Cardinal O’Hara Welcomes Three New Hoopsters

Cardinal O’Hara basketball will officially welcome three new players into the program when school starts Tuesday. Senior Haakim Siner (6’4″) and junior Avion Harris (6’2″) from recently closed Niagara Catholic high school and Ryan Kelly, a 6 foot 6-inch-tall sophomore from St. Joe’s have transferred into the Catholic School.

Last season the Hawks finished up with a 14-11 overall record and claimed the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association B Division title. It was Niagara Catholic that ended O’Hara’s season in the state semi-finals (73-65). The Hawks split with the Patriots during the regular season.

“Bringing in experienced players is priceless,” Hawks head coach Tony Pulvirenti said via text message. “Especially ones who have been successful.”

O’Hara has two starters returning in seniors Justin Hemphill and Jermaine Haynes. Hemphill was the 2017 Monsignor Martin POY in Class B, averaging 20.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game. Haynes meanwhile averaged 15 points per game.

Kelly did not play basketball last season at St. Joe’s. While Siner and Harris saw plenty of action on varsity averaging 14 and seven points respectively.

The three new players had been working out with O’Hara during the summer months.

Jaedin Cottman and Brandon Broadnax who started for the Hawks last season also return.