On Friday January 9, #12 ranked Jesuit Crusaders (8-3) faced off against the #4 ranked Central Catholic Rams(5-4) in one of the most exciting games of the season.
To start the game, the Rams won the tipoff but were stopped by Jesuits zone defense.
Although the Crusaders were playing a tough defense, the Rams were still finding a way to score. Junior Malcom Weatherspoon of Central Catholic placed the first points on the board with an elite three-pointer.
By the end of the first quarter the Rams were leading the game 13-2.
As the second quarter progressed the crusaders were having trouble adding points to board. Prior to the last three minutes the score was 22-4, Rams leading.
In the last two minutes, senior Sam Curvy landed two three-pointers bringing the score to 12-24 to end the half, Central Catholic with the lead.
With Central Catholic leading the first half of the game, the crusaders knew they needed to bring the heat the next half.
During the third quarter, both Central Catholic and Jesuit played aggressive defense, as well as adding points to each team's board.
In the last few minutes of the fourth quarter, junior Penny Harrison added key layups bringing the crusaders within closer proximity to the Rams.
Ultimately, the Rams got the best of the Crusaders and won the game with a score of 49-41. Both teams played with their foot on the gas leading to an intense nail biting game.
Playing with such defensive and offensive heat all game led Harrison to end the game with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 steals.
While playing through some calf cramps, Curvy did not let up. Curvy tied Harrrison in leading points through impressive three-pointers and layups.
On the Central Catholic side, senior Jalen Nicholson led the Rams with 12 points. Nicholson consistently played tough defense and offense throughout the entire game.
“I went into the game knowing it was going to be a battle,” Nicholson said. “I have a lot of respect for their players and how they are coached. This is a game I look forward to every year. There’s nothing better than feeling the energy of a packed gym on a Friday night. I’m proud of the way we stayed composed even with shots not falling.”
Unlike their typical games, the crusaders were missing starter Joe Stimpson and key player Christian Lowe due to sickness. Because of these two players missing, it led crusaders Nick Zervis, Dylan McGrain, Nolan Eilers, and Jack Wilson to step up out of their usual roles.
Junior Penny Harrison spoke on missing the two players and the team's future.
“We were missing Joe Stimpson and Christian Lowe,” Harrison said. “Still, we played solid defense and competed the entire game, even while being smaller and going up against a top team. We kept fighting and brought it within eight in the fourth quarter. If we keep listening to coach and keep working, I believe we’ll beat them in March like we did last year.”
