Nando Mirarchi’s career at Cathedral Prep will be remembered as one of the most productive and impactful in program history. The senior guard helped guide the Ramblers through a remarkable season that saw the team reach a 25-2 record and make a deep run before falling in the Sweet 16 of the PIAA playoffs. While the ending was disappointing, the overall experience and what the group accomplished together left a lasting impression.
“The day that I received these questions was the day we lost in the Sweet 16 of the PIAA,” Mirarchi said. “We ended 25-2, but prior to that loss the experience was great.”
Mirarchi’s individual season was historic. During the year he surpassed the 1,000-point milestone and ultimately finished his career with 1,469 points, becoming the second all-time leading scorer in Cathedral Prep history while also setting the program record for three-pointers made. He broke the single-season scoring record and set a new mark for scoring average at 26.3 points per game, while leading the team in points, assists and steals.
“Our games were action-packed and very fast paced,” Mirarchi said. “We had a team that supported each other on and off the court. Coach Lynch and all the assistants supported us and continued to push us to grow and develop. To end the way we did was disappointing but I would do it again with these guys in a heartbeat.”
Mirarchi’s impact wasn’t limited to just one season. Over the last three years he served as Cathedral Prep’s starting point guard and leading scorer, building a reputation as both a consistent offensive producer and a leader for the program. As a senior he was voted team captain and helped lead the Ramblers to the best season record in Cathedral Prep history.
“I am blessed to have been the starting point guard for the last three years at Cathedral Prep and also the leading scorer in those three years,” he said.
He credits much of his development to the people around him, particularly the coaches and trainers who invested in his growth throughout his time at the school.
“My coaches at Cathedral Prep and my trainers, Kieth Wallace and Greg Cercone were always there for me,” Mirarchi said. “Whether it was a routine scheduled game or a competitive game, they were always there to help with extra shots or training. As a person, the school challenged me academically and helped me to grow and strengthen my faith in God so that I can take the good as well as the bad in a humble and thankful way.”
Behind Mirarchi’s success is a daily routine built around consistency and discipline. His development work touches every part of his game and physical preparation.
“My day starts with my nutrition and ends in sweat,” he said. “I train each and every day with dribbling drills, form shooting, and workouts. In one way or another each day I hit weights. I do plyos on certain days and strength on others. I always end with recovery, nutrition and rest.”
Throughout his career Mirarchi has also heard doubts about his size and athleticism, something he says has only fueled his approach to the game.
“I have been doubted for my size and whether I can defend,” he said. “To that point I have shown that I am a lockdown defender and led my team in steals, deflections, and second in rebounding. Coaches think being able to dunk assures athleticism and an ability to defend. They are wrong. I can dunk. I choose to be smart about when it’s the right time to dunk. My focus is winning and being the leader in big games.”
When it comes to studying the game, Mirarchi points to one of the NBA’s most dynamic young guards as a player he enjoys watching.
“Tyrese Maxey for sure and it’s the way that he creates for his team and himself.”
As he prepares for the next stage of his career, Mirarchi will be joining the NY Honor program, a move he believes is the right fit both on and off the floor.
“My dad and I got to meet Nas Perovic when I was evaluating other programs and we just clicked,” Mirarchi said. “He is no nonsense and he is honest. Nas has an impressive track record of getting players to the D-I level. We spoke with Coach Mike Murray and we all connected and it feels like the right move.”
On the recruiting front, Mirarchi already holds a Division I offer from Fairfield and has continued to attract attention from a wide range of programs. He recently visited Mercyhurst University and has been in regular communication with Patriot League schools.
“We’ve had a lot of conversations with Patriot League schools, especially Bucknell, some with Colgate as well as Holy Cross,” he said. “Others with interest or who have come to see me play at live periods are Merrimack, Iona, Duquesne, Yale, Army, Navy, Citadel, Campbell, Bowling Green State and Mercer.”
Looking ahead, Mirarchi’s expectations for the next chapter are straightforward.
“Simple,” he said. “To play as a team, make each other better, get to the most competitive levels, and win.”
