The Irish are back for more this season, returning seven seniors, including four who averaged eight or more points per game — Sabien Doolittle, Trey Dunn, Mykah Eichie and Peyton Harris.
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“They’re definitely excited,” Irish coach Cody Sarensen said. “At the same time, it’s kind of hard to imagine how quick the season is going to go by for them. I know they’ve worked extremely hard for the past few years and they’re going to bring it every single night. That’s something I’ve never had to doubt, their effort, their attitude.”
Last year’s experience will help the Irish make a push to do it all over again this season.
“It was definitely fun and something we said at the beginning of this season is that we have to remember what got us to that point,” Sarensen said. “Obviously, our team is a little different than it was a year ago. It’s going to be a learning curve with obstacles and challenges along the way. We just take it one game at a time and see what happens.”
The Irish graduated two of its main post players in Jacob Woeber and Dominic DeWitt. One of the challenges of the early season has been figuring how to replicate its post play, while also still working the ball outside, Sarensen said.
“We’re learning and trying to figure it out,” he said. “This year, some guys may have to play different roles. Every year has been different. It’s just trying to work out the kinks and maximize that role for that individual as best as we can and we’ll see what happens.”
Doolittle averaged 14.0 points per game last season, earning All-Ohio D-IV honorable mention. Dunn also earned Southwest District third-team honors. He also hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to send a D-IV sectional final game against Legacy Christian in overtime, a game the Irish won to advance to the districts. Eichie and Harris also played key roles for the Irish, hitting big shots throughout the season.
“The biggest thing for all of our guys is really being able to think the game through,” Sarensen said. “They all know they have areas where they can improve.”
The schedule will also bring challenges, he said. Catholic Central play rivalry games with both Kenton Ridge and Shawnee in the nonconference slate, as well as Troy Christian.
The OHC South Division will also be tough, Sarensen said, especially considering the differing styles played across the league.
“Every night is different,” he said. “That’s what I love about the OHC. Regardless of your talent level, each team is going to bring it every night.”
Sarenson is entering his third year as head coach. He was named Southwest District Coach of the Year last season for the 23-4 Irish, who finished the season ranked No. 10 in the final D-IV Associated Press state poll.
“These kids have worked extremely hard,” Sarensen said. “Hopefully we can continue to go out there and make the Catholic Central community proud.”
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