On the 17th of January, the Friars (1-2 in CHSAA) once again took home court to take on the Gaels of St. Mary’s (0-3 in CHSAA) following a two game away skid to Holy Trinity, as well as a 62-64 OT thriller against rivals Chaminade.
Needing to get back on the right foot, the Friars were locked in and they absolutely needed to get one done here with a very sizable hole awaiting them if they were to drop the game in hand.
The student section was fired up for the first time this season, and with fair purpose, it was pajama night. Bed-dressed Friar supporters filled the stands, their volume accompanied by a terrific performance by the Friar pep band.
With the stage set, the Friars lined up with:
PG – Kevin Moore, (#11, 2026)
SG – Nick Vieux (#1, 2025)
SF – Chris Welling (#13, 2024)
PF – Caleb Aurelien (#23, 2023)
C – Korey ‘KJ’ Duff (#21, 2024)
Straight from tip-off, the Friars made sure to control the pace and take advantage of every inch St. Mary’s would give them, forcing an early timeout and building up a 23-8 lead to end the quarter. This quality start included a 13-0 run, capped off by some sensational play on both ends by Welling, who hit back-to-back threes in that span. Along with Vieux, St. Anthony’s made the Gaels pay from behind the arc.
The following quarter was more or less the same story, with Duff taking the spotlight. A slam dunk and two subsequent monster blocks three minutes in, all momentum swung to St. Anthony’s, who closed out the half with a 35-19 lead.
Following an amazing performance by the cheerleaders, kickline, and step team, the Friars came back out looking to remain consistent and give their fans a performance worth cheering for.
They would go on to do just that, with efficient scoring and airtight defense keeping the score lines apart and the Gaels frustrated. Unlike last season’s quarter final which the Friars also won, some great zone defense kept St. Mary’s sharpshooter Kyle Joe to a hush this time around.
Following a second half filled with touch, physical defense on both ends, as well as a comically large sum of 45 free throws combined, the Friars pulled out a 66-49 victory over the Gaels.
Now .500 for their league record, their next matchåup is back on the road to take on the Cougars of St. John’s.
HEADLINE FRIARS:
Aurelien: 19 pts, 5-15 FG, +21 +/- (total point swing while on the court)
Vieux: 13 pts, 3-8 3PT, 4-4 FT, +30 +/-
Duff: 12 pts, 5-7 FG, 10 reb, +27 +/-
Eamon Bevan is a Junior writer in his third year working for Scoreboard at St. Anthony’s High School. He is a member of the Varsity Soccer team and is involved in several clubs and ministries.
