Boys’ Basketball Defeats Cleveland Heights in Championship Game of Cactus Jam, 65-63

The Central Catholic boys’ basketball team claimed a 65-63 nail-biting victory against Cleveland Heights on Friday in the championship game at the Cactus Jam Tournament in Phoenix. With the neutral-site win at Sunnyslope High School, CCHS improves to 6-1 on the season.

The Fighting Irish took control of today’s matchup by outscoring the Tigers 19-12 in the 2nd quarter to help them stretch their winning streak to 6-straight games.

Junior Isaiah Brenneman paced a balanced Central Catholic attack with a season-high 17 points.

Senior Ty’Waun Clark added 13 points in the 1-possession game, followed closely by sophomore Makhi Leach and senior Michael Greenlee Jr. with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Shemarion Hardy led Cleveland Heights (6-3) with a game-high 20 points, while Rondelle Pollard had 16.

Central Catholic will return to the hardwood against conference foe Fremont Ross on Tuesday, Jan. 3. The opening tip vs. the Little Giants is scheduled for 7:30 pm in “The Purple Pit.”