The Blue Devils basketball team delivered a memorable performance at the Joe LaBella Holiday Tournament, defeating rival Cuyahoga Heights before topping the Wellington Dukes to capture the tournament championship.
The annual tournament honors the legacy of Coach Joe LaBella, a figure whose impact on Independence basketball remains unmatched. LaBella served as the head boys basketball coach at Independence for 12 seasons, leading the program to unprecedented success. His 1997–1998 team advanced to the regional finals, the furthest run in school history. That team was recognized at halftime during the game against the Red Wolves with some members of that team in attendance.
During his time at Independence, LaBella’s teams won six sectional titles, a district championship, and he was named Division IV State Coach of the Year in 1998. Later in his career, he spent seven years as the athletic director at Cuyahoga Heights.
“Coach LaBella was extremely influential at both Independence and Cuyahoga Heights,” said Independence head coach Mike Grendel. “What he built here continues to be a huge part of our program.”
Independence opened the tournament with a hard-fought win over longtime rival Cuyahoga Heights (47-28), setting the tone for the weekend. The Blue Devils followed that performance with another strong showing the next day, defeating the Wellington Dukes (59-47) to secure the tournament title. It marked only the second time Independence has won the Joe LaBella Holiday Tournament, making the championship especially meaningful.
“I thought our team played with great energy and tremendous effort in both games,” Grendel said. “We got contributions from all of our players, and I was really proud of how hard our boys competed.”
Independence also collected individual honors during the tournament. Senior Liam Rienerth was named to the All-Tournament Team, while Senior Matty Jirmasek earned Tournament MVP honors. The MVP recognition carried added significance, as Coach LaBella is Jirmasek’s grandfather.
“That was really special,” Grendel said. “To have Matty earn MVP in a tournament named after his grandfather meant a lot to our entire program.”
The championship was particularly rewarding for the Blue Devils’ players. Seniors closed out their tournament careers with back to back championships, while underclassmen gained valuable experience competing and winning on a meaningful stage.
“I’m really happy for our kids,” Grendel said. “For our seniors to finish this tournament with back to back wins is something they will always remember, and for our younger players, being part of this experience is huge for their growth.”
By honoring the past and excelling in the present, Independence’s Joe LaBella Holiday Tournament title added another proud chapter to the Blue Devils’ basketball tradition.
