On Friday, December 12th, the #9 Jesuit men’s basketball team hosted their first game in the newly renovated Knight Gym against the #23 Roosevelt Roughriders. After starting the season off with three away games, going 2-1, expectations were high for the Crusaders at home.
Sam Curvy opened up the scoring for Jesuit with a three-pointer at the top of the key, followed by numerous defensive stops by the Crusaders that led to several fast break layups. After Roosevelt called a timeout to try and stop Jesuit’s momentum, Joe Stimpson and Jack Wilson hit back-to-back three-pointers. By the end of the first quarter, six Crusaders were on the score sheet and Jesuit was leading 20-14.
In the second quarter, Ryan Barone started off hot, hitting two three-pointers and making two layups. On the other side, Roosevelt struggled offensively, consistently missing open shots and turning the ball over. Stimpson added a couple of buckets as well, including a three-pointer near the end of the buzzer. The duo scored 18 of the team’s 20 points in the second quarter, giving the Crusaders a comfortable 40-26 lead at the end of the half.
After the break, Barone would continue torching the Roughriders from behind the arc. The senior captain knocked down three consecutive three-pointers throughout the quarter, making it five in a row for the guard. Roosevelt still struggled to find favorable shots, as Jesuit’s defense was playing aggressive and causing turnovers. As a result, juniors Penny Harrison and Major Williams found themselves scoring wide open layups. Jesuit held a commanding 60-40 lead going into the fourth.
Roosevelt started the fourth quarter looking to make a late comeback, as the Roughriders quickly scored seven points. However, Barone hit yet another three-pointer to slow the momentum of Roosevelt. The Roughriders and the Crusaders would go back-and-forth for the rest of the fourth until Jesuit subbed in the end of their bench. Quinn Wicklow got active quickly by scoring a hook shot, making the student section go wild for the fan favorite. Jesuit closed out the game by holding the ball, beating Roosevelt 73-57.
Barone was lights out against the Roughriders, finishing with 26 points while shooting an efficient 6 for 7 from downtown. Stimpson was the next leading scorer with 16 points. Barone spoke on how his individual performance felt good, but the team performance felt better.
“It felt good to see all the work I’ve put in this offseason translate to the game, but what I’m more happy about is that the team got a great win”
The men’s basketball team hits the road after their exciting home win, facing off against Grants Pass on Tuesday, December 16th, at 5:30pm.
