- April 19, 2024
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It’s no secret the Cardinal Mooney boys basketball team has the talent to make a run in the playoffs.
The Cougars started that playoff run Friday night, winning their fourth-straight district title after ousting Bradenton Christian 82-69. The game took place at Out-of-Door Academy.
“We knew we had to come out and play hard,” Cardinal Mooney coach Stefan Gates said after the game. “Bradenton Christian is a good team; they shoot it well.”
Renowned college basketball analyst Dick Vitale was in attendance. His grandchildren attend Out-of-Door Academy, and he has followed the career of Ryan McMahon, a standout senior for Cardinal Mooney.
“He’s taken an interest in me and believes I’m a Division I player,” McMahon said. “It’s awesome. I’m blessed to have him on my side.”
McMahon scored a game-high 32 points, and the other starters helped keep Cardinal Mooney ahead for most of the game.
“I thought Nick Peacock hit some clutch shots,” Gates said. “Mitch Arimura did a good job on the boards. Justin Najmy handled the rock and defended well. Blair Perry did a great job defensively, among other guys.”
The matchup with Bradenton Christian was the third time the two teams have met this season, and it was the third victory for the Cougars.
“Beating any team three times in a season is difficult, especially a team like Bradenton Christian,” McMahon said. “It’s always a battle. If we saw them again it’d be another dog fight.”
If both teams win their regional quarterfinal game, the two would meet again in the regional semifinals.
The Cougars’ first-round matchup is Thursday against Shorecrest Prep — the same team that knocked them out of the playoffs last year in the regional semifinal.
There’s no doubt the team this year has high expectations, but Gates said all they’re focused on is the next game.
“We take it one game at a time,” Gates said. “We have our goals that we’ve discussed as a team. We have to get ready for our next game at Cardinal Mooney. We’re looking forward to hosting somebody.”
