Clippers Start Big Week with Tough Win Vs. Terrieres

     As yesterday’s game between St. Francis Prep and Xaverian came down to the final moments, an otherwise stellar defensive sequence for the Clippers was marred by a foul that came on a deflected inbounds pass. With Xaverian leading by what would be the final margin, 60-58, St. Francis missed the first of two attempts. On the second try they were called for a lane violation and with .4 seconds left the Clippers successfully inbounded the ball and the clock expired.  As they have for much of this season, the Clippers found a way to win a close game; this one over an improving Prep squad that may prove to be a tough out in the playoffs.

     The two teams played within a tight margin from start to finish, with neither team able to build a lead of more than 5 points. And while each team had several players make key contributions, a pair of young players lead the way for their teams. Sophomore guard Nick Folk of Xaverian and junior guard Anthony Lopez Jr. tied for game high scoring honors with 16 points. Of greater significance for both their teams and their individual development is that they each showed the ability to do more than just score the ball. For St. Francis Lopez, who established his reputation as a scorer last season as a varsity sophomore, essentially played point guard for this season’s terriers, and with very few exceptions made good decisions about when to call his own number and when to get his teammates involved. Seniors Justin Hendrick, Daniel Campbell and Aramis Santiago along with sophomore lefty Todd Rochelle each contributed key baskets and made defensive plays throughout the game and gave the terriers a 1-point lead at the intermission.

                For Xaverian the most impressive thing about Folk’s game was how complete it was. Like Lopez last season, he has established his reputation as a shooter in this his first varsity season. Yesterday his playmaking and defense were also key in helping the Clippers stay close after a slow-shooting start, and he helped them take a third quarter lead with two terrific passing plays, one where he hit senior guard Isaiah Amazan with a pass that led to free throws, and another where he dropped a perfect dime to senior center Michael Graham for a slam dunk.  Amazan and Graham have been steady senior leaders who have brought energy and toughness to Xaverian’s defense all season long and in this game Graham’s ability to protect the rim and Amazan’s terrific defense on both Lopez and Hendricks at key points in the game was vital to what would ultimately be a winning effort.

    For Xaverian, the win yesterday comes at the beginning of a key stretch of the season as they will play home games against Brooklyn-Queens leader Bishop Loughlin on Friday, and Christ the King on Sunday. So far this season, Xaverian has faced every challenger with poise, toughness and trust in each other. Those elements will be vital as they go through this week’s gauntlet of games and come down the stretch of the season.