St Mikes Lose First Game of Season, Carr, Kaputo Named All-Stars
BINGHAMTON, NY–Two undefeated teams went neck and neck in the finals of the Mirabito STOP-DWI Holiday Classic in the National bracket of the tournament, until Roman Catholic opened up an eight point lead at halftime. RC, who is the state of Pennsylvania’s number one ranked team are champs and have improved to 8-0, handing the St. Michael’s Blue Raiders their first loss of the season 92-75.
It was the best shooting performance I have witnessed all season long, having watched over 100 games already. Usually its St. Mike’s that is the shooting team that impresses, but last night the tables had turned.
That’s not to say that SMC shot a bad percentage, they’re figures ended up at 48% on the night.
Marcus Carr was terrific all weekend, having a very efficient outing in Binghamton and displayed a maturation in his game that came through shot selection. He is a guy that will be an asset for the Canada’s Cadet National Team.
Both Carr and Nelson Kaputo got themselves on as Tournament All-Star by carrying St. Mike’s into the finals.
There was another player with the last name Carr, Tony “Tone” Carr, and he happened to also be very impactful and consistent for Roman Catholic earning himself a spot on the tournament all-star list along with teammates Nazeer Bostick and MVP, Gemil Holbrook.
“Tony has been solid for us, he’s got good size for his position and just makes good decisions and doesn’t force shots,” expressed Coach Chris McNesby.
Roman Catholic had leads as big as 16 at different points in the game. They were very patient on offense and kept swinging it until they got an open look.
Pennsylvnia’s squad had two players with 24 points (Bostick and Holbrook) and two other players in double digits (Carr 17, Paul Newman 10).
SMC had a tough time closing out on shooters because of the quick ball movement on the perimeter.
Head Coach of the Blue Raiders, Jeff Zownir saluted Roman Catholic on their play.
“It was a tough loss against an outstanding team. It’s difficult to beat a team when they shoot 10-14 from the three point line, in addition to being smart, balanced, physical and well coached. Despite the fact that I thought we played well, today they were just that much better.”
Zownir continues on the experience at Maribito Stop DWI Holiday Classic.
“It was a pleasure to play against the Northeast’s top teams, the tournament was top notch in every aspect and we’re thankful to have been invited back.”
St. Mike’s is chalking this one up as a great experience overall, now that they have been battle tested against tough opponents in the U. S.
For Roman Catholic it was equally a positive experience having taken down the number one high school team from Canada and executing so well.
Roman Catholic shot the heck out of it, 65% from the field and 71% from the three point line.
MVP of the tournament Gemil Holbrook, poured in 24 points to go with his four rebounds and two assists.
SMC’s record is no longer unblemished as we enter the new year, however the Toronto contingent remains undefeated on Canadian soil, with an OFSAA championship on their minds.
