The greatest rivalry in WNY high school basketball resumed yesterday, the first of at least two games between Canisius and St. Joe's to be played at the Canisius College Koessler Center this season. Below are some game notes and thoughts from yesterday afternoon's 77-65 triumph for the Crusaders.
– I arrived early enough to see the entire JV contest. The future is bright, as always, for both schools. I feel like I see enough games to state what might already be obvious to many, but both of those JV teams would beat at least half of the 105 varsity teams that compete in WNY.
– Moving this rivalry to the Koessler Center was a good idea, considering the venue was sold out before the varsity contest had started. Capacity there is nearly 2,200. Buffalo State holds 3,500. If we're really trying to accomodate the most fans as possible, maybe an even larger venue should be considered. Either way, how great is it that a single high school basketball game draws so much local interest?
– Adam Weir eclipsed the 1,000 point mark in his three-year varsity career. I was happy for him that he was able to accomplish that milestone against his rival, before a capacity crowd, and on the same court that he'll call home after high school. He carries himself with class on the floor and acts like he's been there before in all the game's big moments. His game has really evolved over the past three seasons.
– St. Joe's got off to a good start and led by five points twice in the opening quarter. The score was 13-8 after eight minutes.
– The Marauders backcourt tandem of Jordan Glover and Jaylen Morris that has started and led the team the past two seasons, collided with each other with 3:19 remaining in the second quarter. Neither player was able to return to action for the rest of the game. It's a shame that two seniors had to miss out on finishing a game that is so highly anticipated and lose out on the experience.
– Obviously, losing the two players that handle the ball the most, at the same time, had a major effect on how the Marauders played the rest of the way. But I think it would sell Canisius short to assume a different result without the collision. The Crusaders were amidst a 12-3 run prior and had stolen the game's momentum, leading 20-17. There was a long break in the action, which totally changes the pulse of the game, in and of itself. Who knows how the game would have continued on without the injuries.
– When the action resumed, Canisius closed out the half on a 7-2 run.
– Because of the injuries to Glover and Morris, the Marauders spent the rest of the game with forwards playing guard. A lot fell on the shoulders of Louis Oliveri, a starter that past two seasons. He responded by scoring 21 points, many of which he was forced to create on his own.
– Two players who really stepped up nicely for St. Joe's were Mark Cerza and Dylan Hall. Both played the best game I've ever seen from them. Cerza finished with 23 points and Hall added 11 points.
– Matt MacDonald has been much more involved with facilitating the offense this season, in addition to knocking down shots. He's smart and patient in half court sets, and is great at delivering a pass to a cutting teammate.
– Weir led the Crusaders with 22 points and MacDonald scored 21 points.
– The largest Crusader lead of the game came with 5:52 remaining in the fourth quarter. Weir threaded a pass into the post for Jamel Mosley, who converted to give Canisius a 60-40 lead.
– Speaking of Mosley, he was a big factor in the paint, rejecting and altering shots all afternoon.
– St. Joe's was already extremely short-handed at the guard spot with Glover & Morris out, and then reserve guard Justin Hollins was forced to the bench in the third after picking up a technical foul. Then when he returned in the fourth quarter, Hollins was disqualified with 5:30 remaining after getting a second technical. He got it for celebrating/taunting in the face of a Crusader after a steal & score, as St. Joe's was amidst a 6-0 run that occurred in less than 20 seconds, cutting the Canisius lead to 60-46. Hollins could be such an impact player for the Marauders, especially yesterday, but he has to think of his team before thinking of himself and reacting. Instead of yelling in the opponents face, knock down the & 1, and then get back and D-up. There's an entire section filled with rowdy St. Joe's fans – let them do the yelling…just give them something to yell about.
– Finally, because it would have been a Canisius home game, they had the home announcer and I'm assuming they also ran the concession stand, because the pizza was from Mister Pizza. I ate before I came, thinking the Koessler Center would be selling the same lousy pizza they always carry. When I saw people floating around with Mister Pizza, I ate again.
-centercourt
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