Prep Boys Hoops Insider: Catholic Central starts with defense

Irish coach says squad has versatility to mix zone schemes into their basic man-to-man.

SPRINGFIELD — Bringing back five starters and eight letterwinners from last season is a great place to start for any basketball team.

And that’s where the Catholic Central High School boys basketball team finds itself one game into December. The Fighting Irish beat Kenton Ridge 52-36 in the season opener on Friday.

A win to start the season is big. It’s also a big sigh of relief to a team that got a late start with the success and extended seasons of the soccer and football teams in the fall.

“We’re still trying to fly under the radar a little bit,” Catholic Central head coach Dan Shay said, “but there’s going to be a target there.

“Some people have talked to me that we should be very good,” he continued, “but we’re not good yet. We’re not there yet. We’re getting there and we’re seeing a day-by-day improvement.”

Shay was pleased with the team’s defense on Friday. If the Irish can hold all their opponents to 40 points or less, it’s going to be a great year.

“A year’s worth of maturity is a big deal for us. If we can be consistent on the defensive end, then it’s going to carry over to the offensive end,” Shay said.

Shay’s teams have mostly played a man-to-man since he was hired as the head coach. He said this team is a little different in that he can mix different zone defenses to complement the man-to-man scheme.

“We have to find the right mix of guys on defense, and what’s going to work for us,” Shay said. “We can call out different defenses at different times, and the kids seem to like the switching of defensive schemes. ... It’s keeping (opponents) on their heels. We keep attacking the basket and we’re getting some easy layups off turnovers.”

When the Irish have the ball they have a similar, aggressive attitude. They are best when driving to the basket, Shay said.

“Everybody understands that we’re not going to settle for a jump shot,” he said. “We’re going to attack.”

As he did much of last season, Hayden Hagerman led the team with 23 points on Friday.

The Irish began the season without Brian Kelly, a starter since his freshman year. He’s out with a lingering football injury, but should return soon.

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