2026 St. Xavier vs Guerin Catholic

In last year’s Ohio Valley Hoops Classic, Coach Ryan Fleming’s St. Xavier Bombers defeated Brebeuf Jesuit 64-56 in a thrilling overtime game.  This year the Bombers get another team from the Circle City Conference; the Guerin Catholic Golden Eagles.  It has the makings of another classic contest.

The Bombers finished 17-7 last season, including 4-2 in the tough GCL.  St. X graduated five players who played significant minutes.  But, the cupboard isn’t exactly bare.  Leading scorer Liam McGeady returns.  The 6’5” senior averaged 12.1 ppg a year ago.  He has committed to Mercer University as a baseball pitcher.   Sophomore Cam Schaefer is highly regarded, and like McGeady, is a standout baseball player.  Schaefer had 12 points against Brebeuf in last year’s OVHC game.   Juniors George Kinney and Aiden Graham were also in the rotation last year.

This year’s St. Xavier team will not be as tall, but they may fit their head coach’s personality a little better as the Bombers will rely more on pressure defense and an up-tempo offense.   One thing is for certain; they will compete!!

Coach Sam Gardner’s Guerin Catholic Golden Eagles return plenty of weapons from last season’s 21-6 team.   In fact the top three scorers all return.  6’3” senior Jake Grissom poured in 20.5 ppg last season while being named to the prestigious Indiana Jr. All-star team.  Carter Murans, a 6’8” senior, averaged 12.1 a game.  His height and shooting ability make him a college prospect.   Fellow senior Hayden Rogers averaged 8.1 points per game last season.  According to Coach Gardner, 6’8” senior Alex wall, 6’4” sophomore Luke Keller, and 6’10” sophomore Alex Countryman all have college potential at some level.

This could be one of the better games in this year’s event.  Guerin Catholic will have a decided height advantage, and the Golden Eagles have a good mix of experience and youth.  St. X will counter with the pressure defense and aggressive offensive pressure also.   Both teams are well-coached and both teams are accustomed to winning!  It should be a great game!

Guerin Catholic is making its initial appearance in the Ohio Valley Hoops Classic.  They are also the only Indiana representative.  St. X is 4-1 all-time in the OVHC.