GIRARD, Ohio (WKBN) – Girard opened last season with a 6-2 start by topping the likes of Ursuline, South Range and Warren JFK. Prior to Christmas, the Indians had won five games by single-digits. After the first of the year, Girard dropped three of the five games that were decided by 10-points or less. Girard came up short in four of their last six games including their playoff contest with Canton South (45-33).
Coach Craig Hannon returns seven letter winners this year. The senior class features Thomas Cardiero (16.1 ppg, 8.2 rpg), Jordan Johnson, Gus Johnson (12.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg), Mike Palmer (7.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.9 apg), Bobby Alejars (4.6 ppg) and Ryan Fitzgerald (3.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg). Sophomore Stephen Sims also lettered as a freshman.
Cardiero is a four-year starter, “He leads us in most categories and is closing in on his 1,000th point for his career,” adds Hannon.
Girard will also feature Chris Cardiero, Isaiah Martindale and Noah Edwards.
Hannon says, “I hope we can compete as hard as we possibly can, in a very tough league. We have a group of older players that have experience. Our group of seven seniors will lead the way. They have played a ton of minutes and are a great group of kids who are very easy to coach.”
The Indians tip off at Ursuline on December 2.
Girard Indians
Fast Facts
Head Coach: Craig Hannon
2021-22 Record: 12-10 (8-6), 4th place in Northeast 8
2021-22 Post-Season Finish: Lost to Canton South (45-33) in Sectional Semifinal
Last 5-Years: 49-61 (44.5%)
2021-22 Team Stats
Scoring Offense: 50.6
Scoring Defense: 52.1
2021-22 Individual Leaders
Scoring: Thomas Cardiero, 16.1
Rebounding: Thomas Cardiero, 8.2
Assists: Michael Palmer, 3.9
Steals: Gus Johnson & Thomas Cardiero, 1.5
Free Throw Percentage: Thomas Cardiero, 80.8%
Three-Point Percentage: Thomas Cardiero, 26%
2022-23 Schedule
Dec. 2 – at Ursuline
Dec. 6 – Campbell Memorial
Dec. 9 – Niles
Dec. 10 – vs. Cardinal Mooney (at United Way Clasic)
Dec. 13 – Struthers
Dec. 16 – at South Range
Dec. 20 – Lakeview
Dec. 23 – LaBrae
Dec. 27 – at McDonald
Jan. 3 – Salem
Jan. 6 – Jefferson
Jan. 10 – at Hubbard
Jan. 13 – Poland
Jan. 17 – at Niles
Jan. 20 – at Struthers
Jan. 24 – South Range
Jan. 27 – at Lakeview
Jan. 31 – at Jefferson
Feb. 3 – Hubbard
Feb. 7 – at Poland
Feb. 10 – at West Branch
Feb. 14 – at Springfield
