UPDATE: St. Ignatius High School’s basketball team faced a challenging trip to California, but they have returned with renewed determination after a thrilling victory against rival St. Edward. The Wildcats had a rocky start, battling against tough teams and suffering heartbreaking losses, but they emerged stronger, clinching a 71-67 win on January 3, 2026, in Cleveland.
The Wildcats, who entered this season ranked third in the cleveland.com boys basketball Top 25, faced formidable opponents during their trip, including holiday tournament champion JSerra Catholic. In a nail-biting finish, St. Ignatius narrowly lost by just one point. Former coach Cam Joyce, now at Loyola High School in Los Angeles, watched the game and offered his insights to the team. New head coach Tom Parker humorously questioned Joyce, asking, “Cam, why didn’t you give me a little tip or something?”
The California trip served as a crucial learning experience for the Wildcats, who also faced tough competition from Francis Parker and De La Salle. They returned to Ohio with lessons learned from the physicality and skill of California’s basketball scene. “San Diego made us stronger,” said sophomore guard Denahi Melton, emphasizing the impact of the tough competition.
After a series of ups and downs, senior guard Alex Mack reflected on the team’s resilience. “Our third game, we fell apart a little bit, and we had a decision to make,” he noted. The players recognized they faced serious competition but ultimately chose to shake off the losses and prepare for their rivalry match against St. Edward.
The Wildcats showed their grit and determination as they returned home, defeating St. Edward, who entered the match with an unbeaten record. This victory marked Parker’s first win in the storied rivalry, demonstrating his ability to motivate the team.
Parker commented on the growth he witnessed in his players throughout the trip. “It helped us get an understanding of who we are,” he said. The experience of playing with a shot clock and against high-caliber opponents exposed weaknesses that the Wildcats plan to address moving forward.
As the team gears up for the rest of the season, they are focused on harnessing the lessons learned during their California trip. With the emotional impact of the competition behind them, St. Ignatius aims to build on their recent victory and continue their climb in the rankings.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Wildcats prepare for upcoming challenges in their season!
