Central Catholic Boys Basketball Wins District, Ready for What's Next

Crusaders claim fourth consecutive district title, advance to regional semifinal

Mar. 8, 2026 at 10:20am

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The Central Catholic boys basketball team continued its winning ways in district championship games, defeating Manchester 56-43 to claim their fourth consecutive district title. Led by seniors Jake Bowling and Tyler Cook, as well as junior Will Minor, the Crusaders now advance to the regional semifinal against Chagrin Falls.

Why it matters

Central Catholic's success in the district tournament highlights the program's consistent excellence, having now won seven district titles in 13 years under coach Matt Creamer. The Crusaders' ability to thrive despite a brutal regular-season schedule demonstrates their competitiveness and preparation for the postseason.

The details

In the district final, Bowling scored 23 points, including 11 in the second quarter, to help Central Catholic build a 30-22 halftime lead. Cook added 12 points, and Minor contributed 11 points and strong rebounding. The Crusaders led 36-29 after three quarters and extended their advantage in the fourth to secure the victory.

  • The district final was played on March 7, 2026.
  • Central Catholic will face Chagrin Falls in the regional semifinal on March 11, 2026.

The players

Jake Bowling

A 5-foot-10 senior who led Central Catholic with 23 points, including five 3-pointers.

Tyler Cook

A 6-foot-3 senior who scored 12 points for the Crusaders.

Will Minor

A 6-foot-8 junior who contributed 11 points and strong rebounding for Central Catholic.

Matt Creamer

The head coach of Central Catholic, who has led the program to seven district titles in his 13 years with the team.

Josiah Morgan

A Manchester player who scored 11 points in the district final.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like it really came down to open shots. We knocked down open shots and our zone kind of forced them to take tough shots. So, when we're taking easier shots, we are going to come out on top.”

— Jake Bowling, Senior

“It's just awesome. It's truly a great experience, but I feel like all we do in the [regular] season gets us ready for these games so we can come out and we're able to perform in these big games and come out on top.”

— Will Minor, Junior

“We play good team basketball. We've all learned how to play together and I think we're just getting hot at the right time. So, we're looking to keep it going.”

— Will Minor, Junior

What’s next

The Crusaders will face Chagrin Falls in the regional semifinal on March 11, 2026 at the Canton Memorial Field House.

The takeaway

Central Catholic's consistent success in the district tournament, despite a challenging regular-season schedule, demonstrates the program's competitiveness and ability to perform at a high level when it matters most. The Crusaders' team-oriented approach and players stepping up at the right time have them poised for a deep postseason run.