UPDATE: St. Ignatius faced a tough challenge during their recent trip to California but emerged with renewed strength, defeating rival St. Edward 71-67 on January 3, 2026. This victory marks a significant moment for new head coach Tom Parker, who secured his first win in this intense rivalry.
The Wildcats, who suffered two losses at the hands of powerhouse teams including JSerra Catholic and Francis Parker, used their time in California as a vital learning experience. During a nail-biting game against JSerra, former coach Cam Joyce, now at Loyola High School, was present, offering support and insight to his former players.
“It was great to see him,” Parker commented about Joyce. “He talked to the kids, so that was great.” Despite the losses, sophomore guard Denahi Melton emphasized the benefits of the physical competition faced in San Diego. “It made us stronger,” he stated.
Before heading to California, St. Ignatius had an impressive start to the season, including a significant win against Olentangy Orange. However, their California experience presented unexpected challenges. Senior guard Alex Mack noted that the games could have gone either way. “Our third game, we fell apart a little bit,” he admitted.
Facing adversity, the Wildcats had a choice to make: accept defeat or learn and grow. Senior forward R.J. Jones described the trip as a wake-up call, stating, “We didn’t know it was going to be for real. It really woke us up.”
Parker observed growth from his players, noting that spending time together and playing under pressure helped them understand their strengths and weaknesses. “Sometimes, you can win and think that your bad habits work,” he explained, emphasizing how the experience was critical for their development.
After returning home, St. Ignatius aimed to build on their California lessons. “San Diego made us stronger,” Melton reiterated, highlighting the emotional and physical toll of the competition.
As the Wildcats look ahead, they are determined to carry this newfound resilience into the rest of their season. With the rivalry win under their belts, St. Ignatius is poised to tackle the remaining challenges ahead with renewed focus and determination.
What’s next for the Wildcats? Fans can expect a thrilling continuation of the season as St. Ignatius seeks to capitalize on their hard-earned lessons from California. Stay tuned for updates on their journey!
