2026 Basketball interview with Mandy Cardinal from James A. Garfield High School


 

Name: Mandy Cardinal

School/town: James A. Garfield High School, Garrettsville, OH

Positions played: point guard, small forward, shooting guard

Class senior, 2026

Height and Weight: 6'0 & 150 lbs

Jersey Number: 10

Awards won or earned:

Basketball: 4-year letter winner, 1st team all MVAC (4 years), 2nd Team NEO Inland District (Jr), All OH HM (Jr), Division 5 District 3 Player of the Year (Sr)

Volleyball: 4-year letter winner, 1st team all MVAC (3 years), 2023 Division 3 Player of the Year, 2023 Division 3 1st team, 2025 Division 5 Player of the Year, 2025 Division 5 1st team,

Track: 4-year letter winner, 1st team all MVAC 400 (fr), 1st all MVAC 4x4 (fr)

HUDL LINK: https://www.hudl.com/recruiting/sharing/257726

Other sports played: volleyball, track, AAU

Please post something from last season that sticks out to you. It can be from a game, practice, or something funny on the bus ride to or from the game. Any moment that sticks out to you.

Something that stuck out to me from my senior year was how encouraging my teammates were of one another. We always made sure to have each other's backs and celebrate our successes. Some of my favorite things to watch on film are our reactions when someone accomplishes something.

Who or what got you started playing basketball?

I got signed up for a lot of sports through the YMCA when I was younger, and basketball really stuck out to me. I remember being in 3rd grade and playing on the 6th grade team and absolutely loving it. My parents are to thank as well as my family for supporting me through it all.

What were your goals for the season, along with how close have you come to achieving them?

One of my goals was to break the single-game 3-point record this year; instead, I rebroke the single-game scoring record that I broke last year and also broke the single-game made free throws record. I also wanted to lead my team past the first round; we came short by 5 points.

What's been the best part of the season?

Being able to play with my friends and being able to get my 1K in front of my whole family.

Which part of the season has been the toughest?

Losing in the first round of the tournament.

Who has been the best player that you have faced in a game, along with the team she was on?

There have been a lot of really good players that I have faced in my career, but I would say Saniyah Hall my freshman year in the tournament vs. Laurel was probably the best.

What is the strongest part of your game?

My ability to shoot off the dribble.

What has been the biggest moment in your high school basketball career?

Reaching the 1K milestone and rebreaking the single-game scoring record in the same game.

How would you explain your style of play to a college coach?

Versatile and fast-paced.

What is the toughest part of practice?

Running punishments.

How do you get over a bad game?

I try not to dwell too long on what happened by hanging out with my friends.

Have you heard from any colleges? If so, could you name some of them?

Ursuline, Ohio Dominican, Saginaw, Lake Erie, Chatham, Baldwin Wallace, Marietta, Ohio Wesleyan, St. John Fisher

Should there be a shot clock in high school basketball?

If there is less than 2 minutes left in the quarter, yes, so neither team can hold the ball.

Have you gone to Cedar Point or Kings Island?

Yes, Cedar Point.

What is your go-to snack?

Smoothie bowl, pretzels, chocolate

Who is your favorite athlete?

Breanna Stewart, Liz Kitley, and Paige Bueckers



 Follow me on X @HEARTLANDFAN15

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