3's a charm as Cardinals top St Mary's Ryken 63-49

Coach Neil Berkman during a timeout in Cardinals 63-49 win over St Mary's Ryken.

Nine three-point baskets provided more offense than the visiting Knights could handle as Bishop Ireton won their second straight WCAC matchup Tuesday in Alexandria 63-49.

“We moved the ball very well, played our offense the way we’ve practiced it.” according to the Cardinals head coach, Neil Berkman. The win improved the Cardinals to 14-10 on the year, 5-9 in the WCAC, while Ryken fell to 9-15, 1-14 in league play.

The Knights came out strong with Stan Kaya hitting the first 6 of his game-high 17 points for the visitors who held an 18-14 advantage after one period of action. The home squad took charge in the second stanza however, outscoring the Maryland team 17-8 behind balanced Ireton scoring and a pair of threes from junior Ty Quarles to lead at intermission 31-26.

Ireton would continue on a torrid pace, scoring another 17 points in third period and extending their margin to 48-36 entering the last period of play. They would substitute liberally in the game’s final minutes and cruise home to the win.

Cardinals again had multiple players in double figures, led by Louie Khouri’s 16. Junior Patrick Moseh had 14, classmate Dan Noe added 13. Ty Quarles scored 8, Wynn Miller had 5, Dav’pn Wiley 3, Taylor McHugh a pair, along with Khyree Robinson. Kaya led all scorers with 17, Donte Etheridge 11, and Jordan Oakley contributed 8 for the Knights.

Cardinals look to their final 2 home games against perennial powerhouses DeMatha Friday, Gonzaga on Sunday, then end the regular season on the road at Bishop McNamara Tuesday and Bishop O’Connell on Friday. A home first round game appears likely for the Cardinals, who are wrestling Good Counsel for the 7th seed in the postseason event. Ireton, currently ranked 7th in the VISAA polls, eyes a state playoff berth as well.