-2A BASKETBALL-
By Mike Longo Jr.
Bishop Canevin’s first-year Head Coach Tim McConnell was as animated as ever on the sidelines of the Crusaders' second round, 64-57 win over Serra Catholic.
McConnell had reason to be his usual vocal self as his Crusaders couldn't buy a basket in nearly three minutes of the opening quarter.
Coming off of a first-round bye Bishop Canevin was ice cold from the floor, fortunately so was Serra Catholic.
Quarter one ended with the Crusaders holding a slim 2-point advantage, 12-10.
Bishop Canevin got the motor going in the second stanza led by a pair of seniors, Geno DeFrank and Shea Champine. Things were on the upside as Bishop Canevin dropped in 17 points and held a 10-point margin at the half, 29-19.
Poised with built-up momentum at the start of the third, Bishop Canevin looked as if it would run Serra Catholic out of the building. Even with the fast start, the Crusaders ended the quarter netting only 11 points. Serra Catholic elevated its game, scoring 16 to cut the Crusader lead to five points, 40-35, as they headed for the final stanza.
Fast-paced, end to end action would take center stage. The thought of elimination from chasing a championship was all the motivation that was needed.
Serra Catholic out-dueled Bishop Canevin as both teams appeared to have new life pouring in 22 points in their best quarter of the game.
However, it wasn't enough as McConnell's Crusaders scored 24 points, saving the best quarter for last.
DeFrank finished the contest with a team-high 18 points followed by teammate, Champine who contributed 16. Together the pair accounted for more than half (34) of the team’s total 64 points.
Bishop Canevin moves onto a semi-final matchup against Northgate with a trip to the finals at stake, for the second straight year.