Rivalry: Men’s Basketball travels to Central Catholic
This Friday, January 10th, the Jesuit Men’s basketball team will travel to face off against the Central Catholic Rams in a highly anticipated matchup. The Crusaders regular season record is 5-5 while the Rams is 4-5.
The rivalry between these two teams has always been intense, and this season is no exception. The Crusaders and Rams squared off earlier this year at the Les Schwab Invitational on December 28, with Central Catholic ending victorious with a 68-59 final score.
Jesuit head coach, Gene Potter, shared that they emphasize the same things in practice each week: to learn from their mistakes and to improve.
“Specifically for Central Catholic, we need to take care of the ball and get high percentage shots each possession on the offensive end of the floor,” Potter said. “Then defensively, limit their easy points in transition and limit them to one shot by being physical on the boards.”
Jesuit will be looking for redemption, especially after their tough playoff loss to the number 1 seeded Rams last year, a loss that has fueled their drive this season. Central Catholic ended up going all the way and winning the state title in 2024.
The team has been focusing on key areas since their last meeting with the Rams, with Jesuit senior captain Patrick Kilfoil emphasizing the need for improved ball movement and the ability to break Central’s press.
“We’re looking to play with more urgency and play up to our standard,” Kilfoil stated.
Turnovers were a struggle for the Crusaders in their most recent matchup in the LSI, ending with 18. This caused many transition points for the Rams and ultimately led to their win.
Junior guard Joe Stimpson is currently out with an injury and has been missed by the Crusaders as well.
“I think limiting second chance opportunities and winning possession by possession throughout the game,” Stimpson said when asked about the upcoming game. “Limiting turnovers will play a huge role in the game too.”
Stimpson was on the sideline during the game against the Rams at LSI and got to analyze the game on a different level.
“Their rebounding overall and second chance opportunities stood out to me the most,” Stimpson said.
Friday’s game being away, along with being a big rivalry, there will be a lot of added intensity and pressure especially with the turnout of fans.
“Anyone that is an actual competitor loves playing on the road in front of a hostile crowd against a very good opponent,” Potter said. “So we will embrace the challenge and give it our best effort.”
