BEAKON STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN – Last week at Cardinal Mooney, the boys basketball team celebrated a 47-39 victory and a season sweep over in-conference rival Chaney. This win held more significance than others, however, as it was also head coach Carey Palermo’s 100th victory. Palermo, who has been with the team since 2016, adds this victory to an already long list of accolades.
Since 2021 his Cardinals have earned three trips to the district championship game and won back-to-back district titles in 2021 and 2022. However, 100 is a little more special to him because it signifies the commitment from the players, coaches, and administration.
“100 means that I was blessed to coach really talented, smart, and tough players. I am grateful for their commitment to the program and their love to wear Cardinal Mooney on their jersey.” said Palermo “It means the school and the administration has stuck by my staff and myself, as well as supporting our vision for our program. We have unbelievable support. I am forever grateful to Coach Bucci, Mr. Landers, and Mr. Vollmer for taking a chance on me eight years ago.”
This year’s version of the Cardinals are sitting confidently at 16-5 and look poised to make a run at their fourth straight district title appearance, and third banner in four years. Since Palermo has taken over, the Cardinals have seemingly improved every year and this edition of his squad may be the toughest to date.
Senior Will Desmond reflected on what it has meant to play for Palermo the last four years and the impact he has had on his players.
“He’s tough on us but it makes us better every day“ said Desmond “We all know how much time and effort he invests in us and it makes it easy to want to play and win for him. I think the program is in a better place than it was when I joined and it’ll probably keep going in that direction.“
The Cards have found success by striving to be a little better every time they step on the court. That belief instilled in the team is what made every victory from 1 to 100 feel special. Palermo had this to say about the possibility of his next 100 wins.
“I can’t really tell you what the next 100 will look like, but hopefully we will be the tougher team every night we play.“
Coach Palermo has found a lot of success in a short time at Mooney. Under his coaching, the Cardinals are in the middle of what looks like a historic run for the program. The heights the boys’ basketball team have reached in recent years would not be possible without his dedication and care for the team.