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Bellaire Repels Passionate St. John’s Effort

Final game on Fighting Irish court

Bellaire’s A.J. McCarthy works the ball between St. John’s defenders Aiden Tarr (1) and Mikey Shaheen (33) during Friday night’s game at the Greenhouse.

BELLAIRE — It was ushered in by the Harlem Globetrotters way back in the early 1950s. It turned off its lights one final time Friday night fittingly against Guernsey Street-rival Bellaire.

The St. John Central High School gymnasium will never play host to basketball again as the school will shutter its doors this coming June. The Diocese of Steubenville issued that termination decree on Feb. 5.

The court, which featured the magnificent play of such Fighting Irish legends as Allan Hornyak, Stephanie Petho and Dick Reasbeck in years past, came to a close with a 78-45 Big Reds triumph before a standing-room only and vocal crowd reminiscent of the Green Glory Days of the 1950s and ’60s.

The moment was not lost without proper remembrance.

A bevy of former Fighting Irish and Big Red stellar hoop performers were in the house. Moreover, the St. John’s administration staged several pre-game ceremonies, honoring current Irish players, coaches and long-time volunteers.

Ben Doyle’s Big Reds added a classy touch as they went through their pre-game routine sporting green t-shirts.

“What a great atmosphere for a high school basketball game. We were proud to be a part of it,” Doyle said. “St. John’s has a great tradition and I commend their fanbase for such a great turnout.”

That Irish faithful witnessed the Green charges present their neighbors a stiff challenge for the better part of a half.

Bellaire inched out to a 13-9 lead after one quarter before its depth advantage started to take its toll. The Big Reds stretched the margin to 36-24 at intermission. The winners broke the issue wide open in the third quarter, using a 23-14 surge to build a 59-38 reading entering the final quarter.”

“We gave them a good battle into the third quarter. But it’s the same old story — our lack of a bench,” Irish coach Dr. Doug Swartz said. “Having only six players in uniform really handcuffs us. Bellaire just wore on us.

“I cannot fault our effort. I cannot ask for anymore from them,” he added. “But the place was electric tonight. The turnout was unbelievable. It was exciting to be a part of.”

Bellaire placed nine players into the scoring column, three reaching double digits.

Freshman dandy Jaren Cash led the way with 17 points. A.J McCarthy was right behind with 16 lightings while Trenton Wilson worked the paint for 13 markers.

“Our younger kids are really starting to step up. They are making nice contributions,” Doyle said. “We are a young team that is making progress. Hopefully, we can carry it into the tournament.”

Fighting Irish senior Matt Fouty led all scorers with a superb 27-point effort. The talented point guard left the game to a standing ovation in the waning seconds.

Senior Nick Diloretta netted eight points for the hosts while hard-working Mikey Shaheen finished with six markers.

Bellaire will carry a 4-18 mark into sectional play. The Big Reds visit Barnesville on Feb. 26.

St. John’s closes out Irish basketball history Tuesday at Conotton Valley.

Bellaire’s Mason Badia owns the distinction of scoring the last point in the Greenhouse via a free throw in the game’s final moments.

The crowd was the largest in the SJC gymnasium since 1992 when the Lady Irish bested River in the contest in which Petho eclipsed Hornyak’s school record of 2,385 points.

Current Lady Irish all-Ohion Kaylin Nixon was presented a ball prior to the game, marking her 1,184-point career.

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