The Saints boys basketball team faced off against the impressive Blue Valley Tigers last night.  The Saints won 79-65 despite a fantastic performance from Blue Valley senior Ryan Magdziarz.   

Fresh back from break, I talked to the Bourquins while walking into school and asked them if they were ready to come back.  Zach said, "It has been way too many practices without a game." Beau agreed.

The Saints came out to play after trading off baskets until they were tied at nine, the Saints took off to lead the 1st quarter 20-9.  By half-time they increased the lead to 36-23 before letting the Tigers back in in the 3rd which ended 53-47. 

In my earlier EKL scouting report I had identified Magdziarz and senior Tyler VanGerpen as the threats and that stood true as VanGerpen ende with 9.  Magdziarz, who finished with a game-high 28 points had a unique way of compiling his score with five 3-pointers, two dunks, seven fieldgoals and one free-throw.  He had control and when allowed an open court successfully drove coast-to-coast and scored.

For the Saints there was a pretty even attack from four players.  Zach led scorers with 19, folloed by Beau with 17, Kevin Sweeney with 15 and Alex Keith with 14.  The Aquinas effort was highlighted by a floater in the lane from Zach and an impressive block.  Micke Rzeszut also contributed three points and looked strong a couple games out of injured reserve.

There was some controversy that caused a double-technical and seperate foul shots.  I am not sure exactly what happened, but obviously it was a little odd.

Towards the end of the game the Blue Valley fans could be heard chanting "Let's Play Football."  They did beat us this year in football, but I ahve always thought it is an odd cheer to break out, I mean, I think it says "Fine, we aren't good at this lets reminisce about when we were good at other things."

Overall, it is a strong start to league play for both teams.