By BEN ODDIS
Beakon Sports Writer
YOUNGSTOWN — As the fall season winds down, the Cardinal Mooney girls basketball team is gearing up for the start of the 2024 campaign, led by senior captains Samantha Rotunno and Ta’Lecia Huff.
Rotunno, the team’s leading returning scorer, averaged 9.4 points per game last season, shooting 32% from the field. Huff contributed across the board, posting averages of 5.2 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. Together, the duo hopes to guide the Cardinals to a strong season.
The team faces the challenge of replacing forward Sophia Diorio, who graduated last spring. Diorio was a standout player, leading Mooney in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks per game last season with averages of 15.1, 7.5, and 7.0 steals, respectively.
Rotunno reflected on her journey at Cardinal Mooney and the impact basketball has had on her. “I’ve made a lot of relationships through basketball and grown personally throughout the years,” she said. As the team prepares for the new season, she emphasized the importance of discipline, structure, and teamwork in achieving their goals.
The Cardinals open their season this Saturday with a road game against Jackson-Milton, aiming to build momentum and work toward a playoff run.
