Strong 3rd Quarter From Their Seniors Lifts Loughlin Past Xaverian

              Bishop Loughlin's trio of talented seniors triggered a 3rd quarter barrage that saw the Lions build on a 31-29 halftime edge to take a 55-41 lead after three quarters. From there the Lions cruised to a 61-50 road win in Bay Ridge Friday night.

              The Clippers are a team with just one senior Rob Rossiter and save for a blowout loss at Cardinal Hayes they have been competitive in every league game including loses to the  CHSAA AA's other two top teams; Christ the King on Sunday and Loughlin last night. Rossiter and junior Bard Featherston provided the  scoring spark while improving sophomore Nyonty Wisseh created opportunities for his teammates and hit a nice pull up jumper of his own as Xaverian garnered an early 5 point advantage. At that point Loughlin used a quick transition basket by Khalik Howe to regain their footing and from there a nip and tuck first half ensued. Xaverian stayed close in the opening 16 minutes despite the absence of talented junior forward Sayon Charles who left the game with severe leg cramps. He returned to the game briefly after receiving treatment but he was clearly in severe pain and could not play through it. The Clippers go

              Rossiter's rebound basket sent the Clippers into the locker room trailing by just two and with needed momentum. But the Lions went to work quickly as Rutgers bound Mike Williams and fellow senior Javian Delacruz scored consecutive baskets. Williams nailed two three point baskets during the decisive rally while Delacruz and Seton Hall recruit Khadeem Carrington nailed one each. Delacruz finished with a game high 19 points while Williams added 18 and Carrington 15. Williams and Carrington have been the Lions' most consistent players in each of the past three seasons but it's the emergence of Delacruz as a consistent scoring threat that puts Loughlin alongside Hayes as the two teams to beat in the CHSAA "AA"  this season.

              For the Clippers  Rossiter finished with 18 points while Featherston added 15. Junior forward Najee Larcher had 12 filling in for Charles.