Madonna boys cap the week winners of three-straight

Blue Dons defense leads way to big win on day Madonna remembers Al Boniti

WEIRTON -- The Madonna boys basketball delivered another strong defensive performance and came away with another big win.

Madonna limited Doddridge County to just nine points in the first half, and the Blue Dons ran away from the Bulldogs en route to a 70-38 win in the second game of a girls and boys doubleheader Saturday afternoon inside the Dube Dome

“It was a good team win,” Madonna (8-5) head coach George Vargo said. “I am happy. All nine players played. They got a chance to score. It was a fun game. It was a good way to end the week. We have won three in a row.”

The Blue Dons built a 34-9 lead at halftime.

“We played well on defense,” Vargo said. “We have been working on our defense. I hope it pays off in the second half of the season. We have a tough stretch upcoming with Oak Glen, Weir and Cameron. That is the heart of our season. Hopefully, we can play well in those three games, and hopefully we can make a run in the second season.”

Madonna held Catholic Central to 12 points in the first en route to a 63-34 victory Friday night inside the Mickey Barber Gymnasium.

“That was a real good night as well,” Vargo said. “It was good to get wins on Friday and Saturday. It feels good.

“When I say it was a team win, it was a team win. Everyone played hard. Everyone contributed.”

The Blue Dons led 13-4 at the end of the first quarter, and the hosts extended their advantage to 25 points at halftime.

Madonna led 55-22 entering the fourth.

“They are a young team,” Vargo said about the Bulldogs (3-7). “They have a young coach. He has enthusiasm. They are young. In two years, they are going to be having some paybacks.”

Santino Arlia tallied a team-high 15 points to lead the way offensively for Madonna, while Matt Amaismeier collected 12.

Isaac Enzell ended up with nine points to lead Doddridge County.

“I really appreciate Doddridge County making the trip here,” Vargo said.

“We are looking forward to making the return trip next year. They are a new team on our schedule. We started a new friendship today. Hopefully, this continues every year.”

Madonna is scheduled to play Hancock County rival Oak Glen Tuesday night at home. The JV game will start at 6 p.m.

Doddridge County is slated to play Calhoun County Thursday night at home.

During the day, Madonna held a ceremony in honor of Al Boniti, who died Sept. 3 at age 69.

“It was a very nice ceremony,” Vargo said. “His sister was here, his wife was here, his sister-in-law was here. Coach (Phil) Rujak did a great job. It was a special afternoon. He was a great friend to Madonna.”

Vargo knew Boniti since they were young.

“Bo was my buddy,” Vargo said. “He was the principal at St Joseph’s. He was responsible for getting the Dube Dome built.

“He lived next door. We went to St. Pauls together and then to Madonna together. We then worked together in our professional lives. I am sad he is not around anymore, but I am glad Bo was able to get the recognition he deserves.

“It was nice to have all of his family together. It was heartwarming. It was a nice 10 minutes. It was emotional. His family was all there. Everything really was heartwarming.”

The Bulldogs won the girls game.

Madonna 70, Doddridge County 38

Doddridge County 4 5 13 16 – 38

Madonna 13 21 21 15 – 70

DODDRIDGE COUNTY (3-7): Hileman 2 0-0 4, Richards 0 2-2 2, Racye 2 0-0 6, Ezell 4 0-1 9, Dehaven 1 0-0 2, Stewart 2 3-4 8, Swentzel 2 0-0 4, Cross 1 1-1 3. TOTALS: 14 5-8 38.

MADONNA (8-5): L. Amaismeier 3 0-0 6, Mascio 3 0-0 8, Serafine 0 0-0 0, DoBroska 1 1-2 3, Pietranton 3 0-0 7, Arlia 6 1-2 15, Dietrich 3 1-1 7, Muzzi 3 0-0 6, M. Amaismeier 4 2-3 12, Bone 2 2-2 6. TOTALS: 28 8-10 70.

3-POINTERS: Doddridge County 4 (Racey 2, Ezell, Stewart); Madonna 6 (Arlia 2, M. Amaismeier 2, Mascio, Pietranton)