The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Mentor looks to stay perfect
Chicone is nominated for McDonald’s All-America game
The race to Bob Krizancic’s first undefeated regular season as a head coach is a tall order in the literal sense.
First, the Mentor boys basketball team (17-0) must defeat visiting Youngstown Chaney, a regional team last season, on Feb. 19. A day later, the Cardinals welcome St. Ignatius in what is setting up to be their most difficult challenge all season.
Krizancic agrees his team — ranked No. 1 in the final Associated Press Division I state poll — finishing the regular season undefeated will be difficult.
The Wildcats (14-4 and ranked No. 8 in the D-I state poll) are on a ninegame winning streak, and bring a contrasting lineup and style of play.
“Contrasting styles for sure,” said Krizancic.
St. Ignatius’ captains are 6-foot-7 Henry Raynor, who’s averaging 16.8 points and 8.8 rebounds, and 6-6 Will Yontek, who scored 19 points in his team’s last win against state-ranked Rossford of D-II.
There’s also plenty of size off the bench for Coach Cam Joyce’s team, which likes to slow the pace and keep the score in the 40s and 50s.
“We can’t score say 42 points and win,” said Krizancic. “Any game we play, our guards have play to well and play to our tempo. We want to be in the 70s and 80s. That bodes well for us.
“But Ignatius likes to pack it in and use their height. It will be tough to get inside against them if we don’t run.”
That tempo starts with the Cardinals’ strong guard trio of Luke Chicone, Jonah Waag and Steven Key.
Chicone, a senior point guard, is averaging 23.9 points, 7.9 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 3.9 steals. On Feb. 18, he was honored as a Midwest nominee for the McDonald’s High School All-America boys game.
Also on the list is Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary senior Malaki Branham. Chicone and Branham, who will play at Ohio State, are likely top candidates for the state’s AP Mr. Basketball Award.
The competition for Mr. Basketball and the McDonald’s game are for a later date. What’s on the minds of Krizancic, Chicone and Co. is navigating through a tough weekend of games that’s only more difficult with a starter now out.
Forward Ian Kipp, who’s started all 17 games this season, injured his foot in a win against Euclid on Feb. 17. Krizancic said he wasn’t sure what part of Kipp’s foot was injured or the extent of it. He was undergoing tests Feb. 18.
What he does know is the likes of Andrew Smith and Sean Collins will need to step up, especially against Ignatius. Each player is 6-5, which should help against the Wildcats’ size. Krizancic also said forward Kyle Culler is nearly 100 percent recovered from an injury suffered earlier this season. However, not having Kipp this weekend will be a factor.
“He’s big, he’s strong,” said Krizancic, who added Kipp was able to put pressure on the foot after the Euclid game. “He can guard big guys, and he’s very active. His quickness helps get our break going. Depth-wise, he’s very important.”