SPRINGFIELD, MO -- The Irish headed into the 77th Blue & Gold after a five game losing streak and drew the #1 seed Bolivar to open the tournament. The Irish dropped the opening game but played tough in the contest, holding Northern Iowa signee Kyle Pock to 16 points in the game. The Irish moved to the back side of the 16-team bracket and won their second contest against Skyline 56-27. In the third matchup Catholic drew Mountain Grove, a team they beat in the opening game of the season. The Irish maintained their defensive pressure and took down the Panthers for the second time, 38-37.

The Consolation matchup would pit the Catholic boys against Spokane, a team the Irish had not faced since the 16/17 season. The Irish took the lead in the first quarter and would not relinquish it the rest of the game. The defensive efforts once again were the X-factor holding the Owls to only 26 points. Catholic's defense also conatained Spokane's 6'8" center, who poured in 28 points in the game prior vs Buffalo. The defense gave up on 30 points per-game throughout the tournament. 

The Irish move to 4-6 on the season and will enjoy a break before starting up Big 8 play at Marshfield on January 3rd.  

Blue & Gold Finishes
2022: Consolation
2021: 2nd Place
2020: 3rd Place
2019: Consolation
2018: Champions
2017: DNP