Boys’ Basketball Hammers Start in Regular-Season Finale, 82–49

The Central Catholic boys’ basketball team closed out the regular season in dominant fashion Saturday, defeating Start 82–49 in the Roy C. Start Main Gym. With the win, the Fighting Irish improve to 18–3 on the season.

CCHS scored at least 18 points in every quarter and eclipsed the 80-point mark for the third time this season, following an 80-point performance at Findlay and an 81-point outing against Huntington North.

The Fighting Irish did much of their damage from beyond the arc, as five players combined to knock down nine three-pointers. Junior guard Cayden Kynard led the charge with three triples and a game-high 24 points. Senior forward Kaeden Carruthers added 15 points, while senior guards Draden Wardrop and Manny Johnson finished with 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Start was led by Cailan Hornbeak, who scored 13 points.

Earlier in the afternoon, the CCHS freshman squad registered a 61-27 road victory vs. Start, while the junior varsity team tallied a 65-29 win.

Central Catholic now turns its attention to the OHSAA Division III State Tournament. The Scarlet & Gray earned the No. 1 seed in Region 10 (University of Toledo) in the Northwest 1 Sectional/District and will host the winner of No. 8 Scott vs. No. 10 Fremont Ross on Friday, February 27 at 7 p.m. in the Sullivan Center.