 |
| Cam Joyce (Photo: St. Ignatius High School) |
DAYTON, Ohio - The third trip in 5 years in the state championship final four paid off for Cam Joyce and the St. Ignatius Wildcats, playing the last game of the 23-24 boys basketball high school season, besting the Centerville Elks 66-56.
It was a game of defense for the Wildcats, who wore Centerville down the stretch of the game as they couldn't stop the scoring and held the lead for 25+ minutes with only 4 lead changes for the game.
As for Centerville, they could not hit the shots when they needed them, specifically in the 3rd quarter, going 3 for 10 from the floor and 1 for 4 from behind the arc, shooting a modest 30% and 25% respectively, not the kind of night for the 4-time returning team to states.
BK: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. #GoCats pic.twitter.com/DWtScZC0Dg
— SIHS Sports (@SIHSSports) March 25, 2024
Cam Joyce, the son of long-time Head Coach of St. Vincent/St. Mary Dru Joyce, has compiled a 96-37 record as the lead man of the basketball program, which has a reputation as a powerhouse football school, making it more fitting considering he will graduate 9 seniors by the school's end. It was his time with a loaded deep roster.
The lead scorer for the Wildcats was senior PG Jack Zapolnik, with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 block, and 2 steals to round out the game. Jack shot 6 for 6 from the charity stripe in 29 minutes of play.
The bright spot for the Div. I state runner-ups were Jonathan Powell, who scored 17 points and 11 rebounds, of which he scored 11 of the 17 in the fourth quarter, helping close the gap by winning the quarter 24-21, but it still was not enough to get the victory.
This championship is locked in a 2nd in 23 years for the Wildcat basketball program as things are looking bright in the Cam Joyce era.
.jpg)
Connect with us!