela-St. Joseph coach Babe Kwasniak doesn’t hide the fact that Richmond Heights coach Jason Priah is one of his closest friends and he has nothing but respect and fond memories of his former Viking teammate. Personal relationships aside, Kwasniak also didn’t hide the fact that coming off a loss to Benedictine on Dec. 27 and with a matchup against the No. 1 team in the country on deck on Jan. 6 in an ESPN game at Wheeling Jesuit, the Vikings needed a big performance. VASJ got what it needed just before the New Year’s celebration and a week-long preparation for La Lumiere (Ind.). The Vikings rolled to a dominating 76-46 win over the visiting Spartans on Dec. 30. VASJ is now 4-2 on the season and will play at the Cancer Research Classic in West Virginia in the next game on the schedule against the top team in the nation. “Win or lose, this was the type of performance tonight that is more like what I think we are, and it was something we needed after Benedictine so we didn’t go into the next week on a really bad note,” Kwasniak said. Sophomore standout Alonzo Gaffney scored 21 points to lead the Vikings and junior point guard Jerry Higgins added 12 in only his second game back after an ankle injury suffered in the season opener. VASJ was able to use pressure defense to force Richmond Heights into several turnovers and a chaotic offensive attack in the first half that keyed a big run to close the second quarter and essentially ended any drama before halftime.
VASJ vs OPPONENT 1 Euclid 2 Northland 3 Lutheran East 4 Cleveland CC 5 Benedictine 6 Richmond Hts 7 La Lumiere 8 BK Classic TBD 9 BK Classic TBD 10 Valley Christian 11 Trinity 12 St Thomas Aquinas 13 Cleveland CC 14 St Edward 15 Warren JFK 16 Valley Christian 17 Mentor 18 Gilmour 19 Warren JFK 20 Akron SVSM 21 Trinity 22 St Thomas Aquinas
GP 1 1 1 1 1 1
6
FG-FGA
3FG-3FGA
FT-FTA
Tot Pts
Asst
TO
OFF-DEF-Reb
Stl/Blk*
23-56 (41%)
4-15 (27%)
10-13 (77%)
72
16
13
7-23-30
13 / 4
16-59 (27%)
5-21 (24%)
6-11 (55%)
49
10
11
16-12-28
6/2
24-44 (55%)
3-10 (30%)
17-23 (74%)
68
16
15
6-23-29
8 / 10
32-65 (49%)
13-30 (30%)
2-6 (33%)
79
24
10
13-15-28
12 / 3
22-46 (48%)
4-14 (29%)
17-24 (71%)
63
16
18
11-18-29
9/3
31-71 (44%)
8-26 (31%)
6-10 (60%)
76
21
20
18-26-44
25 / 4
148-338 (44%)
36-106 (34%)
58-85 (68%)
406
97
84
66-110-176
72 / 26
The Vikings led, 22-12, at the end of one quarter, but the lead ballooned to 44-16 at the break. Higgins, an All-Ohio caliber player who has battled injury (ankle), said he feels physically fine, but the win over Richmond Heights was huge mentally – especially with the showdown vs. La Lumiere coming up. TOTALS Kwasniak credited unheralded players such as Jhalen Hill and Anthony DiNunzio for playing big against Richmond Heights and getting the team ready for the rest of the season. All 14 players who stepped on the floor and played for VASJ on Dec. 30 scored in the win over the Spartans.
Villa Angela-St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes
-
January 6, 2017
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015
Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
2016 - 2017 VASJ VIKINGS PLAYER PROFILES
0
ALONZO
GAFFNEY Sophomore Forward
Height: 6-8 Red/White Jesery: 0
Coach Kwasniak says: We will need Zo to make a big jump from last year in order to compete against elite competition. He is working on utilizing his size and speed to best help us score and defend. He has come a long way and has a long way to go. Due to who has gone before Zo I feel like he gets some hefty expectations. I’m most proud of his progress in the classroom. 2016-2017 Season * Double-Double vs Columbus Northland on Dec. 3 (13 & 13) * Double-Double vs Lutheran East on Dec. 9 (16 & 11) * Posted a 17 point / 7 rebound game vs Benedictine on Dec. 27 * Led team in scoring vs Richmond Hts - 21 points
1
CHAD
4
NOAH
NEWLON Senior Guard
Height: 6-3 Red/White Jesery: 3
Coach Kwasniak says: Noah hit some enormous shots for us in last year’s state tournament. He has come along way since starting for our freshman team 4 years ago. Noah is as fundamentally sound as anyone I’ve ever coached at VASJ and consistently a first honor student. Those are great things for our underclassman to emulate. 2016-2017 Season * 90% of his FGs this season are from behind the arc
5
WILLIAM
BUTLER Senior G/F
Height: 6-1 Red/White Jesery: 5
PORTER Senior Forward
Height: 6-2 Red/White Jesery: 1 Coach Kwasniak says: Will is a versatile player, we will utilize him at all 5 positions at some point this year. I love coaching CYO kids like Will (Our Lady of the Lake). Will is arguably our most skilled player, his ball skills and IQ will be invaluable for us this year.
Coach Kwasniak says: Chad is a senior that has just been a joy to coach. He’s the type of kid I think differentiates our program, for Chad it’s always about the team. Chad is a high level student that will have a chance to play soccer in college. This young man has the “it” factor. He will be successful I can’t wait to watch him take off.
3
ANTHONY
DINUNZIO Junior Guard
Height: 5-11 Red/White Jesery: 31
Coach Kwasniak says: A hard working neighborhood kid who can shoot. Anthony is another exemplary student who embodies our program (consistently a first honor student). We will need our junior class to emerge as leaders if we are to make another deep tournament run.
2016-2017 Season * Led team in scoring vs Lutheran East on Dec. 9. - 17 points, was 8-8 from the free throw line * Earned News-Herald Player of the Week honors for game vs Lutheran East
TERRANCE
10 LAWLER Senior Guard
Height: 5-10 Red/White Jesery: 10
Coach Kwasniak says: Terrance is a rugged defender that will be able to provide needed leadership to our young guys. Like Butler and McGarry, Terrance grew up watching guys like Johnson, Texidor, Pardon, Parker, Bragg, Grudzinski and developed their habits. I’ve loved coaching this young man for the last 4 years.
Villa Angela-St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes
-
January 6, 2017
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015
Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
2016 - 2017 VASJ VIKINGS PLAYER PROFILES OLIVER
11 CARSON Junior Guard
Height: 5-8 Red/White Jesery: 11
Coach Kwasniak says: Ollie is not going to pass the “airport test” in terms of looking like a great player. However the “ intangibles” he brings is what our program values. Being a good teammate, heart, the desire to be part of something—all things that we see that can’t be measured like height and weight. Ollie is also honor roll student.
ANDRE
14 GEORGE CAPTAIN
Senior Guard
Height: 5-9 Red/White Jesery: 14
Coach Kwasniak says: “Dre” was voted a captain by his peers, a great tribute if you know how quiet of a kid he is. He leads by example and gets it done in the classroom and on the floor. Andre could be as good of an on the ball defender as there is in the city. That element will be crucial to our success. As a freshman Coach Newlon told me this young man was going to help us, wow was he ever accurate. 2016 - 2017 Season: * Recorded a career-high 7 steals vs Richmond Hts on Dec. 30
DANNY
12 McGARRY CAPTAIN
Senior Forward
Height: 6-4 Red/White Jesery: 12
JERRY
15 HIGGINS CAPTAIN Coach Kwasniak says: Danny surreptitiously had a break out year last season. He might not be our best guy in any one category, but he might be our best all around player and our motor. Danny plays the game with a fire and passion---the way the game should be played. As a 6th grader I told Danny I would coach him in Columbus, we have done that twice already. Watching this young man turn into the leader he has become has been special. Coaching as many McGarry kids as I have has been one of my favorite aspects of coaching at VASJ. 2016 - 2017 Season: * Named News-Herald Player of Week on Dec 4. * On Dec 2 against Euclid, pouring in 16 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and dished out five assists and had three blocked shots * Had 16 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 blocks vs Lutheran East. Was 7-7 from the field vs the Falcons * Collected 10 rebounds vs Richmond Hts on Dec. 30
Junior Guard
Height: 5-9 Red/White Jesery: 15
Coach Kwasniak says: The “Waterbug” has really improved his skill set, I’m excited for him to display how much better I think he has made himself. In our district finals he made an acrobatic shot to beat Beachwood at the buzzer last year, a play that will be forever remembered in VASJ history. Like all the great ones Gene wanted the ball in his hands when it mattered the most. He wasn’t afraid to fail. I love that. Higgins has some Tony Miller, Desmond Howard, Reggie Adams, Brian Parker in him. He’s our catalyst, we will go as he goes. He hovers around a 4.0 and puts the student in studentathlete. 2016 - 2017 Season: * Scored 15 points vs Euclid in the season opener * Missed two straight games with a leg injury * Shot 88% (7-8) from FT vs Benedictine on Dec. 27 * Swiped 8 steals vs. Richmond Hts on Dec. 30
Villa Angela-St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes
-
January 6, 2017
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015
Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
2016 - 2017 VASJ VIKINGS PLAYER PROFILES STEFAN
21 WEEMS Junior Guard
Height: 5-8 Red/White Jesery: 21
Coach Kwasniak says: Stef has a solid season our our JV squad last year. He’s a quick guard that can give us some stability. Another quality student, Stef was on the honor roll this past quarter. On good teams every kid not only knows but embraces his role, we need Stef to do just that.
JORDAN
22 CALHOUN Sophomore Guard
Height: 6-0 Red/White Jesery: 50
Jordan is getting his first crack at varsity as a sophomore, not easy to do at the Viking Village. He is uber-talented and needs to learn how to control the tempo of a game. We are expecting big things from him.
JHALEN
23 HILL Senior Center
Height: 6-3 Red/White Jesery: 23
Coach Kwasniak says: Jhalen has worked his way into our rotation by giving us some beef on the interior. He loves contact and give us a physicality we desperately need. He will be a key as we try to replace Jacob Stauffer who took an astounding 28 charges a year ago.
GRAHAM
35 KOPPELMAN Sophomore Forward
Height: 6-3 Red/White Jesery: 35
Coach Kwasniak says: Graham is a cerebral kid, I jokingly call him the “Hamster” because the wheel is always turning. Graham has been on the honor roll every quarter since being at VASJ. He played varsity as a freshman, another honor that we don’t take lightly around here. We need him to knock down shots and to continue to develop as a player.
M
COLLIN
GREEN Senior Head Manager
Coach Kwasniak says: Collin is Mr. Everything from our program. He handles Under Armour Gear, mentors young kids, coaches, tutors, and does whatever else it takes to be successful. There is a common misconception that managers hand out towels and water bottles---I cannot emphasize enough what Collin Green means to our program. Even though he doesn't play our players consider him a leader of our program, as do I. Collin is another student who is consistently on the honor roll.
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes
-
January 6, 2017
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015
THE SCHEDULE Overall (NCL) Record
Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
THIS WEEK IN THE VILLAGE
4-2 (1-0)
2016-2017 OHSAA DIVISION III STATE RUNNER-UP
Game Number 7
DAY
Friday, January 6, 2017 Wheeling Jesuit University - Alma Grace McDonough Center Cancer Research Classic - Wheeling, W.Va.
OPPONENT
TIME / RESULTS
DECEMBER 2 at Euclid Panthers 3 at Columbus Northland Vikings (Clark Kellogg Classic, Columbus, Oh.) at Lutheran East Falcons CLEVELAND CENTRAL CATHOLIC IRONMEN ** vs Benedictine Bengals (Scholastic Play by Play Classic, Cleveland, Oh.) RICHMOND HEIGHTS SPARTANS
9 16 27 30
W L
72-64 49-57
W W L
68-66 79-50 63-66
W
76-46
JANUARY 6 vs LaPorte (Ind.) La Lumiere Lakers 3:20 PM (Cancer Research Classic, Wheeling Jesuit Univ., Wheeling, W.Va.) 13 vs Fairfax (Va.) Paul VI Panthers 6:00 PM (Burger King Classic, Cathedral Prep High School, Erie, Pa.) 14 vs TBD TBD (Burger King Classic, Cathedral Prep High School, Erie, Pa.) 17 YOUNGSTOWN VALLEY CHRISTIAN EAGLES ** 7:00 PM 20 at Trinity Trojans ** 7:00 PM 24 LOUISVILLE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS KNIGHTS ** 7:00 PM 27 at Cleveland Central Catholic Ironmen ** 7:00 PM 28 at St. Edward Eagles 7:30 PM 31 at Warren John F. Kennedy Eagles ** 7:00 PM
FEBRUARY 3 at Youngstown Valley Christian Eagles ** 4 MENTOR CARDINALS 7 GILMOUR ACADEMY LANCERS 10 WARREN JOHN F. KENNEDY EAGLES ** 15 at Akron St. Vincent-St. Marty Fighting Irish 17 TRINITY TROJANS ** (VASJ Senior Night) 24 at Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas Knights **
MARCH 3-4 6-11 13-18 23-25
7:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM
OHSAA Sectional Tournament OHSAA District Tournament OHSAA Regional Tournament OHSAA State Tournament
TBD TBD TBD TBD
LaPorte (Ind.) LaLumiere Lakers VASJ Vikings Tip-off: 3:20 PM
If you want to be the best, you have to play the best. Villa Angela-St. Joseph gets that chance on Jan. 6 – on national TV no less – when the Vikings face La Lumiere (Ind.) at the Cancer Research Classic at Wheeling Jesuit. The Lakers are the unanimous No. 1 team in the country according to the national polls, coming into the game at 14-0 and having won their last five by more than 24 points per contest. VASJ and La Lumiere will play at 3 p.m. in a game televised by ESPN. The Lakers' roster is led by forwards Brian Bowen and Michigan State commit Jaren Jackson, each a five-star recruit per Scout.com. Four-star guard and Michigan commit Jordan Poole, four-star center Jacob Epperson and 2019 point guard Tyger Campbell - already ranked as the No. 2 point in his class - constitute a lineup which will likely be the best VASJ faces all season. The Vikings are 4-2 and getting healthy finally with point guard Jerry Higgins returning to action after missing a majority of the season with an ankle injury. Sophomore center Alonzo Gaffney is coming off his best game of the season in a big win over Richmond Heights. Danny McGarry has been a major contributor all season both scoring and rebounding for VASJ. Noah Newlon, Andre George and Terrance Lawler are among a host of Vikings who will play a major role in this game and moving forward this winter for Coach Babe Kwasniak. “When you just look at this game on paper when it comes to talent, to be honest I am not sure if we belong on the floor with La Lumiere, but as a program we have earned the right to be here and these guys are going to give me everything they have,” Kwasniak said. `“This is a game that will make us a better basketball team no matter what happens, and for our program and our school to get this opportunity to play the top team in the country means a lot. This is maybe the seventh time in the program’s history we have play the No .1 team in America – that is really special for a school from Cleveland, Ohio that isn’t the biggest school in the area. We are very proud of our history and what we have accomplished and we are going to go out and compete. That I have no doubt.”
VIKES AT THE MIC “We did some positive things, but we aren’t about just competing or getting close. We needed to play harder and I think we will do that going forward.”
** - - North Coast League - White Division Game
- Head Coach Babe Kwasniak, following the loss to Benedictine on Dec. 27
FOLLOW THE VIKINGS @babekwas @vasjbasketball @VASJ_HighSchool @Vikings_AD @RealChalkTalk
For full schedules, statistics, and upcoming events of the VASJ Basketball team, visit www.vasjvikings.com and www.vasj.com.
“January is going to be a very difficult month for us against some elite teams. But, everything we do and the schedule is all about getting ready for March." - Kwasniak, on the upcoming schedule for the Vikings
“This whole week in practice Coach preached doing the little things and we were able to do that. We had so much energy coming into this game tonight and we really wanted it.” - Sophomore Forward Alonzo Gaffney, following the win over Richmond Heights on Dec. 30
“It was all about the little things tonight, what Coach told us we had to focus on, even the things that didn’t show up in the box score. I feel great right now, best I have felt all season, but we have to work hard to get ready for this next game.” - Junior Guard Jerry Higgins, about the focus of the team on Dec. 30
Villa Angela-St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes
-
January 6, 2017
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015
POLLS AND RANKINGS CLEVELAND.COM / PLAIN DEALER (Janaury 2, 2017) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
St Edward Eagles Lorain Titans Cleveland Heights Tigers Garfield Heights Bulldogs St Ignatius Wildcats Akron St Vincent-St Mary Fighting Irish Mentor Cardinals Medina Bees Akron Archbishop Hoban Knights Benedictine Bengals VASJ VIKINGS
7-1 5-1 5-2 8-1 5-3 4-3 5-0 9-0 6-1 6-1 4-2
NEWS-HERALD TOP OF THE CROP (December 30, 2016) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Mentor Cardinals Cornerstone Christian Patriots Benedictine Bengals Brush Arcs VASJ VIKINGS Madison Blue Streaks Lake Catholic Cougars Gilmour Academy Lancers Andrews Osborne Phoenix South Rebels
5-0 5-3 6-1 7-1 4-2 5-0 5-1 5-2 8-0 4-5
Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
2016 - 2017 VASJ VIKINGS ROSTER #
%
0 1 3 4 5 10 11 12 14 15 21 22 23 35
0 1 31 3 5 10 11 12 14 15 21 50 23 35
Player Alonzo Gaffney Chad Porter Anthony Dinunzio Noah Newlon William Butler Terrance Lawler Oliver Carson Danny McGarry ** Andre George ** Jerry Higgins ** Stefan Weems Jordan Calhoun Jhalen Hill Graham Koppelman
Position Forward Forward Guard Guard Guard/Forward Guard Guard Forward Guard Guard Guard Guard Center Forward
Height 6-8 6-2 5-11 6-3 6-1 5-10 5-8 6-4 5-9 5-9 5-8 6-0 6-3 6-3
Year SO SR JR SR SR SR JR SR SR JR JR SO SR SO
Grade / Previos School St. Jerome CVCA Wickliffe Middle Mayfield Middle Our Lady of the Lake St. John of the Cross Hudson Middle Forrest Park St. Stanislaus Wickliffe Middle Our Lady of the Lake Saints Robert and William Success Tech Academy Chardon Middle
** denotes 2016-17 VASJ captain
# denotes uniform number, when Vikings wear BLACK/WHITE or BLUE uniforms
% denotes uniform numbers, when Vikings wear RED and WHITE uniforms
Head Coach
Babe Kwasniak ' 94 (7th season - 127-41)
Hired May 4, 2010
Assistant Coaches
Tedd Kwasniak, Maurice Haynes '07, Ashen Ward '08, Rich Newlon, Gary Wilson, Anthony Turk '16 (Graduate Asst)
Managers
Collin Green (Head Manager), Adam Stauffer (Manager)
Video
Chris Harris
OHIO ASSOCIATED PRESS - DIVISION III 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
No Poll Release This Week By the Associated Press
2016 - 2017 VASJ VIKINGS STARTERS OPP
1
2
3
4
5
Euclid Northland Lutheran East Cleveland CC Benedictine Richmond Hts La Lumiere BK Classic TBD BK Classic TBD Valley Christian Trinity St Thomas Aq Cleveland CC St Edward Warren JFK Valley Christian Mentor Gilmour Warren JFK Akron SVSM Trinity St Thomas Aq
Higgins Lawler Lawler Lawler Lawler Lawler Higgins
George George George George George George George
Newlon Newlon Newlon Newlon Newlon Newlon Newlon
McGarry McGarry McGarry McGarry McGarry McGarry Butler
Gaffney Gaffney Porter Gaffney Gaffney Gaffney Gaffney
** - Projected Starters
Rec 1-0 1-1 2-1 3-1 3-2 4-2 **
Villa Angela-St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes
-
January 6, 2017
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015
VASJ QUICK FACTS
Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
2016 - 2017 VIKINGS SEASON PREVIEW SEASON BEGINS WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS BUT TEMPERED RESTRAINT
Location Founded
East 185th & Lakeshore Blvd, Cleveland, Ohio Villa Angela (1878), St Joseph (1950) Federated in 1990 Affiliation Roman Catholic (Diocese of Cleveland) Conference North Coast League (White Division) Enrollment 447 (co-educational) Colors Columbia Blue and Scarlett Red Nickname Vikings Home Arena Viking Village Capacity 1,250 President Bill Cervenik Principal David Csank Athletic Director Nate Zavorek '94 Athletic Phone 216-481-8414 extension 224 Head Coach Babe Kwasniak '94 (7th season 127-41) Tedd Kwasniak, Maurice Haynes '07, Ashen Ward Assistant Coaches '08, Rich Newlon, Gary Wilson, Anthony Turk '16 (Grad Asst.) Sports Information Liasion Bill Tilton VASJ Basketball - By The Numbers District Championships Regional Championships State Runner-ups State Championships NCAA Division I Players NCAA Division II & III Players NBA Players European Professional Basketball Players Basketball Players in the NFL
30 15 6 6 48 38 5 9 9
Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School began in July of 1990. It has a rich past and is celebrating over 130 years of educational excellence in the Diocese of Cleveland. VASJ resulted from the merging of Villa Angela Academy (1878-1990) with Saint Joseph High School (1950-1990). Villa Angela Academy was the oldest Catholic institution of learning in the Diocese of Cleveland, founded by the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland in 1850. For 110 years, Villa Angela was a witness to Christian education with more than 6,000 graduates. St. Joseph High School was opened in September of 1950. The Bishop had asked the Society of Mary (Marianists) from Dayton, Ohio, to administer the school. In St. Joseph's history, more than 10,000 students graduated from its comprehensive college preparatory or technical programs. The first students of St. Joseph High School selected the school colors of Columbia blue and scarlet. Because of the school's proximity to the lake, the students chose the Vikings as their school mascot. In 1989, the students of VASJ selected that same mascot and school colors for their new school. Service to the community and social justice were core values of both Villa Angela Academy and St. Joseph High School and are strong traditions carried on at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School today.
The 2016-2017 boys basketball season holds a lot of promise for the Villa Angela-St. Joseph Vikings. Coach Babe Kwasniak also is holding back any unrestrained and unrealistic expectations for VASJ until the Vikings can prove themselves worthy of the hype. VASJ closed last winter as the Division III state runner-up, losing in the state championship game to Lima Central Catholic with a team that not many thought would be in Columbus. It was a tremendous season of overachievement, and with the return of a few key pieces, the murmurs surrounding Viking Village are again loud and exciting. However, the leader of the team has reserved exuberance for his squad. “If we’re going to listen to people tell us how good we are, that would be as dumb as if we listened last year to people tell us how bad we were. That’s what I am telling these guys,” Kwasniak said. “First of all, people are acting like we didn’t lose anything when we lost a first team all-state player in Sherman Dean. We lose a kid from a leadership standpoint that took 28 charges and went to West Point in Jacob Stauffer. Kevin Roberts was a tremendous finisher for us. So we did lose some big pieces. “I think last year was the last time we will be under the radar, which is what made last year so enjoyable.” VASJ enters the 2016-2017 campaign as a talented and experienced group, but with a schedule that is grueling to say the least and a long grind to get to the postseason. Junior point guard Jerry Higgins returns off a sophomore season in which he was named a Division III All-Ohio honorable mention selection. Freshman center Alonzo Gaffney will be counted on to produce on both sides of the court with scoring, rebounding and defending the paint. Senior swingman Danny McGarry is a versatile athlete and a leader who will see an increase in his role this winter.
Kwasniak lauded senior Andre George as one of the top on-the-ball defenders in the area. Noah Newlon is a dangerous 3-point shooter. Will Butler, Terrance Lawler and Chad Porter could be key role players for the Vikings this season as well as some younger players emerging with significant varsity minutes. The schedule for the Vikings includes games against Ohio heavyweights St. Edward, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary, Mentor, Columbus Northland (Clark Kellogg Classic) and NCL White rival Cleveland Central Catholic. In addition, VASJ will travel to West Virginia in early January for the Cancer Research Classic Invitational to face the No. 1 team in the country in La Lumiere. “Our schedule is as good as any team in the state of Ohio. It’s not just a good Division III schedule, it is all the heavyweights in the regular season and then we play whoever they tell us to play in the tournament,” Kwasniak said. Kwasniak likes the make-up of his team, including several players who have had a chance to grow and improve and experience success from their freshman season. “When I think about this team one thing that is really irregular is we had so many guys who started on our freshman team. The reality is at this program usually guys will play up, so to have several of our core guys have that experience as starters on the freshman team is unique,” Kwasniak said. The strength of the Vikings, aside from the obvious talent of Higgins and Gaffney, lies on the defensive side of the court. “We have the ability to be as good defensively as we have been in a long time,” Kwasniak said. “Last year was our best defensive team since we have been here from a statistical standpoint and this year might be better. Defense will be our calling card, as well as our speed. “We know what we have in Jerry, but will need Danny to be more aggressive. We need Alonzo to double his numbers from his freshman season. But, we also need to lock in and defend the daylights out of people and turn defense into offense.”
Villa Angela-St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes
-
January 6, 2017
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015
HEAD COACH BABE KWASNIAK '94 Babe Kwasniak is a 1994 graduate of Villa AngelaSt. Joseph High School which was the first class of the merger between Villa Angela and Saint Joseph high schools. He was a member of the National Honor Society, peer ministry and student council while at VASJ. He played basketball for the Vikings, who won state titles in 1991, 1992 and 1994. Kwasniak is a 1999 graduate of the United States Military Academy (West Point, NY) where he played four years of Division I college basketball (team captain for two years). He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army as an Infantry Officer. His assignments were: Athletic Officer and Platoon Trainer — Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. Executive Officer, 2 Battalion 11th Infantry Regiment—Fort Benning, Georgia.Core Plan and Operations Officer, I Corps – Fort Lewis Washington. Captain Kwasniak was awarded the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Global War on Terrorism Medal. Kwasniak left the United States Army in May of 2004, where he achieved the rank of Captain. Coach Kwasniak led the All-Army service basketball team to a gold medal in 2001, 2002 and 2004. He coached the Armed Forces team to an international gold medal in Brussels, Belgium in 2001 and 2004. He was an assistant coach at the University of Missouri-Kansas City from 2005 to 2007 and coached at St. James High School in Lenexa, Kansas in 2008. In 2010, Kwasniak came back to VASJ and became the head basketball coach. He is assisted by his Hall of Fame Father, Tedd. Under Kwasniak the Vikings have won over 100 games and two state championship (2012-13, and 2014-15). Kwasniak has now won two state titles as a player and two as a coach with the Vikings. Kwasniak is one of a select few high school coaches working with ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla at the Steph Curry Camp in California the past two years. Kwasniak is married to Dr. Laura Kwasniak. They have three sons, B.K., Quinn and Logan, and they reside in Highland Heights.
Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
2016-17 VASJ VIKINGS ASSISTANT COACHES Tedd Kwasniak Coach Kwasniak says: My Dad is an iconic figure in the Viking Village. He has to be one of the only high school assistant coaches that head college coaches come to for advice. He is a pivotal part of our players’ development as young men. Every person in our program learns something from Coach Kwas every day. He has just as much impact on our coaches as he does our players.
Ashen Ward '08 (Junior Varsity Head Coach) Coach Kwasniak says: Coach Ward has a magnetic enthusiasm that permeates throughout our program. I’m excited to watch him take over our JV team after being with the Freshman the previous two years. He always has his finger on the pulse of our guys. He knows when they need to be pushed or when they need to be hugged. A former first team all state performer at VASJ, Coach Ash has a bright coaching future.
Rich Newlon Coach Kwasniak says: I truly believe Coach Newlon is one of the best high school coaches in NE Ohio, just happens that we have him as an assistant on our staff. He has an astute attention to detail that manifests itself in the way we play. We talk all the time about outworking everyone, Coach “Juice” shows our players exactly what that looks like.
Gary Wilson '94 (Assistant JV Coach) Coach Kwasniak says: The one word that best describes Coach Wilson is “loyalty”. His loyalty to our kids is always his first priority. I’ve been blessed to coach with him for the last 7 years and call him a friend for the last 25 years. No one has ever been prouder to be a part of our program (player or coach) than Gary Wilson. If you cut him open he would bleed red and baby blue.
Maurice Haynes '07 (Freshman Head Coach) Coach Kwasniak says: I’m ecstatic about Mo taking over our Freshman Team. Mo was a great player at VASJ and played in college for Viking Legend Coach Mike Moran at John Carroll. Coach Haynes will team up with our graduate assistant coach (Anthony Turk) to teach our kids the Viking Way.
Anthony Turk '16 (Graduate Assistant) Collin Green (Head Manager) Adam Stauffer (Manager) Chris Harris (Manager) Tonica Johnson (Academic Advisor)
Villa Angela-St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes
-
January 6, 2017
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015
COVERING THE VIKINGS
Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
VIKINGS NEWS, NOTES, & HEADLINES
VARSITY CHALK TALK
GRAND SLAM FOR TEDD KWASNIAK
McGARRY PICKS UP A WEEKLY AWARD
Since 2009, former News-Herald high school sports reporter Bill Tilton has hosted a live weekly high school sports talk show featuring interviews with players and coaches, trivia contests and giveaways at Hooley House in Mentor on Monday nights.
VASJ assistant coach Tedd Kwasniak is now a trivia question answer.
Senior forward Danny McGarry has been selected as a player of the week by the News-Herald.
Kwasniak is the only coach in Ohio to be on the bench for a state championship in ALL FOUR divisions.
In a 72-64 win over Euclid, McGarry scored 16 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, dished out five assists and had three blocks.
Regular guests on "Varsity Chalk Talk” have included the Vikings head coach Babe Kwasniak and numerous VASJ players. “Varsity Chalk Talk” airs live at Hooley House in Mentor on Mondays (7-9pm) and will be streamed live on ESPNCleveland.com.
CREDENTIALS Credential requests are to be made through the Villa Angela-St Joseph Athletic Department. Season credentials will only be granted to media outlets that cover VASJ on a regular basis. All other requests will be considered single-game requests. Please contact VASJ Director of Athletics Nate Zavorek with any questions.
INTERVIEWS AND PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES All interviews and photo opportunities with VASJ student-athletes or coaches must be arranged through the Villa Angela-St Joseph Athletic Department and/or Sports Information Liaison. Please give at least 24 hours of advance notice for interview requests. Cell phone numbers for student-athletes will not be given out and studentathletes will be instructed not to speak with media (whether by phone or at the end of a class period) without first being contacted by a member of the VASJ Athletic Department, Sports Information Department or one of the student-athlete's coaches on behalf of the VASJ Athletic Department. Student-athletes and coaches are available for interview before or after practice when arranged through the VASJ Atheltic Department or Sports Information Liaison.
POST-GAME INTERVIEW POLICY The VASJ basketball locker room is closed to the media, although studentathletes and coaches will be made available by request after a 10-minute cooling off period following the conclusion of the game. A representative of the Atheltic Department will gather requests from the media during the latter part of the game. Coach Babe Kwasniak will be available prior to player interviews. Interviews involving the opposing team are left to the discretion of the opposing team's athletic departments.
Kwasniak was an assistant on the Vikings D-I state title team in 1991 and the D-II state championship team in 1992.
He is the first Viking to lead team in all four categories in a game since Duane Gibson in 2013.
He has been an assistant for his son as the Vikings have won state titles in 2013 (D-IV) and 2015 (D-III).
McGARRY SHADOWS PARDON
He was the head coach for the Vikings Division III 1997 state qualifying team and was an assistant on the 2014 and 2016 state runner-up squads.
BUTLER EARNS NEWS-HERALD POW VASJ senior guard Will Butler has been named player of the week by the News-Herald after his performance in a win at Lutheran East on Dec. 9. Butler came off the bench to score 19 points and dish out five assists. He also went 8 of 8 at the foul line, including crucial free throws in the fourth quarter of a tight game.
DOUBLE - DOUBLE TO START THE SEASON The Vikings have started the 2016-2017 season with a player recording a double-double in each of the first four games. Danny McGarry has a 16 point-15 rebound game vs Euclid on Dec. 2; plus a 20 point-13 board game vs CCC. And Alonzo Gaffney had a 13/13 slash line in a loss to Columbus Northland on Dec. 3 followed by a 16/11 game vs Lutheran East
NEW TEAMS AND PLENTY OF SKILL COMING TO 2017 BURGER KING CLASSIC CANCER RESEARCH CLASSIC The 10th annual Cancer Research Classic will take place the first weekend of the new year (Jan. 6 and 7) in Wheeling, West Virginia. The CRC is recognized as the nation's premier Catholic High School basketball tournament, hosted by the athletic department at Wheeling Jesuit College. Proceeds from the Cancer Research Classic help fund ongoing prostate cancer and men’s health research at the Urologic Research Institute and academic scholarships for undergraduate studentsenrolled at Wheeling Jesuit University. The Vikings are scheduled to play the current #1 team in the country - the La Porte (Ind.) La Lumiere Lakers on Janaury 6 at 3:15 PM
INJURY INFORMATION Villa Angela - St, Joseph High School and the Athletic Department and all personnel will fully abide by federal HIPPA standards with regards to release of injury information. If the student-athlete does not consent to the release of injury information, VASJ officials will be restricted in regards to informing media of the student-athlete's status.
Senior Danny McGarry grabbed 15 rebounds in a win over the Euclid Panthers on Dec. 2. His is the first Vikings player to clear the glass 15 or more times in a single game since March 21, 2015, when Dererk Pardon ( now at Northwestern) had 18 against Youngstown Ursuline.
GAFFNEY MATCHES PARDON Sophomore forward ALonzo Gaffney has recorded double-doubles in each of his last two games * 13 points, 13 rebounds vs Col Northland * 16 points, 11 rebounds vs Lutheran East Gaffney is the first Viking to record back to back double-doubles since Dererk Pardon in the spring of 2015, when he did it in three consecutive games
The 34th version of this tournament, the Burger King Basketball Classic will tip off in Erie on Friday, January 13th and Saturday, January 14th, 2017 at the Joann Mullen Gymnasium at the Prep and Villa Events Center. This year’s tournament features two schools making their first trip to town and another from down the road that is trying to win another championship. The event continues to garner the attention of the top high school websites in the country, as MaxPreps and Hoops USA called the Burger King Classic the number one fourteam tournament in the nation. The field for the 2017 Classic is complete with programs that have had great success at the state and national level and features a slew of players that are attracting the attention of college coaches nationally. On the first night on Friday, January 13th at 6pm, Villa Angela-St. Joe’s will be making their fifth trip to the Classic and they are searching for their second tourney title. VASJ will match up with a strong national power on night one. Paul VI has won three state championships in Virginia since 2009 and is coming off a 20-win season. With 65 players having gone through this program earning a college basketball scholarship and 13 grads that have played professionally, Paul VI is always one of the top programs in the land. The 7:30pm nightcap will have Westerville South from Ohio against the host school Cathedral Prep. Making a return to the Classic for the 34th straight year will be the host Cathedral Prep Ramblers, a three-time winner of this event.
Villa Angela-St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes
-
January 6, 2017
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015
ANOTHER VIKING ABOARD VASJ GRAD MAURICE HAYNES '07 HAS JOINED THE COACHING STAFF FOR THE 2016-17 SEASON Another Viking has returned to the Village. Maurice Haynes, who was a member of two state final four boys basketball teams in 2006 and 2007, has been added to the VASJ staff by Coach Babe Kwasniak for the upcoming season. Haynes, a 2007 graduate who went on to play for former Viking coach Mike Moran at John Carroll University, will coach freshmen basketball and assist with the varsity. “It has been a while since I have been back at the school and in the Village and I wanted to wait until the time was right and with Coach Kwasniak and the way he puts the kids first ahead of even basketball I know this was the right time,” Haynes said. “I learned a lot from my time at the Village as a player and from every coach I played for or coached with and I want to bring that to the position I am so thankful to be in now. VASJ is a special place and you look around and the memories come back and I want these guys to experience what I did as a player.” As a player, Haynes was part of the 2006 Division III state runner-up team that lost to Cincinnati North College Hill. In 2007. Haynes helped lead the Vikings back to Columbus as a senior on the final four squad. Haynes went on to play at JCU for Coach Moran and was a standout rebounder and defender for the Blue Streaks. “One thing I want to do is emphasize to the kids that they can play to their strength. In my case, I wasn’t a great scorer, but I could rebound and defend and block shots,” Haynes said. “It doesn’t take a lot of talent to rebound or defend, you just have to have heart and effort and will. I want to pass along to the guys the will and the want to be tough and physical. It won’t happen with every player, but hopefully it will get through to most of the guys.” VASJ is coming off a 2016 Division III state runner-up finish, and Kwasniak is extremely certain that the addition of Haynes to an already stellar staff will strengthen the coaching lineup and lineage the Vikings have on board. “He is an asset not only because he played here at VASJ, but also played at JCU for Coach Moran,” Kwasniak said of Haynes. “It really gives all of our coaches the same lineage. “After we won both of our state titles (20013, 2015), I can recall Mo texting me saying how proud he was to be a Viking. That has always stayed with me. It was Ashen (Ward’s) idea to get him re-engaged and he is going to be a great addition.” Haynes, 27, is a supervisor for the United States Postal Office. He played with VASJ assistant coach Ashen Ward on the 2006 and 2007 state final four teams.
Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
VIKING VOYAGE TO THE NCAA Carlton BRAGG Villa Angela-St Joseph '15 Kansas University (Sophomore)
Bragg has appeared in 13 games for the #3-ranked Kansas Jayhawks. Bragg is averaging 16 minutes per game, shooting 52% from the floor. Bragg is averaging 7 points and 6 rebounds per game.
Sherman DEAN, III Villa Angela-St Joseph '16 Hiram College (Freshman)
Dean has played in 10 of the 11 games for the Terriers this season. He is averaging 3 points per game and has knocked down 10 of 20 three-point field goals this season.
Demonte FLANNIGAN Villa Angela-St Joseph '13 University of Evansville (Senior)
Flannigan is the lone senior on the CSU team; he is averaging 12 points per game. He is grabbing 5.5 rebounds per game and shooting 50% from the floor. He had 18 points vs Milwaukee.
Duane GIBSON Villa Angela-St Joseph '13 University of Evansville (R-Jr)
Gibson is bouncing back from an injury-shortened 2015-16 season, starting all 13 games for the Purple Aces. He is averaging 5 points per game.
Tremayne HARVELL Villa Angela-St Joseph '15 Notre Dame College (Sophomore)
Harvell plays defensive back for the Falcons, who finished the season with a 9-2 record. The Falcons finished ranked #10 in the Super Region 1 and third in the Mountain East Conference.
Ryan HOOPER Villa Angela-St Joseph '11 Marquette University
Hooper is the Student Manager for the Marquette Golden Eagles men's basketball team. Marquette is off to 10-4 start this season, with four returning starters from last year's team.
Mo JOHNSON Villa Angela-St Joseph '15 Mt Union University (Freshman)
Johnson is a freshman on the Purple Raiders basketball team after attending Hillcrest Prep for one year. Johnson will have a double major in marketing and psychology.
Dererk PARDON Villa Angela-St Joseph '15 Northwestern University (Sophomore)
Pardon is standing tall in the middle of the Wildcats offense and defensive sets. He is averaging 7 points and 7 rebounds per game this season and leads the teams in blocked shots with 16 in six games.
Brian PARKER Villa Angela-St Joseph '15 Marist College (Sophomore)
Parker is 2nd on the team in scoring, averaging 13.5 points. He also is first with 4 assists per game. Parker leads the team in rebounds, grabbing 6.5 boards per contest, for the Red Foxes.
Jacob STAUFFER Villa Angela-St Joseph '16 U.S. Military Academy (Freshman)
Stauffer was a three-sport letterwinner at VASJ (TE in football, PF in basketball, and discus thrower in the field events) and will be a member of the Cadet's Track and Field team in the Spring of 2017
Simon TEXIDOR Villa Angela-St Joseph '15 College of Wooster (Sophomore)
Texidor is a key component off the bench for the nationallyranked Fighting Scots. Texidor is averaging 3 points per game and is shooting 31% from behind the arc early in seven games
Williams is a wide receiver for the nationally-ranked YSU Tre'von Penguins. The Penguins will play for the FCS Championship on WILLIAMS Sat. Jan 7 in Frisco, Texas, against James Madison Univ Villa Angela-St Joseph '15 Youngstown State Univ. (Sophomore)
Villa Angela-St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes
-
January 6, 2017
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015
VIKINGS TRENDS
Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
THE LAST TIME FOR THE VIKINGS . . .
At Home (Viking Village) On The Road At Neutral Site In Day Games In Night Games On Weekdays (Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri) On Weekends (Sat, Sun)
2-0 2-0 0-2 0-0 4-2 4-1 0-1
When Leading At Halftime When Trailing At Halftime When Tied At Halftime In Overtime Games
3-0 0-1 0-0 0-0
When Shooting 50% or Better From Field When Shooting Under 50% From Field When Shooting 40% or Better From 3 Point Line When Shooting Under 40% From 3 Point Line When Shooting 75% or Better From Free Throw Line When Shooting Under 75% From Free Throw Line
1-0 3-2 1-0 3-2 1-0 3-2
When Having More Assists Than Turnovers When Having A 2:1 or Better Assist to Turnover Ratio When Having More Turnovers Than Assists
4-0 1-0 0-2
When Having 20 or more total Rebounds When Having 30 or more total Rebounds When Having 40 or more total Rebounds
4-2 2-0 1-0
When Having 5 or more total Blocks
1-0
TEAM 1/29/15 - 106 vs Benedictine Scored 100+ points 1/29/16 - 90 vs Lutheran East Scored 90+ points 1/29/15 - 61 (1st half) vs Benedictine Scored 50+ points in half 12/3/16 - 49 vs Columbus Northland Scored under 60 points 12/3/16 - 49 vs Columbus Northland Scored under 50 points Scored under 25 points in half 12/3/16 - 20 (1st) vs Columbus Northland 1/15/16 - 60% (30-50) vs Trinity Shot 60%+ FG 12/9/16 - 55% (24-44) vs Lutheran East Shot 50%+ FG 3/4/16 - 80% (8-10) vs Beachwood Shot 80%+ FT (min 8 FTA) 3/16/16 - 7 - vs STA Had 8 or fewer turnovers 12/16/16 - 10 - vs Cleveland CC Had 10 or fewer turnovers 12/30/16 - 21 - vs Richmond Hts Had 20+ assists 12/9/16 - 10 vs Lutheran East Had 7+ blocks 1/26/13 - WIN 68-59 vs Martinsburg (WV) Overtime Game Double Overtime Game
0-0 0-1 0-0 1-1 3-0 0-0
When The Opponent Score Under 40 Points When The Opponent Score 40-49 Points When The Opponent Socre 50-59 Points When The Opponent Score 60-69 Points When The Opponent Score 70-79 Points When The Opponent Score 80-plus Points
0-0 1-0 1-1 2-1 0-0 0-0
In Games Decided By 3 Points Or Less In Games Decided By 4 to 10 Points In Games Decided By 11 to 20 Points In Games Decided By 20 or More Points
1-1 1-1 0-0 2-0
In December Games In January Games In February Games In March Games
4-2 0-0 0-0 0-0
26 points vs Trinity & 23 points vs Benedictine info unavailable Scored 20+ points in 3 consecutive games Two players with 20+ points 12/16/16 - McGarry (20), Butler (21) vs CCC 12/27/16 vs Benedictine Three players with 10+ points
0-1 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-1 1-0 0-0
BLOCKS 5 blockes in a game 7 blocks in a game 10 blocks in a game
12/9/16 - D McGarry (5) vs Lutheran East 3/28/15 - D Pardon (9) vs Lima CC information is unavailable
STEALS 3 steals in a game
12/30/16 - A Gaffney (3) vs Richmond Hts
5 steals in a game
12/30/16 - A George (7) vs Richmond Hts 12/30/16 - G Higgins (8) vs Richmond Hts
6 steals in a game
12/30/16 - A George (7) vs Richmond Hts 12/30/16 - G Higgins (8) vs Richmond Hts
FOULS Player Fouled Out 2 Players Fouled Out 3 Players Fouled Out Technical Foul
3/22/14 - Pardon & Johnson vs Lima CC 3/22/14 - Pardon & Johnson vs Lima CC
Higgins (19), Gaffney (17), Butler (15) 12/2/16 vs Euclid
McGarry (16), Higgins (15), Gaffney (14), Butler (10)
Five players with 10+ points
1/30/15 - vs Holy Name
Bragg (18), Parker (11), Texidor (10), Pardon (16), Williams (12)
REBOUNDING 12/30/16 - D McGarry (10) vs Richmond Hts 10+ rebounds 12/2/16 - D McGarry (15) vs Euclid 15+ rebounds 3/21/15 - D Pardon (18) vs Ursuline 18+ rebounds 12/3 & 12/9 A Gaffney 10+ rebounds in back-to-back games 13 rebounds vs Euclid, and 11 rebounds vs Lutheran East
10+ rebounds in 3 consecutive games
2/14, 2/15 & 2/21 - D Pardon
14 rebs vs St Thomas Aquinas, 11 vs St Ignatius, 11 vs St Edward
Double-Double
12/16/16 - D McGarry vs Cleveland CC (20/13) (13 points / 13 rebounds)
Triple-Double
FIELD GOALS Made 8 FG in game Made 10 FG in game Made 12 FG in game Attempted 12 FG in game Attempted 15 FG in game Attempted 18 FG in game
3-POINT FIELD GOALS Made 4 3FG in game Made 6 3FG in game Made 8 3FG in game Attempted 8 3FG in game Attempted 10 3FG in game Attempted 12 3FG in game
12/30/16 - A Gaffney (10) vs Richmond Hts 12/30/16 - A Gaffney (10) vs Richmond Hts information is unavailable 12/30/16 - A Gaffney (20) vs Richmond Hts 12/30/16 - A Gaffney (20) vs Richmond Hts 12/30/16 - A Gaffney (20) vs Richmond Hts
12/16/16 - W Butler (7) vs Cleve CC 12/16/16 - W Butler (7) vs Cleve CC information is unavailable 12/16/16 - W Butler (10) vs Cleve CC 12/16/16 - W Butler (10) vs Cleve CC 1/29/16 - N Newlon (12) vs Valley Christian
12/14/13 - B Parker vs Euclid (24 points / 10 assists / 10 rebounds)
Back to Back Double-Doubles
Vs The NCL-Blue Vs The NCL-White Vs Greater Cleveland Conference Vs Chagrin Valley Conference - Valley Vs Columbus City League - North Vs Independents Vs Out of State Opponents
8 vs Cleveland CC and 10 vs Kirtland
12/30/16 - W Butler (3) vs Richmond Hts
INDIVIDUAL SCORING information is unavailable Scored 40+ points 2/6/16 - G Higgins(30) vs Mentor Scored 30+ points 2/6/16 - G Higgins(30) vs Mentor Scored 25+ points 12/30/16 - A Gaffney (21) vs Richmond Hts Scored 20+ points 1/16 and 1/22 - S Dean Scored 20+ points in back-to-back games
Four players with 10+ points
When The Vikings Score Under 40 Points When The Vikings Score 40-49 Points When The Vikings Socre 50-59 Points When The Vikings Score 60-69 Points When The Vikings Score 70-79 Points When The Vikings Score 80-plus Points
ASSISTS 3/9/16 - G Higgins (9) vs Newton Falls 8 assists in game 3/9/16 - G Higgins (9) vs Newton Falls 9 assists in game 2/26/16 - G Higgins (10) vs Kirtland 10 assists in game 3/6/15 - M Johnson (12) vs Cleveland MLK 12 assists in game 2/20/16 & 2/26/16 - G Higgins 8 assists in back-to-back games
12/3/16 and 12/9/16 A Gaffney
vs Northland (13-13) and vs Lutheran East (16-11)
2 players with Double-Doubles
12/13/14 vs Euclid C Bragg (30-13), D Pardon (16-14)
20 points & 10 rebounds Back to back 20/10
12/16/16 vs Cleveland CC - D McGarry 3/7/14 & 3/13/14 - C Bragg
vs Warrensville (27 pts / 13 reb) & Canton CC (22 / 11)
MINUTES PLAYED (when stat is available) 3/19/16 - G Higgins (31) & S Dean III (31) vs Lima CC 30 mins played 12/6/14 - D Pardon (32) & C Bragg (32) vs A-B Carroll 32 mins played
FREE THROWS Made 5 FT in game Made 8 FT in game Made 10 FT in game Attempted 10 FT in game Attempted 12 FT in game Attempted 15 FT in game
12/27/16 - G Higgins (7) vs Benedictine 12/9/16 - W Butler (8) vs Lutheran East 1/19/15 - C Bragg (11) vs Oak Hill 12/9/16 - A Gaffney (10) vs Lutheran East 1/24/15 - C Bragg (12) vs MacDuffie (Mass.) 3/7/14 - C Bragg (17) vs Warrensville
Villa Angela-St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes
-
January 6, 2017
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015
Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
VIKINGS REWIND
2016-2017 VIKINGS SEASON STATS
VIKINGS SPLIT A PAIR OF GAMES BETWEEN CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS
THROUGH SIX (6) GAMES
BENEDICTINE 66, VASJ 63 Villa Angela-St. Joseph has had a lot of success at Garfield Heights High School the past several years, winning four straight district championships on that floor. On Dec. 27, the Vikings were not so fortunate in a 66-63 loss to Benedictine in the Scholastic Play-By-Play Classic. Led by junior point guard Jerry Higgins – named game MVP after returning from injury after missing the past three games – and sophomore Alonzo Gaffney’s 18 points, VASJ rallied in the fourth quarter to cut a double-digit deficit down to one possession, however the Vikings fell to 3-2 on the season with a home game against Richmond Heights coming up on Dec. 30. “I made a lot of mistakes as a coach, and that is squarely on me, but we need to get better as a team and do things a lot better if we are going to be where we want to be back on this floor in March,” VASJ coach Babe Kwasniak said. “You have to give credit to Benedictine and Coach Rob Stircula for the adjustments they made, but it is a game we felt we could have won. That is disappointing, but hopefully we learn from it and get ready for March. That is our focus as a program. We will be back on this floor in March and we need to better than we were tonight.” Higgins scored 17 points and Gaffney added big plays on both ends of the court for the Vikings. VASJ guard Will Butler came off the bench to score 15.
PLAYER 15 Jerry Higgins 0 Alonzo Gaffney 12 Danny McGarry 5 William Butler 4 Noah Newlon 14 Andre George 10 Terrance Lawler 23 Jhalen Hill 22 Jordan Calhoun 1 Chad Porter 11 Oliver Carson 21 Stefan Weems 3 Anthony Dinunzio 35 Graham Koppelman TOTALS
GP 3 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 5 4 2 2 3 2 6
FG-FGA
3FG-3FGA
FT-FTA
15-24 (63%)
3-6 (50%)
13-14 (93%)
3-10 (30%)
1-7
0-0
3-4 (75%)
1-1
0-0
Tot Pts 46 85 72 76 30 35 18 11 6 7 3 5 7 7
33-84 (39%)
1-4
16-34 (47%)
28-48 (58%)
0-2
8-10 (80%)
148-338 (44%)
36-106 (34%)
58-85 (68%)
406
67.7
97 (16.1)
66-110-176 (29.3)
72 / 26
24-60 (40%)
14-36 (39%)
12-15 (80%)
10-40 (25%)
8-36 (22%)
0-0
13-24 (54%)
3-4 (75%)
4-4
6-16 (38%)
4-9 (44%)
2-4
5-9 (56%)
0-0
1-2
3-5 (60%)
0-0
0-0
3-10 (30%)
1-7
0-0
1-5 (20%)
1-5
0-0
1-4 (25%)
1-3
2-2
PPG 15.3 14.2 12.0 12.7 5.0 5.8 3.0 1.8 1.2 1.8 1.5 2.5 2.3 3.5
Asst 12 (4.0) 8 (1.3) 20 (3.3) 18 (3.0) 8 (1.3) 9 (1.5) 13 (2.2) 1 (0.2)
OFF-DEF-Reb Stl/Blk* 4-6-10 (3.3) 13 11* 18-27-45 (7.5) 11* 24-40-64 (10.7) 7 3-10-13 (2.0) 0-4-4 (0.7) 6 8-6-14 (2.3) 15 3-5-8 (1.3) 6 3-4-7 (1.2) 2
4 (0.8)
1-0-1 (0.2)
1
4 (1.0)
4-1-5 (1.3)
1
2 (1.0)
0-3-3 (1.5)
-
2 (1.0)
1-4-5 (2.5)
-
4 (1.3)
4-1-5 (1.4)
1
0
1-1-2 (1.0)
-
The Vikings were sharp early despite an 11-day layoff and led most of the first half, but the Bengals (6-1) made a big run in the third quarter to assume control. VASJ rallied to within three late in regulation, and after two missed free throws, the Vikings had one last possession but were unable to put up a potential game-tying shot.
VASJ 76, RICHMOND HEIGHTS 46 Villa Angela-St. Joseph coach Babe Kwasniak doesn’t hide the fact that Richmond Heights coach Jason Priah is one of his closest friends and he has nothing but respect and fond memories of his former Viking teammate. Personal relationships aside, Kwasniak also didn’t hide the fact that coming off a loss to Benedictine on Dec. 27 and with a matchup against the No. 1 team in the country on deck on Jan. 6 in an ESPN game at Wheeling Jesuit, the Vikings needed a big performance. VASJ got what it needed just before the New Year’s celebration and a week-long preparation for La Lumiere (Ind.). The Vikings rolled to a dominating 76-46 win over the visiting Spartans on Dec. 30. VASJ is now 4-2 on the season and will play at the Cancer Research Classic in West Virginia in the next game on the schedule against the top team in the nation. “Win or lose, this was the type of performance tonight that is more like what I think we are, and it was something we needed after Benedictine so we didn’t go into the next week on a really bad note,” Kwasniak said. Sophomore standout Alonzo Gaffney scored 21 points to lead the Vikings and junior point guard Jerry Higgins added 12 in only his second game back after an ankle injury suffered in the season opener. VASJ was able to use pressure defense to force Richmond Heights into several turnovers and a chaotic offensive attack in the first half that keyed a big run to close the second quarter and essentially ended any drama before halftime.
VASJ vs OPPONENT 1 Euclid 2 Northland 3 Lutheran East 4 Cleveland CC 5 Benedictine 6 Richmond Hts 7 La Lumiere 8 BK Classic TBD 9 BK Classic TBD 10 Valley Christian 11 Trinity 12 St Thomas Aquinas 13 Cleveland CC 14 St Edward 15 Warren JFK 16 Valley Christian 17 Mentor 18 Gilmour 19 Warren JFK 20 Akron SVSM 21 Trinity 22 St Thomas Aquinas
GP 1 1 1 1 1 1
6
FG-FGA
3FG-3FGA
FT-FTA
Tot Pts
Asst
TO
OFF-DEF-Reb
Stl/Blk*
23-56 (41%)
4-15 (27%)
10-13 (77%)
72
16
13
7-23-30
13 / 4
16-59 (27%)
5-21 (24%)
6-11 (55%)
49
10
11
16-12-28
6/2
24-44 (55%)
3-10 (30%)
17-23 (74%)
68
16
15
6-23-29
8 / 10
32-65 (49%)
13-30 (30%)
2-6 (33%)
79
24
10
13-15-28
12 / 3
22-46 (48%)
4-14 (29%)
17-24 (71%)
63
16
18
11-18-29
9/3
31-71 (44%)
8-26 (31%)
6-10 (60%)
76
21
20
18-26-44
25 / 4
148-338 (44%)
36-106 (34%)
58-85 (68%)
406
97
84
66-110-176
72 / 26
The Vikings led, 22-12, at the end of one quarter, but the lead ballooned to 44-16 at the break. Higgins, an All-Ohio caliber player who has battled injury (ankle), said he feels physically fine, but the win over Richmond Heights was huge mentally – especially with the showdown vs. La Lumiere coming up. TOTALS Kwasniak credited unheralded players such as Jhalen Hill and Anthony DiNunzio for playing big against Richmond Heights and getting the team ready for the rest of the season. All 14 players who stepped on the floor and played for VASJ on Dec. 30 scored in the win over the Spartans.
Villa Angela-St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes
-
January 6, 2017
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015
Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
2016 - 2017 VASJ VIKINGS PLAYER PROFILES
0
ALONZO
GAFFNEY Sophomore Forward
Height: 6-8 Red/White Jesery: 0
Coach Kwasniak says: We will need Zo to make a big jump from last year in order to compete against elite competition. He is working on utilizing his size and speed to best help us score and defend. He has come a long way and has a long way to go. Due to who has gone before Zo I feel like he gets some hefty expectations. I’m most proud of his progress in the classroom. 2016-2017 Season * Double-Double vs Columbus Northland on Dec. 3 (13 & 13) * Double-Double vs Lutheran East on Dec. 9 (16 & 11) * Posted a 17 point / 7 rebound game vs Benedictine on Dec. 27 * Led team in scoring vs Richmond Hts - 21 points
1
CHAD
4
NOAH
NEWLON Senior Guard
Height: 6-3 Red/White Jesery: 3
Coach Kwasniak says: Noah hit some enormous shots for us in last year’s state tournament. He has come along way since starting for our freshman team 4 years ago. Noah is as fundamentally sound as anyone I’ve ever coached at VASJ and consistently a first honor student. Those are great things for our underclassman to emulate. 2016-2017 Season * 90% of his FGs this season are from behind the arc
5
WILLIAM
BUTLER Senior G/F
Height: 6-1 Red/White Jesery: 5
PORTER Senior Forward
Height: 6-2 Red/White Jesery: 1 Coach Kwasniak says: Will is a versatile player, we will utilize him at all 5 positions at some point this year. I love coaching CYO kids like Will (Our Lady of the Lake). Will is arguably our most skilled player, his ball skills and IQ will be invaluable for us this year.
Coach Kwasniak says: Chad is a senior that has just been a joy to coach. He’s the type of kid I think differentiates our program, for Chad it’s always about the team. Chad is a high level student that will have a chance to play soccer in college. This young man has the “it” factor. He will be successful I can’t wait to watch him take off.
3
ANTHONY
DINUNZIO Junior Guard
Height: 5-11 Red/White Jesery: 31
Coach Kwasniak says: A hard working neighborhood kid who can shoot. Anthony is another exemplary student who embodies our program (consistently a first honor student). We will need our junior class to emerge as leaders if we are to make another deep tournament run.
2016-2017 Season * Led team in scoring vs Lutheran East on Dec. 9. - 17 points, was 8-8 from the free throw line * Earned News-Herald Player of the Week honors for game vs Lutheran East
TERRANCE
10 LAWLER Senior Guard
Height: 5-10 Red/White Jesery: 10
Coach Kwasniak says: Terrance is a rugged defender that will be able to provide needed leadership to our young guys. Like Butler and McGarry, Terrance grew up watching guys like Johnson, Texidor, Pardon, Parker, Bragg, Grudzinski and developed their habits. I’ve loved coaching this young man for the last 4 years.
Villa Angela-St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes
-
January 6, 2017
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015
Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
2016 - 2017 VASJ VIKINGS PLAYER PROFILES OLIVER
11 CARSON Junior Guard
Height: 5-8 Red/White Jesery: 11
Coach Kwasniak says: Ollie is not going to pass the “airport test” in terms of looking like a great player. However the “ intangibles” he brings is what our program values. Being a good teammate, heart, the desire to be part of something—all things that we see that can’t be measured like height and weight. Ollie is also honor roll student.
ANDRE
14 GEORGE CAPTAIN
Senior Guard
Height: 5-9 Red/White Jesery: 14
Coach Kwasniak says: “Dre” was voted a captain by his peers, a great tribute if you know how quiet of a kid he is. He leads by example and gets it done in the classroom and on the floor. Andre could be as good of an on the ball defender as there is in the city. That element will be crucial to our success. As a freshman Coach Newlon told me this young man was going to help us, wow was he ever accurate. 2016 - 2017 Season: * Recorded a career-high 7 steals vs Richmond Hts on Dec. 30
DANNY
12 McGARRY CAPTAIN
Senior Forward
Height: 6-4 Red/White Jesery: 12
JERRY
15 HIGGINS CAPTAIN Coach Kwasniak says: Danny surreptitiously had a break out year last season. He might not be our best guy in any one category, but he might be our best all around player and our motor. Danny plays the game with a fire and passion---the way the game should be played. As a 6th grader I told Danny I would coach him in Columbus, we have done that twice already. Watching this young man turn into the leader he has become has been special. Coaching as many McGarry kids as I have has been one of my favorite aspects of coaching at VASJ. 2016 - 2017 Season: * Named News-Herald Player of Week on Dec 4. * On Dec 2 against Euclid, pouring in 16 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and dished out five assists and had three blocked shots * Had 16 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 blocks vs Lutheran East. Was 7-7 from the field vs the Falcons * Collected 10 rebounds vs Richmond Hts on Dec. 30
Junior Guard
Height: 5-9 Red/White Jesery: 15
Coach Kwasniak says: The “Waterbug” has really improved his skill set, I’m excited for him to display how much better I think he has made himself. In our district finals he made an acrobatic shot to beat Beachwood at the buzzer last year, a play that will be forever remembered in VASJ history. Like all the great ones Gene wanted the ball in his hands when it mattered the most. He wasn’t afraid to fail. I love that. Higgins has some Tony Miller, Desmond Howard, Reggie Adams, Brian Parker in him. He’s our catalyst, we will go as he goes. He hovers around a 4.0 and puts the student in studentathlete. 2016 - 2017 Season: * Scored 15 points vs Euclid in the season opener * Missed two straight games with a leg injury * Shot 88% (7-8) from FT vs Benedictine on Dec. 27 * Swiped 8 steals vs. Richmond Hts on Dec. 30
Villa Angela-St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes
-
January 6, 2017
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015
Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
2016 - 2017 VASJ VIKINGS PLAYER PROFILES STEFAN
21 WEEMS Junior Guard
Height: 5-8 Red/White Jesery: 21
Coach Kwasniak says: Stef has a solid season our our JV squad last year. He’s a quick guard that can give us some stability. Another quality student, Stef was on the honor roll this past quarter. On good teams every kid not only knows but embraces his role, we need Stef to do just that.
JORDAN
22 CALHOUN Sophomore Guard
Height: 6-0 Red/White Jesery: 50
Jordan is getting his first crack at varsity as a sophomore, not easy to do at the Viking Village. He is uber-talented and needs to learn how to control the tempo of a game. We are expecting big things from him.
JHALEN
23 HILL Senior Center
Height: 6-3 Red/White Jesery: 23
Coach Kwasniak says: Jhalen has worked his way into our rotation by giving us some beef on the interior. He loves contact and give us a physicality we desperately need. He will be a key as we try to replace Jacob Stauffer who took an astounding 28 charges a year ago.
GRAHAM
35 KOPPELMAN Sophomore Forward
Height: 6-3 Red/White Jesery: 35
Coach Kwasniak says: Graham is a cerebral kid, I jokingly call him the “Hamster” because the wheel is always turning. Graham has been on the honor roll every quarter since being at VASJ. He played varsity as a freshman, another honor that we don’t take lightly around here. We need him to knock down shots and to continue to develop as a player.
M
COLLIN
GREEN Senior Head Manager
Coach Kwasniak says: Collin is Mr. Everything from our program. He handles Under Armour Gear, mentors young kids, coaches, tutors, and does whatever else it takes to be successful. There is a common misconception that managers hand out towels and water bottles---I cannot emphasize enough what Collin Green means to our program. Even though he doesn't play our players consider him a leader of our program, as do I. Collin is another student who is consistently on the honor roll.
