Tonight the boys team played the Highland Park Scots in the quarterfinals of the state tournament.  The boys lost 54-41 after a hard fought final game.

The score was tied at eight after the first quarter, but the Scots broke out their 3-point shooters scoring 20 points in the second quarter to the Saints' six.  Through the second half the lead fluctuated between 16 and nine before Highland Park pulled it out to 13 and won.

Over-all it was a good game for the Saints, The worked hard and had a lot of great plays.  The high-light reel would feature one play in particular.  Zach Bourquin blocks shot on the defensive end, baseball pass down the court to his twin brother Beau, the pass goes long and Beau flies after it.  While air born he passes behind-the-back to Kevin Sweeney for two points.

The Aquinas game tonight was quite a trek.  It was nearly two hours from Overland Park to Pittsburgh on a school night, but I made it for you.  Aquinas won by 24 with a final score of 41-17.

The Bourquins were kind enough to invite me into the team parent caravan as the team photographer and reporter.  Five other students showed up.  This was the first round of Sub-state which the boys have passed setting them up against Wyandotte on Saturday at Gardner-Edgerton.

The most interesting and controversial play of the game came in the first quarter when senior Zach Bourquin took the ball on a fast break and finished with a powerful two-handed dunk.  The play was re-called and Zach received a technical because he hung on the hoop after the play.  He said the "T" was worth it though.  That marks two games in a row in which he has dunked. 

The Dance Team sparkled on senior night while the boys fought back for a hard earned victory over the Huskies.  Though the Saints trailed by as many as 9, they were able to take the lead in the 3rd before trading off baskets and eventually drawing the lead to 12 for a 50-38 win in the third match of the year between these two teams.

I can't say that the start was surprising when the Huskies' sophomore star Brett Comer hit a shot on the first possession.  It was not shocking either that the entire team was on fire behind the arch.  But the Saints were able to overcome the talented huskies with a couple forced turnover which resulted in easy baskets.

Once again, the Saints were led by their seniors: Zach and Beau Bourquin, Kevin Sweeney and Alex Keith.  The Saints played together well and piled up the assists making the extra pass when it was beneficial for a basket.  The Saints also played one of the best transition games that I have seen; from steals and lay-ups to getting set for their press after a made basket. 

Tonight, the Saint Thomas Aquinas Saints faced the O’Hara Celtics in the first round of the Jim Draper Classic hosted by Blue Valley Northwest.  They won 63-51 and will face Blue Valley Northwest tomorrow night at 7:00.

The Saints entered the game after a frustrating first game which resulted in a 2 point loss on a last second shot in overtime to the Southeast Knights.

Zach Bourquin made the first basket of the season for the Saints, Tommy Harrison hit the first three pointer and Kevin Sweeney pulled down the first rebound.  Beau Bourquin led the team with 16 points.