Pacelli defeats Pittsville, raises funds for tornado relief

By Craig Marx

Behind a stellar performance in the paint for Pacelli, creating offensive rebounds and put-back shots with 6’ 5” freshman Jaydon Awe leading the way, the Cardinals secured a Central Wisconsin South conference win in a 71-51 defeat of the Pittsville Panthers.

“Coach [John Schurk] puts a lot of emphasis on offensive rebounds,” Awe told the Metro Wire after the game. “Anything I can do to help set up three-pointers or help my teammates is what I’m trying to do with my size…playing inside out.”

The Cardinals came alive in the second half, having trailed 31-30 at the half.

With an impressive outside shooting clinic from sophomores Asher Jordan and Logan Mayer, coupled with Awe’s inside dominance, the Cardinals pulled away quickly in the second half.

Down by a point at halftime, Pacelli pulled away from Pittsville 43-35 with 12:30 left on the clock. With the aid of successful free throw shooting all around and a Brycen Cashin three-pointer, the Cardinals were in the driver’s seat with a 61-44 lead at the five-minute remaining mark.

The junior varsity team also won earlier in the evening, 60-45.

Cardinals fans also helped raise money for the victims of a rare December tornado system that ripped through Kentucky on Dec.10. A total of $550 was raised using proceeds from ticket sales and a 50/50 raffle.

Next, the SPASH girls basketball team will hit the court against Merrill at 7:15 p.m. at Stevens Point Area Senior High on Friday.