Villa Angela -St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes - December 2, 2016
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015 Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK IN THE VILLAGE Overall (NCL) Record 0-0 (0-0) 2016-2017 OHSAA DIVISION III STATE RUNNER-UP Game Number 1 DAY OPPONENT TIME / RESULTS Friday, December 2, 2016 Harold 'Doc' Daugherty Gymnasium DECEMBER Villa Angela-St Joseph Vikings (0-0) 2 at Euclid Panthers 7:30 PM Euclid Panthers (0-0) 3 at Columbus Northland Vikings 7:30 PM Tip-off: 7:30 PM (Clark Kellogg Classic, Columbus, Oh.) 9 at Lutheran East Falcons 7:30 PM 16 CLEVELAND CENTRAL CATHOLIC IRONMEN ** 7:00 PM Game Number 2 27 vs Benedictine Bengals 7:00 PM Saturday, December 3, 2016 (Scholastic Play by Play Classic, Cleveland, Oh.) Northland High School Gymnasium 30 RICHMOND HEIGHTS SPARTANS 7:30 PM Villa Angela-St Joseph Vikings Columbus Northland Vikings Clark Kellogg Classic JANUARY Tip-off: 6:45 PM 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.) CLEVELAND.COM DIVISION III TOP 5 17 YOUNGSTOWN VALLEY CHRISTIAN EAGLES ** 7:00 PM 20 at Trinity Trojans ** 7:00 PM 1 VILLA ANGELA-ST. JOSEPH The schedule is again loaded for VASJ. Most of last season’s newcomers are now 24 LOUISVILLE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS KNIGHTS ** 7:00 PM Coach: Babe Kwasniak (seventh season) back and experienced, minus graduated All-Ohio shooter Sherman Dean III. If there 27 at Cleveland Central Catholic Ironmen ** 7:00 PM 2015-16 record: 23-6, state finalist is a concern, it is the loss of his scoring touch, but the Vikings still have Higgins and 28 at St. Edward Eagles 7:30 PM Gaffney, both All-Northeast Lakes District selections. 31 at Warren John F. Kennedy Eagles ** 7:00 PM 2 OBERLIN PHOENIX Oberlin brings back depth from its run to a Wooster district title and regional Coach: Kurt Russell (10th season) appearance. Coach Russell’s team is guard-laden with Caleb Hughley, an All- FEBRUARY 2015-16 record: 19-6, Regional semifinalist Northeast District performer. 3 at Youngstown Valley Christian Eagles ** 7:00 PM 4 MENTOR CARDINALS 7:30 PM 3 GILMOUR LANCERS Two years ago, Gilmour finished 2-21. The majority of this lineup experienced that 7 GILMOUR ACADEMY LANCERS 7:30 PM Coach: David Pfundstein (19th season) struggle. Two newcomers are Connor and Owen O’Toole, whose father and former 10 WARREN JOHN F. KENNEDY EAGLES ** 7:00 PM 2015-16 record: 12-12, District quarterfinalist St. Ignatius coach Sean O’Toole now serves as athletic director. 15 at Akron St. Vincent-St. Marty Fighting Irish 7:30 PM 17 TRINITY TROJANS ** 7:00 PM 4 ELYRIA CATHOLIC PANTHERS Dorian Crutcher was the Panthers’ sixth man and started a few games. A productive (VASJ Senior Night) Coach: Phil Kuchta (sixth season) offseason could make him one of the area’s breakout players. This Elyria Catholic 24 at Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas Knights ** 7:00 PM 2015-16 record: 16-9 District semifinalist team should be athletic and versatile.
5 WARRENSVILLE HTS TIGERS To put last season into perspective, the Tigers’ run ended with a two-point loss to MARCH Coach: Brian Swift (sixth season) VASJ without leading scorer Yavari Hall. Their LEL schedule can send the Tigers 3-4 OHSAA Sectional Tournament TBD 2015-16 record: 12-12 District semifinalist into the postseason with a deceiving record. 6-11 OHSAA District Tournament TBD 13-18 OHSAA Regional Tournament TBD * courtesy of the Northeast Ohio Media Group / Cleveland.com 23-25 OHSAA State Tournament TBD
** - - North Coast League - White Division Game VIKES AT THE MIC
"The memories I have of Euclid-Joes games are some of the best, I love that this is our first test of the year. We expect good competition and a robust crowd -- it should be a blast. Most of our players are Euclid kids, so this FOLLOW THE VIKINGS game has some added flavor to it." "I understand Northland is big and extremely talented. We will have our hands full but are absolutely honored to be a part of Clark Kellogg's event. Without Special K there is not VASJ basketball." @babekwas @vasjbasketball “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 @VASJ_HighSchool people tell us how bad we were. That’s what I am telling these guys.” @Vikings_AD “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 @RealChalkTalk heavyweights in the regular season and then we play whoever they tell us to play in the tournament.” For full schedules, statistics, and upcoming events of the VASJ Basketball team, “I think last year was the last time we will be under the radar, which is what made last year so enjoyable.” visit www.vasjvikings.com and www.vasj.com . -- VASJ Vikings Head Coach Babe Kwasniak Villa Angela -St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes - December 2, 2016
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015 Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
POLLS AND RANKINGS 2016 - 2017 VASJ VIKINGS ROSTER
CLEVELAND.COM / PLAIN DEALER (December 2, 2016) 0 Alonzo Gaffney Forward 6-8 Sophomore St. Jerome 1 Chad Porter Forward 6-2 Senior Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy 1 Poll Not Released Prior to Publication 3 Anthony Dinunzio Guard 5-11 Junior Wickliffe Middle 2 4 Noah Newlon Guard 6-3 Senior Mayfield Middle 3 5 William Butler Guard/Forward 6-1 Senior Our Lady of the Lake 4 10 Terrance Lawler Guard 5-10 Senior St. John of the Cross 5 11 Oliver Carson Guard 5-8 Junior Hudson Middle 6 12 Danny McGarry ** Forward 6-4 Senior Forrest Park 7 14 Andre George ** Guard 5-9 Senior St. Stanislaus 8 15 Jerry Higgins ** Guard 5-9 Junior Wickliffe Middle 9 21 Stefan Weems Guard 5-8 Junior Our Lady of the Lake 10 22 Jordan Calhoun Guard 6-0 Sophomore Saints Robert and William 23 Jhalen Hill Center 6-3 Senior Success Tech Academy NEWS-HERALD TOP OF THE CROP (December 1, 2016) 35 Graham Koppelman Forward 6-3 Sophomore Chardon Middle
** denotes 2016-17 VASJ captain 1 Cornerstone Christian Patriots 2 VASJ VIKINGS 3 Mentor Cardinals Head Coach Babe Kwasniak ' 94 (7th season - 123-39) Hired May 4, 2010 4 Brush Arcs 5 Benedictine Bengals Assistant Coaches Tedd Kwasniak, Maurice Haynes '07, Ashen Ward '08, Rich Newlon, 6 South Rebels Gary Wilson, Anthony Turk '16 (Graduate Asst) 7 Beachwood Bison 8 Perry Pirates Managers Collin Green (Head Manager), Adam Stauffer (Manager) 9 Richmond Hts Spartans 10 Madison Blue Streaks Video Chris Harris
OHIO ASSOCIATED PRESS - DIVISION III (FINAL 2016 POLL)
1 Lima Central Catholic (14) 194 19-1 2 Massillon Tuslaw (6) 189 21-0 2016 - 2017 VASJ VIKINGS STARTERS 3 Cincinnati Purcell Marion (1) 132 18-3 4 Beachwood 127 19-2 OPP 1 2 3 4 5 Rec 5 Dayton Northridge 104 20-2 6 Berlin Hiland 86 18-4 Euclid Higgins George NewlonMcGarry Gaffney ** 7 Milan Edison 81 19-2 Northland Higgins George Newlon McGarry Gaffney ** 8 VASJ VIKINGS 56 15-5 Lutheran East 9 Worthington Christian 28 18-4 Cleveland CC 10 Proctorville Fairland 26 18-4 Benedictine Richmond Hts Others receiving 12 or more points: 11, Casstown Miami E. 20. 12, Leavittsburg La Lumiere Labrae 15. 13, Findlay Liberty-Benton 13. 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
** - Projected Starters Villa Angela -St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes - December 2, 2016
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015 Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
VASJ QUICK FACTS 2016 - 2017 VIKINGS SEASON PREVIEW SEASON BEGINS WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS BUT TEMPERED RESTRAINT Location East 185th & Lakeshore Blvd, Cleveland, Ohio Founded Villa Angela (1878), St Joseph (1950) The 2016-2017 boys basketball season holds a Kwasniak lauded senior Andre George as Federated in 1990 lot of promise for the Villa Angela-St. Joseph one of the top on-the-ball defenders in the Affiliation Roman Catholic (Diocese of Cleveland) Vikings. area. Noah Newlon is a dangerous 3-point Conference North Coast League (White Division) shooter. Will Butler, Terrance Lawler and Enrollment 447 (co-educational) Coach Babe Kwasniak also is holding back any Chad Porter could be key role players for the Colors Columbia Blue and Scarlett Red unrestrained and unrealistic expectations for Vikings this season as well as some younger Nickname Vikings Home Arena Viking Village VASJ until the Vikings can prove themselves players emerging with significant varsity Capacity 1,250 worthy of the hype. minutes. President Bill Cervenik Principal David Csank VASJ closed last winter as the Division III state The schedule for the Vikings includes games Athletic Director Nate Zavorek '94 runner-up, losing in the state championship against Ohio heavyweights St. Edward, Athletic Phone 216-481-8414 extension 224 game to Lima Central Catholic with a team that Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary, Mentor, Head Coach Babe Kwasniak '94 (7th season 123-39) not many thought would be in Columbus. Columbus Northland (Clark Kellogg Classic) Assistant Coaches Tedd Kwasniak, Maurice Haynes '07, Ashen Ward and NCL White rival Cleveland Central '08, Rich Newlon, Gary Wilson, Anthony Turk '16 It was a tremendous season of Catholic. (Grad Asst.) overachievement, and with the return of a few Sports Information Liasion Bill Tilton key pieces, the murmurs surrounding Viking In addition, VASJ will travel to West Virginia Village are again loud and exciting. in early January for the Cancer Research VASJ Basketball - By The Numbers Classic Invitational to face the No. 1 team in However, the leader of the team has reserved the country in La Lumiere. District Championships 30 exuberance for his squad. Regional Championships 15 “Our schedule is as good as any team in the State Runner-ups 6 “If we’re going to listen to people tell us how state of Ohio. It’s not just a good Division III State Championships 6 NCAA Division I Players 48 good we are, that would be as dumb as if we schedule, it is all the heavyweights in the NCAA Division II & III Players 38 listened last year to people tell us how bad we regular season and then we play whoever NBA Players 5 were. That’s what I am telling these guys,” they tell us to play in the tournament,” European Professional Basketball Players 9 Kwasniak said. Kwasniak said. Basketball Players in the NFL 9 “First of all, people are acting like we didn’t lose Kwasniak likes the make-up of his team, anything when we lost a first team all-state including several players who have had a player in Sherman Dean. We lose a kid from a chance to grow and improve and experience Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School leadership standpoint that took 28 charges and success from their freshman season. began in July of 1990. It has a rich past and is celebrating over 130 years went to West Point in Jacob Stauffer. Kevin of educational excellence in the Diocese of Cleveland. Roberts was a tremendous finisher for us. So “When I think about this team one thing that VASJ resulted from the merging of Villa Angela Academy (1878-1990) with we did lose some big pieces. is really irregular is we had so many guys Saint Joseph High School (1950-1990). who started on our freshman team. The Villa Angela Academy was the oldest Catholic institution of learning in the “I think last year was the last time we will be reality is at this program usually guys will Diocese of Cleveland, founded by the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland in under the radar, which is what made last year play up, so to have several of our core guys 1850. For 110 years, Villa Angela was a witness to Christian education with so enjoyable.” have that experience as starters on the more than 6,000 graduates. freshman team is unique,” Kwasniak said. VASJ enters the 2016-2017 campaign as a St. Joseph High School was opened in September of 1950. The Bishop had talented and experienced group, but with a The strength of the Vikings, aside from the asked the Society of Mary (Marianists) from Dayton, Ohio, to administer the schedule that is grueling to say the least and a obvious talent of Higgins and Gaffney, lies on school. In St. Joseph's history, more than 10,000 students graduated from its comprehensive college preparatory or technical programs. long grind to get to the postseason. the defensive side of the court.
The first students of St. Joseph High School selected the school colors of Junior point guard Jerry Higgins returns off a “We have the ability to be as good Columbia blue and scarlet. Because of the school's proximity to the lake, sophomore season in which he was named a defensively as we have been in a long time,” the students chose the Vikings as their school mascot. Division III All-Ohio honorable mention Kwasniak said. “Last year was our best selection. defensive team since we have been here In 1989, the students of VASJ selected that same mascot and school colors from a statistical standpoint and this year for their new school. Freshman center Alonzo Gaffney will be might be better. Defense will be our calling Service to the community and social justice were core values of both Villa counted on to produce on both sides of the card, as well as our speed. Angela Academy and St. Joseph High School and are strong traditions court with scoring, rebounding and defending carried on at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School today. the paint. “We know what we have in Jerry, but will need Danny to be more aggressive. We need Senior swingman Danny McGarry is a versatile Alonzo to double his numbers from his athlete and a leader who will see an increase in freshman season. But, we also need to lock his role this winter. in and defend the daylights out of people and turn defense into offense.” Villa Angela -St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes - December 2, 2016
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015 Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
HEAD COACH BABE KWASNIAK '94 2016-17 VASJ VIKINGS ASSISTANT COACHES
Babe Kwasniak is a 1994 Tedd Kwasniak graduate of Villa Angela- Coach Kwasniak says: My Dad is an iconic figure in the Viking Village. He has St. Joseph High School to be one of the only high school assistant coaches that head college coaches which was the first class come to for advice. He is a pivotal part of our players’ development as young of the merger between men. Every person in our program learns something from Coach Kwas every Villa Angela and Saint Joseph high schools. day. He has just as much impact on our coaches as he does our players.
He was a member of the National Honor Society, peer ministry and Ashen Ward '08 (Junior Varsity Head Coach) student council while at VASJ. Coach Kwasniak says: Coach Ward has a magnetic enthusiasm that permeates throughout our program. I’m excited to watch him take over our JV He played basketball for the Vikings, who won state titles in 1991, team after being with the Freshman the previous two years. He always has 1992 and 1994. 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, Kwasniak is a 1999 graduate of the United States Military Coach Ash has a bright coaching future. Academy (West Point, NY) where he played four years of Division I college basketball (team captain for two years). Rich Newlon He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Coach Kwasniak says: I truly believe Coach Newlon is one of the best high Army as an Infantry Officer. His assignments were: Athletic Officer school coaches in NE Ohio, just happens that we have him as an assistant on and Platoon Trainer — Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. Executive our staff. He has an astute attention to detail that manifests itself in the way Officer, 2 Battalion 11th Infantry Regiment—Fort Benning, we play. We talk all the time about outworking everyone, Coach “Juice” shows Georgia.Core Plan and Operations Officer, I Corps – Fort Lewis our players exactly what that looks like. 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. Gary Wilson '94 (Assistant JV Coach) Coach Kwasniak says: The one word that best describes Coach Wilson is Kwasniak left the United States Army in May of 2004, where he “loyalty”. His loyalty to our kids is always his first priority. I’ve been blessed to achieved the rank of Captain. 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) Coach Kwasniak led the All-Army service basketball team to a than Gary Wilson. If you cut him open he would bleed red and baby blue. 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. Maurice Haynes '07 (Freshman Head Coach) Coach Kwasniak says: I’m ecstatic about Mo taking over our Freshman Team. He was an assistant coach at the University of Missouri-Kansas Mo was a great player at VASJ and played in college for Viking Legend Coach City from 2005 to 2007 and coached at St. James High School in Mike Moran at John Carroll. Coach Haynes will team up with our graduate Lenexa, Kansas in 2008. assistant coach (Anthony Turk) to teach our kids the Viking Way.
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 Anthony Turk '16 (Graduate Assistant) Vikings. Collin Green (Head Manager) 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. Adam Stauffer (Manager) Kwasniak is married to Dr. Laura Kwasniak. They have three sons, B.K., Quinn and Logan, and they reside in Highland Heights. Chris Harris (Manager)
Tonica Johnson (Academic Advisor) Villa Angela -St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes - December 2, 2016
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015 Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
COVERING THE VIKINGS VIKINGS NEWS, NOTES, & HEADLINES
VARSITY CHALK TALK GRAND SLAM FOR TEDD KWASNIAK CLARK KELLOGG CLASSIC
Since 2009, former News-Herald high school VASJ assistant coach Tedd Kwasniak is now a trivia The 5th Annual Clark Kellogg sports reporter Bill Tilton has hosted a live question answer. Classic will take place on weekly high school sports talk show Saturday, December 3rd in featuring interviews with players Kwasniak is the only coach in Ohio to be on the bench Columbus at Northland High and coaches, trivia contests and for a state championship in ALL FOUR divisions. School. giveaways at Hooley House in Mentor on Monday nights. Kwasniak was an assistant on the Vikings D-I state The Classic will feature four high school basketball title team in 1991 and the D-II state championship games, including both the VASJ girls and boys teams. Regular guests on "Varsity Chalk Talk” have included the Vikings team in 1992. head coach Babe Kwasniak and numerous VASJ players. “Varsity Chalk The girls will play Columbus Northland at 1:30 pm; the Talk” airs live at Hooley House in Mentor on Mondays (7-9pm) and will be He has been an assistant for his son as the Vikings boys will tip at 6:45 pm. streamed live on ESPNCleveland.com. have won state titles in 2013 (D-IV) and 2015 (D-III). The Classic was designed to have local and state He was the head coach for the Vikings Division III basketball powers meet in a one-day event to CREDENTIALS 1997 state qualifying team and was an assistant on showcase their teams and allow fans a chance to the 2014 and 2016 state runner-up squads. support worthy organizations. Credential requests are to be made through the Villa Angela-St Joseph Athletic Department. Season credentials will only be granted to media This year, the Clark Kellogg Classic will benefit the outlets that cover VASJ on a regular basis. All other requests will be Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Big Brothers considered single-game requests. Please contact VASJ Director of VIKINGS AMONG ELITE PROGRAMS Big Sisters of Central Ohio and Ronald McDonald Athletics Nate Zavorek with any questions. House Charities of Central Ohio. The OHSAA has sponsored a basketball championship tournament since 1923; 2016 marked Clark Kellogg is a 1979 graduate of St. Joseph High the 94th year of the state tournament School. Kellogg played college basketball at the Ohio INTERVIEWS AND PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES State University and spent five seasons in the NBA In that time, 160 schools have won 263 state with the Indiana Pacers. Kellogg is the lead college All interviews and photo opportunities with VASJ student-athletes or championships. basketball analyst for CBS Sports. coaches must be arranged through the Villa Angela-St Joseph Athletic Department and/or Sports Information Liaison. The VASJ Vikings are one of just FIVE schools to win FIVE or more championships: Please give at least 24 hours of advance notice for interview requests. Cell NEW TEAMS AND PLENTY OF SKILL COMING TO phone numbers for student-athletes will not be given out and student- #1 – Middletown Middies (7 titles) 1944, 1946, 1947, 2017 BURGER KING CLASSIC athletes will be instructed not to speak with media (whether by phone or at 1952, 1953, 1956 and 1957 the end of a class period) without first being contacted by a member of the The 34th version of this tournament, the Burger King VASJ Athletic Department, Sports Information Department or one of the #2 (tie) – Cleveland VASJ Vikings (6 titles) 1991, Basketball Classic will tip off in Erie on Friday, January 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013 and 2015. 13th and Saturday, January 14th, 2017 at the Joann student-athlete's coaches on behalf of the VASJ Athletic Department. Mullen Gymnasium at the Prep and Villa Events #2 (tie) – Akron St. Vincent-St Mary Fighting Irish (6 Center. Student-athletes and coaches are available for interview before or after titles) 1984, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2009 and 2011 practice when arranged through the VASJ Atheltic Department or Sports This year’s tournament features two schools making Information Liaison. #4 (tie) - Columbus East Tigers (5 titles) 1951, 1963, their first trip to town and another from down the road 1968, 1969, and 1979. that is trying to win another championship. The event continues to garner the attention of the top high school POST-GAME INTERVIEW POLICY #4 (tie) - Dayton Dunbar Wolverines (5 titles) 1987, websites in the country, as MaxPreps and Hoops USA 2006, 2007, 2010, and 2012 called the Burger King Classic the number one four- The VASJ basketball locker room is closed to the media, although student- team tournament in the nation. athletes and coaches will be made available by request after a 10-minute cooling off period following the conclusion of the game. The field for the 2017 Classic is complete with CANCER RESEARCH CLASSIC programs that have had great success at the state and national level and features a slew of players that are A representative of the Atheltic Department will gather requests from the The 10th annual Cancer attracting the attention of college coaches media during the latter part of the game. Coach Babe Kwasniak will be Research Classic will take nationally. On the first night on Friday, January 13th at available prior to player interviews. Interviews involving the opposing team place the first weekend of 6pm, Villa Angela-St. Joe’s will be making their fifth trip are left to the discretion of the opposing team's athletic departments. the new year (Jan. 6 and to the Classic and they are searching for their second 7) in Wheeling, West Virginia. tourney title.
INJURY INFORMATION The CRC is recognized as the nation's premier VASJ will match up with a strong national power on Catholic High School basketball tournament, hosted by night one. Paul VI has won three state championships Villa Angela - St, Joseph High School and the Athletic Department and all the athletic department at Wheeling Jesuit College. in Virginia since 2009 and is coming off a 20-win personnel will fully abide by federal HIPPA standards with regards to season. With 65 players having gone through this release of injury information. If the student-athlete does not consent to the Proceeds from the Cancer Research Classic help fund program earning a college basketball scholarship and release of injury information, VASJ officials will be restricted in regards to ongoing prostate cancer and men’s health research at 13 grads that have played professionally, Paul VI is informing media of the student-athlete's status. the Urologic Research Institute and always one of the top programs in the land. academic scholarships for undergraduate studentsenrolled at Wheeling Jesuit University. The 7:30pm nightcap will have Westerville South from Ohio against the host school Cathedral The Vikings are scheduled to play the current #1 team Prep. Westerville South went 26-4 a year ago, in the country - the La Porte (Ind.) La Lumiere Lakers - winning their first state title in school history along the on Janaury 6 at 3:15 PM way. 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 - December 2, 2016
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015 Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
ANOTHER VIKING ABOARD VIKING VOYAGE TO THE NCAA VASJ GRAD MAURICE HAYNES '07 HAS JOINED Carlton Bragg has appeared in all six games for the #4-ranked Kansas THE COACHING STAFF FOR THE 2016-17 SEASON BRAGG Jayhawks. Bragg is averaging 17 minutes per game, shooting Villa Angela-St Joseph '15 nearly 60% from the floor. Bragg is averaging 8 points and 6 Another Viking has returned to the Village. Kansas University (Sophomore) rebounds per game. Maurice Haynes, who was a member of two state final four boys basketball teams in 2006 and 2007, has been added to Sherman Dean has played in three of the four games for the Terriers this the VASJ staff by Coach Babe Kwasniak for the upcoming DEAN, III season. He is averaging 5 points per game and has knocked season. Villa Angela-St Joseph '16 down four of his seven three-point field goals this season. Hiram College (Freshman) Haynes, a 2007 graduate who went on to play for former Viking coach Mike Moran at John Carroll University, will coach Demonte Flannigan has been limited early on this season, missing the first freshmen basketball and assist with the varsity. FLANNIGAN four Vikings games due to a strained muscle. He played 24 Villa Angela-St Joseph '13 minutes vs Arkansas St. on Nov 30, scoring 14 points. “It has been a while since I have been back at the school and University of Evansville (Senior) 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 Duane Gibson is bouncing back from an injury-shortened 2015-16 of even basketball I know this was the right time,” Haynes GIBSON season to now be averaging 29 minutes per game this year. He said. Villa Angela-St Joseph '13 leads the Aces in assists, averaging over 3 per game. University of Evansville (R-Jr) “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 Tremayne Harvell plays defensive back for the Falcons, who finished the bring that to the position I am so thankful to be in now. VASJ is HARVELL season with a 9-2 record. The Falcons finished ranked #10 in a special place and you look around and the memories come Villa Angela-St Joseph '15 the Super Region 1 and third in the Mountain East Conference. back and I want these guys to experience what I did as a Notre Dame College (Sophomore) player.”
Hooper is the Student Manager for the Marquette Golden Eagles As a player, Haynes was part of the 2006 Division III state Ryan HOOPER men's basketball team. Marquette is off to 4-2 start this season, runner-up team that lost to Cincinnati North College Hill. In Villa Angela-St Joseph '11 with four returning starters from last year's team. 2007. Haynes helped lead the Vikings back to Columbus as a Marquette University senior on the final four squad.
Haynes went on to play at JCU for Coach Moran and was a Mo Johnson is a freshman on the Purple Raiders basketball team standout rebounder and defender for the Blue Streaks. JOHNSON after attending Hillcrest Prep for one year. Johnson will have a Villa Angela-St Joseph '15 double major in marketing and psychology. “One thing I want to do is emphasize to the kids that they can Mt Union University (Freshman) 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 Dererk Pardon is standing tall in the middle of the Wildcats offense and doesn’t take a lot of talent to rebound or defend, you just have PARDON defensive sets. He is averaging 7 points and 7 rebounds per to have heart and effort and will. I want to pass along to the Villa Angela-St Joseph '15 game this season and leads the teams in blocked shots with 16 guys the will and the want to be tough and physical. It won’t Northwestern University (Sophomore) in six games. happen with every player, but hopefully it will get through to most of the guys.” Brian Parker is second on the team in scoring, averaging 15 points. PARKER He also is second with 2.5 assists per game. Parker leads the VASJ is coming off a 2016 Division III state runner-up finish, Villa Angela-St Joseph '15 team in rebounds, grabbing 6 boards per contest, for a Red and Kwasniak is extremely certain that the addition of Haynes Marist College (Sophomore) Foxes team pick in the top half of the Mid Atlantic Conference. to an already stellar staff will strengthen the coaching lineup and lineage the Vikings have on board. Jacob Stauffer was a three-sport letterwinner at VASJ (TE in football, STAUFFER PF in basketball, and discus thrower in the field events) and will “He is an asset not only because he played here at VASJ, but Villa Angela-St Joseph '16 be a member of the Cadet's Track and Field team in the Spring also played at JCU for Coach Moran,” Kwasniak said of U.S. Military Academy (Freshman) of 2017 Haynes. “It really gives all of our coaches the same lineage. Simon Texidor is a key component off the bench for the nationally- “After we won both of our state titles (20013, 2015), I can TEXIDOR ranked Fighting Scots. Texidor is averaging 4 points per game recall Mo texting me saying how proud he was to be a Viking. Villa Angela-St Joseph '15 and is shooting 43% from behind the arc early on this season. That has always stayed with me. It was Ashen (Ward’s) idea to College of Wooster (Sophomore) get him re-engaged and he is going to be a great addition.”
Haynes, 27, is a supervisor for the United States Postal Office. Tre'von Williams is a wide receiver for the nationally-ranked YSU He played with VASJ assistant coach Ashen Ward on the WILLIAMS Penguins. The Penguins have reached the second round of the Villa Angela-St Joseph '15 FCS Championships and travel to Jacksonville State on Dec. 2 2006 and 2007 state final four teams. Youngstown State Univ. (Sophomore) for a Sweet 16 matchup with the Gamecocks Villa Angela -St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes - December 2, 2016
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015 Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
VIKINGS TRENDS THE LAST TIME FOR THE VIKINGS . . .
At Home (Viking Village) 0-0 TEAM ASSISTS On The Road 0-0 Scored 100+ points 1/29/15 - 106 vs Benedictine 8 assists in game 3/9/16 - G Higgins (9) vs Newton Falls At Neutral Site 0-0 Scored 90+ points 1/29/16 - 90 vs Lutheran East 9 assists in game 3/9/16 - G Higgins (9) vs Newton Falls In Day Games 0-0 Scored 50+ points in half 1/29/15 - 61 (1st half) vs Benedictine 10 assists in game 2/26/16 - G Higgins (10) vs Kirtland In Night Games 0-0 Scored under 60 points 3/19/16 - 44 vs Lima CC 12 assists in game 3/6/15 - M Johnson (12) vs Cleveland MLK On Weekdays 0-0 Scored under 50 points 3/19/16 - 44 vs Lima CC 8 assists in back-to-back games 2/20 & 2/26 - G Higgins On Weekends 0-0 Scored under 25 points in half 3/19/16 - 18 (2nd) vs Lima CC 8 vs Cleveland CC and 10 vs Kirtland Shot 60%+ FG 1/15/16 - 60% (30-50) vs Trinity When Leading At Halftime 0-0 Shot 50%+ FG 3/12/16 - 50% (18-36) vs STA When Trailing At Halftime 0-0 Shot 80%+ FT (min 8 FTA) 3/4/16 - 80% (8-10) vs Beachwood BLOCKS When Tied At Halftime 0-0 Had 8 or fewer turnovers 3/16/16 - 7 - vs STA 5 blockes in a game 11/27/15 - A Gaffney (5) vs Euclid In Overtime Games 0-0 Had 10 or fewer turnovers 3/19/16 - 10 - vs Lima CC 7 blocks in a game 3/28/15 - D Pardon (9) vs Lima CC Had 12+ assists 3/12/16 - 16 - vs STA 10 blocks in a game When Shooting 50% or Better From Field 0-0 Had 7+ blocks 12/5/15 - 7 vs Lake Catholic When Shooting Under 50% From Field 0-0 Overtime Game 1/26/13 - WIN 68-59 vs Martinsburg (WV) When Shooting 40% or Better From 3 Point Line 0-0 Double Overtime Game STEALS When Shooting Under 40% From 3 Point Line 0-0 3 steals in a game 3/4/16 - K Roberts (3) vs Beachwood When Shooting 75% or Better From Free Throw Line 0-0 5 steals in a game 12/23/15 - G Higgins (8) vs John Hay When Shooting Under 75% From Free Throw Line 0-0 INDIVIDUAL SCORING 6 steals in a game 12/23/15 - G Higgins (8) vs John Hay Scored 40+ points information is unavailable When Having More Assists Than Turnovers 0-0 Scored 30+ points 2/6/16 - G Higgins(30) vs Mentor When Having A 2:1 or Better Assist to Turnover Ratio 0-0 Scored 25+ points 2/6/16 - G Higgins(30) vs Mentor When Having More Turnovers Than Assists 0-0 Scored 20+ points 2/20/16 - G Higgins(21), S Dean (22) vs CCC FOULS Scored 20+ points in back-to-back games 1/16 and 1/22 - S Dean Player Fouled Out 3/22/14 - Pardon & Johnson vs Lima CC When Having 20 or more total Rebounds 0-0 26 points vs Trinity & 23 points vs Benedictine 2 Players Fouled Out 3/22/14 - Pardon & Johnson vs Lima CC When Having 30 or more total Rebounds 0-0 Scored 20+ points in 3 consecutive games info unavailable 3 Players Fouled Out When Having 40 or more total Rebounds 0-0 Two players with 20+ points 2/20/16-Dean (22), Higgins (21) vs CCC Technical Foul Three players with 10+ points 3/12/16 vs STA When Having 5 or more total Blocks 0-0 Dean (14), Higgins (11), Roberts (10) Four players with 10+ points 3/1/16 vs Warrensville Hts FIELD GOALS When The Vikings Score Under 40 Points 0-0 Dean (16), Stauffer (12), McGarry (12), Roberts (15) Made 8 FG in game 2/26/16 - A Gaffney (8) vs Kirtland When The Vikings Score 40-49 Points 0-0 Five players with 10+ points 1/30/15 - vs Holy Name Made 10 FG in game 2/6/16 - G Higgins (10) vs Mentor When The Vikings Socre 50-59 Points 0-0 Bragg (18), Parker (11), Texidor (10), Pardon (16), Williams (12) Made 12 FG in game information is unavailable When The Vikings Score 60-69 Points 0-0 Attempted 12 FG in game 3/9/16 - S Dean (13) vs Newton Falls When The Vikings Score 70-79 Points 0-0 Attempted 15 FG in game 2/20/16 - S Dean (15) vs CCC When The Vikings Score 80-plus Points 0-0 REBOUNDING Attempted 18 FG in game 12/11/15 - S Dean (22) vs Cleve CC 10+ rebounds 3/12/16 - K Roberts (10) vs STA When The Opponent Score Under 40 Points 0-0 15+ rebounds 3/21/15 - D Pardon (21) vs Ursuline When The Opponent Score 40-49 Points 0-0 18+ rebounds 3/21/15 - D Pardon (21) vs Ursuline When The Opponent Socre 50-59 Points 0-0 10+ rebounds in back-to-back games 3/21 and 3/26 D Pardon 3-POINT FIELD GOALS When The Opponent Score 60-69 Points 0-0 21 rebounds vs Ursuline and 10 rebounds Eastmoor Made 4 3FG in game 3/12/16 - S Dean (4) vs STA When The Opponent Score 70-79 Points 0-0 10+ rebounds in 3 consecutive games 2/14, 2/15 & 2/21 - D Pardon Made 6 3FG in game 1/29/16 - N Newlon (7) vs Valley Christian When The Opponent Score 80-plus Points 0-0 14 rebs vs St Thomas Aquinas, 11 vs St Ignatius, 11 vs St Edward Made 8 3FG in game information is unavailable Attempted 8 3FG in game 3/9/16 - S Dean (9) vs Newton Falls In Games Decided By 3 Points Or Less 0-0 Double-Double 3/12/16 - K Roberts vs STA Attempted 10 3FG in game 2/20/16 - S Dean (11) vs CCC In Games Decided By 4 to 10 Points 0-0 (10 points / 10 rebounds) Attempted 12 3FG in game 1/29/16 - N Newlon (12) vs Valley Christian In Games Decided By 11 to 20 Points 0-0 Triple-Double 12/14/13 - B Parker vs Euclid In Games Decided By 20 or More Points 0-0 (24 points / 10 assists / 10 rebounds) Back to Back Double-Doubles 3/21, 3/26, 3/28 D Pardon In December Games 0-0 vs Ursuline (10-21), vs Eastmoor (13-10), vs Lima CC (15-12) FREE THROWS In January Games 0-0 2 players with Double-Doubles 12/13/14 vs Euclid Made 5 FT in game 3/12/16 - G Higgins (5) vs STA In February Games 0-0 C Bragg (30-13), D Pardon (16-14) Made 8 FT in game 2/6/16 - G Higgins (8) vs Mentor In March Games 0-0 20 points & 10 rebounds 2/22/15 vs Akron SVSM - C Bragg Made 10 FT in game 1/19/15 - C Bragg (11) vs Oak Hill Back to back 20/10 3/7/14 & 3/13/14 - C Bragg Attempted 10 FT in game 2/6/16 - G Higgins (11) vs Mentor Vs The NCL-Blue 0-0 vs Warrensville (27 pts / 13 reb) & Canton CC (22 / 11) Attempted 12 FT in game 1/24/15 - C Bragg (12) vs MacDuffie (Mass.) Vs The NCL-White 0-0 Attempted 15 FT in game 3/7/14 - C Bragg (17) vs Warrensville Vs Greater Cleveland Conference 0-0 Vs Chagrin Valley Conference - Valley 0-0 MINUTES PLAYED (when stat is available) Vs Columbus City League - North 0-0 30 mins played 3/19/16 - G Higgins (31) & S Dean III (31) vs Lima CC Vs Independents 0-0 32 mins played 12/6/14 - D Pardon (32) & C Bragg (32) vs A-B Carroll Vs Out of State Opponents 0-0 Villa Angela -St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes - December 2, 2016
Six-Time State Champions - 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2015 Six-Time State Runner-Up - 1979, 1989, 1997, 2006, 2014, 2016
THE YEAR THAT WAS 2015-2016 VIKINGS SEASON STATS VIKINGS RETURN TO COLUMBUS FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE SEASON; FINAL SEASON STATISTICS SEND SENIORS OFF WITH STATE RUNNER-UP TROPHY
Babe Kwasniak has seen more than his fair share of success as both a player and a coach at Villa Angela-St. Joseph. PLAYER GP FG-FGA 3FG-3FGA FT-FTA Tot Pts PPG Asst OFF-DEF-Reb Stl/Blk* 21 27 145-301 (48%) 86-199 (43%) 32-48 (67%) 414 15.3 48 (1.8) 13-48-61 (2.3) 30 With a stellar basketball resume to pick from, the 2015-2016 Sherman Dean 15 Gene Higgins 27 111-220 (50%) 6-17 (35%) 86-123 (70%) 331 12.3 141 (5.2) 23-52-78 (2.9) 62 season at Viking Village might be Kwasniak’s most memorable. 31 Alonzo Gaffney 26 92-188 (49%) 4-12 (33%) 26-62 (42%) 208 8.0 28 (1.1) 43-62-112 (4.3) 38* 3 Kevin Roberts 26 84-137 (61%) 9-20 (45%) 29-39 (74%) 217 8.3 43 (1.7) 36-51-87 (3.3) 30 Despite graduating almost 80 points of offense from the 2014- 50 Jabob Stauffer 27 68-116 (59%) 0-0 19-39 (49%) 157 5.8 10 (0.4) 40-50-92 (3.4) 8 2015 Division III state championship team, VASJ defied the odds 12 Daniel McGarry 26 54-86 (63%) 0-2 (0%) 11-23 (48%) 122 4.7 68 (2.6) 35-59-94 (3.6) 22* and the critics to go 23-6 and advance to a fourth straight state 4 Noah Newlon 24 26-78 (32%) 24-69 (35%) 6-11 (55%) 82 3.4 11 (0.5) 2-14-16 (0.7) 6 title game. 35 Graham Koppelman 6 8-9 (89%) 0-0 2-5 (40% 17 2.8 4 (0.8) 6-8-13 (2.2) 0 5 William Butler 27 33-68 (49%) 10-37 (28%) 7-14 (50%) 85 3.1 60 (2.3) 8-31-42 (1.6) 6 The Vikings fell to Lima Central Catholic, 66-44, in the D-III finals 22 Anthony Turk 12 14-26 (54%) 1-4 (25%) 6-12 (50%) 34 2.8 4 (0.3) 6-10-16 (1.3) 4 at the Schottenstein Center at Ohio State University, but the road 1 Chad Porter 11 8-20 (40%) 6-17 (35) 3-7 (43%) 22 2.0 4 (0.5) 0-6-6 (0.5) 1 to Columbus was unforgettable. 10 Terrance Lawler 25 17-66 (26%) 9-36 (25%) 7-11 (64%) 50 2.0 26 (1.0) 12-16-32 (1.3) 15 0 Phillip Bessick 11 8-21 (38%) 0-0 2-5 (40% 17 1.5 5 (0.5) 7-9-15 (1.4) 1 After a loss to Mentor on Feb. 6, VASJ reeled off 10 straight wins 14 Andre George 26 11-29 (38%) 1-8 (13%) 8-17 (47%) 31 1.2 17 (0.7) 5-13-17 (0.7) 11 to advance to the D-III state championship game for a fourth consecutive March. During the winning streak, the Vikings rolled TOTALS 27 679-1365 (50%) 156-421 (37%) 244-416 (59%) 178766.2 462 (17.1) 223-412-653 (24.2) 219-80 over rival Cleveland Central Catholic on Senior Night, held off Warrensville Heights in a district semifinal, and knocked off Beachwood in the district title game on a buzzer-beating layup by sophomore Jerry Higgins. VASJ vs OPPONENT GP FG-FGA 3FG-3FGA FT-FTA Tot Pts Asst TO OFF-DEF-Reb Stl/Blk* VASJ defeated Newton Falls and St. Thomas Aquinas in the 1 Euclid 1 29-44 (66% 7-12 (58%) 12-22 (55%) 77 18 14 27 8-5 regional tournament at the Canton Memorial Fieldhouse to 2 Lake Catholic 1 16-33 (48%) 2-9 (22%) 16-30 (53%) 52 6 11 5-7-12 7-7 advance to Columbus, then routed Lynchburg-Clay in the state 3 Cleveland CC 1 18-59 (31%) 7-25 (28%) 9-13 (69%) 56 10 7 14-6-20 2-2 semis, 81-64. 4 Richmond Heights 1 26-70 (37%) 3-24 (13%) 7-13 (54%) 60 10 12 16-22-38 15-3 5 Youngstown Christian 1 24-57 (42%) 3-15 (20%) 12-24 (50%) 63 12 14 11-14-25 22-2 Senior guard Sherman Dean averaged 16 points per game to 6 John Hay 1 28-68 (41%) 6-21 (29%) 15-25 (60%) 79 17 15 15-18-33 18-3 lead the Vikings offensively and was named a first team All- 7 Jefferson 1 35-63 (56%) 11-21 (52%) 5-9 (56%) 88 26 12 14-20-33 7-4 Ohioan. Dean also broke the school record for 3s in a season. 8 Fairmont 1 21-43(49%) 3-8 (38%) 11-19 (58%) 56 15 11 6-15-20 6-2 9 Warren JFK 1 23-42 (55%) 6-21% (29%) 2-2 (100%) 54 15 5 7-9-16 5-1 Higgins was selected as an honorable mention All-Ohio pick. Both 10 St Edward 1 28-46 (61%) 1-7 (14%) 8-12 (67%) 65 21 18 8-21-29 4-4 were also first team All NCL White Division selections. 11 Trinity 1 30-50 (60%) 15-26 (58%)9-19 (47%) 86 28 7 5-15-20 4-3 12 Benedictine 1 20-49 (41%) 9-15 (60%) 6-11 (55%) 59 15 9 8-16-22 4-7 Seniors Kevin Roberts and Jacob Stauffer were key members of 13 St Thomas Aquinas 1 23-47 (49%) 4-14 (29%) 4-7 (57%) 56 16 14 7-12-19 9-2 14 1 24-49 (51%) 4-12 (33%) 9-13 (69%) 65 16 14 6-12-18 8-4 the 2015-2016 state runner-up squad. Freshman center Alonzo Cornerstone 15 Youngstown Christian 1 35-63 (56%) 13-34 (38%) 6-10 (60%) 90 27 8 8-13-21 10-2 Gaffney had a strong debut season, highlighted by a double- 16 Lutheran East 1 30-61 (49%) 5-14 (36%) 12-15 (80%) 78 19 17 16-21-37 9-4 double with 11 points and 11 rebounds in the state semifinal win. 17 Warren JFK 1 25-44 (57%) 7-15 (47%) 6-13 (46%) 63 22 19 7-27-34 11-5 Noah Newlon and Danny McGarry were critical role players for 18 Mentor 1 22-45 (49%) 2-11 (18%) 13-20 (65% 60 15 13 5-19-24 3-6 VASJ during the run to Columbus. 19 Gilmour 1 22-47 (47%) 5-14 (36%) 5-10 (50%) 54 16 11 13-12-20 3-3 20 Trinity 1 21-37 (57%) 3-10 (30%) 15-22 (68%) 62 15 9 4-15-19 9-0 The Vikings finished 2016 as state runner-up for the sixth time in 21 St Thomas Aquinas 1 23-45 (51%) 5-17 (29%) 9-13 (69%) 61 18 11 8-20-28 10-0 school history. VASJ also has six state titles in boys basketball, 22 Cleveland CC 1 27-53 (51%) 6-17 (35%) 15-24 (63%) 83 19 10 5-22-27 9-1 including a championship in all four divisions. 23 Kirtland 1 36-62 (58%) 8-19 (42%) 6-11 (55%) 86 28 6 9-21-30 10-1 24 Warrensville Heights 1 24-46 (52%) 4-9 (44%) 12-18 (67%) 64 19 15 6-17-22 10-0 25 Beachwood 1 19-39 (49%) 5-8 (63%) 8-10 (80%) 53 11 9 7-14-21 6-1 26 Newton Falls 1 25-46 (46%) 6-15 (40%) 0-8 (0%) 58 18 7 11-14-25 8-6 27 St Thomas Aquinas 1 18-36 (50%) 6-9 (67%) 10-18 (63%) 5416 7 9-19-28 3-0
TOTALS 27 679-1365 (50%) 156-421 (37%) 244-416 (59%) 1787 462 298 223-412-653 219-80 Villa Angela -St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes - December 2, 2016
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
ALONZO CHAD 0 GAFFNEY 1 PORTER Sophomore Height: 6-8 Senior Height: 6-2 Forward Weight: Forward Weight:
Coach Kwasniak says: We will need Zo to make a big jump from last year in order to Coach Kwasniak says: Chad is a senior that has just been a joy to coach. He’s the type compete against elite competition. He is working on utilizing his size and speed to best of kid I think differentiates our program, for Chad it’s always about the team. Chad is a help us score and defend. He has come a long way and has a long way to go. Due to high level student that will have a chance to play soccer in college. This young man has who has gone before Zo I feel like he gets some hefty expectations. I’m most proud of the “it” factor. He will be successful I can’t wait to watch him take off. his progress in the classroom.
ANTHONY NOAH 3 DINUNZIO 4 NEWLON Junior Height: 5-11 Senior Height: 6-3 Guard Weight: Guard Weight:
Coach Kwasniak says: A hard working neighborhood kid who can shoot. Anthony is Coach Kwasniak says: Noah hit some enormous shots for us in last year’s state another exemplary student who embodies our program (consistently a first honor tournament. He has come along way since starting for our freshman team 4 years ago. student). We will need our junior class to emerge as leaders if we are to make another Noah is as fundamentally sound as anyone I’ve ever coached at VASJ and consistently deep tournament run. a first honor student. Those are great things for our underclassman to emulate.
WILLIAM TERRANCE 5 BUTLER 10 LAWLER Senior Height: 6-1 Senior Height: 5-10 Guard / Forward Weight: Guard Weight:
Coach Kwasniak says: Will is a versatile player, we will utilize him at all 5 positions at Coach Kwasniak says: Terrance is a rugged defender that will be able to provide some point this year. I love coaching CYO kids like Will (Our Lady of the Lake). Will is needed leadership to our young guys. Like Butler and McGarry, Terrance grew up arguably our most skilled player, his ball skills and IQ will be invaluable for us this year. 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 - December 2, 2016
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 DANNY 11 CARSON 12 McGARRY Junior Height: 5-8 Senior Height: 6-4 Guard Weight: CAPTAIN Forward Weight:
Coach Kwasniak says: Ollie is not going to pass the “airport test” in terms of looking like Coach Kwasniak says: Danny surreptitiously had a break out year last season. He a great player. However the “ intangibles” he brings is what our program values. Being might not be our best guy in any one category, but he might be our best all around player a good teammate, heart, the desire to be part of something—all things that we see that and our motor. Danny plays the game with a fire and passion---the way the game can’t be measured like height and weight. Ollie is also honor roll student. 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.
ANDRE JERRY 14 GEORGE 15 HIGGINS Senior Height: 5-9 Junior Height: 5-9 CAPTAIN Guard Weight: CAPTAIN Guard Weight:
Coach Kwasniak says: “Dre” was voted a captain by his peers, a great tribute if you Coach Kwasniak says: The “Waterbug” has really improved his skill set, I’m excited for know how quiet of a kid he is. He leads by example and gets it done in the classroom him to display how much better I think he has made himself. In our district finals he and on the floor. Andre could be as good of an on the ball defender as there is in the made an acrobatic shot to beat Beachwood at the buzzer last year, a play that will be city. That element will be crucial to our success. As a freshman Coach Newlon told me forever remembered in VASJ history. Like all the great ones Gene wanted the ball in his this young man was going to help us, wow was he ever accurate. 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 student- athlete. STEFAN JORDAN 21 WEEMS 22 CALHOUN Junior Height: 5-8 Sophomore Height: 6-0 Guard Weight: Guard Weight:
Coach Kwasniak says: Stef has a solid season our our JV squad last year. He’s a quick Jordan is getting his first crack at varsity as a sophomore, not easy to do at the Viking guard that can give us some stability. Another quality student, Stef was on the honor roll Village. He is uber-talented and needs to learn how to control the tempo of a game. We this past quarter. On good teams every kid not only knows but embraces his role, we are expecting big things from him. need Stef to do just that. Villa Angela -St Joseph
2016 - 2017 Basketball Game Notes - December 2, 2016
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
JHALEN GRAHAM 23 HILL 35 KOPPELMAN Senior Height: 6-3 Sophomore Height: 6-3 Center Weight: Forward Weight:
Coach Kwasniak says: Jhalen has worked his way into our rotation by giving us some Coach Kwasniak says: Graham is a cerebral kid, I jokingly call him the “Hamster” beef on the interior. He loves contact and give us a physicality we desperately need. He because the wheel is always turning. Graham has been on the honor roll every quarter will be a key as we try to replace Jacob Stauffer who took an astounding 28 charges a since being at VASJ. He played varsity as a freshman, another honor that we don’t take year ago. lightly around here. We need him to knock down shots and to continue to develop as a player.
COLLIN M 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.