The Canton South Wildcats girls basketball team is headed to the Elite Eight for just the second time in school history, capping off a remarkable turnaround season under first-year head coach Walt Cerrato. The Wildcats will face Norwayne on Friday in the regional championship with a trip to the Final Four on the line.
Despite a rollercoaster regular season that included a six-game winning streak but later losing the final three games, the Wildcats have displayed resilience and determination in their postseason run. Cerrato, in his third year at Canton South overall, credited the team’s ability to withstand adversity and step up in high-pressure moments.
“This group has faced its fair share of ups and downs, but their belief in themselves and their willingness to work through challenges has made all the difference,” Cerrato said. “We knew we had the potential to be playing our best basketball by February, and that’s exactly what happened.”
The Wildcats faced challenges throughout the season, including losing their final three regular-season games. Before the late-season struggles, they had put together a six-game winning streak, showcasing their ability to compete at a high level. The team is led by a senior twin sisters Doriana Hastings-Peterson and Summer Hastings-Peterson, who set the tone for the program, along with standout junior Anaya Hall and juniors Peyton McKenzie, Ava Nolen, and Madison Gordon, who provide size and versatility.
Throughout the season, the Wildcats found themselves in multiple close games, including a one-point loss to Northwest in their second matchup after falling by 15 points in the first meeting. Those experiences, Cerrato believes, helped prepare the team for the intensity of tournament play.
“We put a big emphasis on high-pressure moments in practice,” he said. “The only way to get comfortable in those situations is to experience them over and over again, and our team has done just that.”
While the seniors have provided leadership, the Wildcats have also benefited from the emergence of younger players. Hall has been a steady force on both ends of the floor, providing key defensive stops and timely scoring. Junior Brayla Torrence and sophomore Ainsley Horning, and others have also played pivotal roles in the team’s success, adding depth to the roster.
Canton South now turns its focus to Norwayne, which holds a 23-3 record on the season, a tough opponent in the regional championship. Cerrato acknowledges the challenge ahead but remains confident in his team’s preparation and mindset.
“We know Norwayne is a great team, and we have a lot of respect for them,” Cerrato said. “But at this point, it’s about trusting the game plan and making the most of the moment. We’ve come too far to back down now.”
Regardless of the outcome on Friday, the Wildcats have already made history and captured the hearts of their community. Cerrato expressed immense pride in his players and the journey they’ve taken together.
“This past week has been a whirlwind, but it’s been incredible to see the support from the school and community,” he said. “I’m just so proud of these girls for how they’ve battled through everything. Hopefully, we have a few more days left in us.”
Friday’s game will be played at Elyria Catholic Coliseum against Norwayne at 7 p.m.
