WHAT A GAME! Not only did senior guard Jace Posey score a career-high 41 points in a hard-fought overtime victory, but Coach Amorosa also received his 300th win as head coach of the Strake Jesuit Fighting Crusaders.
This was likely marked as a must-win game on the calendar of the Crusaders. Jesuit entered Friday night’s game hoping to make up for last season’s heartbreaking loss to Stratford, a game that was surely on the mind of both returning players and students. Despite trailing by two at the half, the Crusaders were able to rally back to win 79-72 in overtime.
Jace Posey was able to force overtime with a layup, leaving only seconds left on the clock. When asked about his game-tying shot, Posey responded “I knew we had to get a bucket and I trusted my abilities”. Posey being allowed to attempt the final shot in regulation during such a close game is a testament to the trust that this Crusader team has in one another, an important trait for all winning teams.
Once in overtime, the Crusaders were able to maintain a lead for the entirety of the game.
The old adage “Defense wins championships” rang true Friday night. In addition to Posey’s last-second shot, the Crusaders’ clutch victory can be attributed to their amazing defensive outing in which they were able to record nine steals and 38 rebounds.
It was a team effort, to say the least. The Crusaders’ win was filled with hustle plays from the opening quarter. Players like Lucas Hobin, Jaydon Carroll, and Aiden McKee ensured the win with dives, fast breaks, and second-chance points. The duo of Wesley Westbrooks and Trevor Lombard sealed the victory with Westbrooks securing a late-game steal and Trevor hitting a “goodbye” shot to send Stratford home.
In retrospect, the two teams were seemingly evenly matched, both shooting 29% from beyond the arc, snagging one block apiece, and finishing with a margin of only eight or fewer in total points, rebounds, field goals, and free throw percentage. Following this win, the Crusaders have improved to 10-4 on the season.
Delivered by Cullen Avent
