Sports
Analysis: Brother Rice is Unable to Score the Upset
Crusaders ran into a buzzsaw in regional final on Friday night when they dropped a 63-46 decision to highly ranked Lyons Township.
Brother Rice saw its boys basketball season come to end against with a 63-46 loss to Lyons Township on Friday night in the Class 4A Brother Rice Rectional.
For the Crusaders, it was an uphill battle as the heavily favored Lions used their devastating halfcourt press to force 17 turnovers over the last three quarters. The Lions turned many of the turnovers into easy baskets. And they scored the easy baskets almost every time it appeared Brother Rice was trying to make a run.
Probably no two stretches were more reflective of the devastating LT defense than the opening of the second quarter when the Lions outscored the Crusaders 11-0, taking a 21-10 lead. Then, with Brother Rice looking to make a comeback behind 6-4 sophomore Alex Majewski (19 points) in the fourth quarter, LT struck again.
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After Brother Rice closed within 49-41, the Crusaders were forced into a turnover and LT converted an old fashion three-point play from Eric Powers on the other end. The Lions pushed their lead to 52-41 and they would eventually extend the margin to 16 points in gaining the 63-46 win.
The smothering LT defense was extremely effective at altering the three-point shots the Crusaders live an die by. LT blocked six Brother Rice shots and forced the Crusaders into an ice-cold 9-of-33 performance from behind the three-point line.
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Majewski, who scored eight straight points in the fourth quarter when Brother Rice made its run, was 4-of-12 from long range. He was the object of attention from the swarming LT defenses.
Brother Rice coach Pat Richardson said of the Lyons: "They are long and talented with a lot of weapons. We got beat by a really good team."
Brother Rice also picked up eight points each from 6-2 senior Bob Harmening and 6-1 junior Sean Fitzpatrick.
For the Winner: LT will travel to the Argo Sectional next week were it will face Chicago Curie.
Good News: Coach Pat Richardson’s Brother Rice team will reload next year with Majewski, Fitzpatrick, 6-4 junior Garrett O’Neil and 6-4 sophomore Cal Kennedy.
Team Records: Lyons Township moves on with a 25-2 record, while Brother Rice ends at 19-8.
Notable: The Brother Rice fan section known as the Crusaders Crazies is hands down the best in the south suburbs.
Hot Links: Miss something? Read: "LT Ends Brother Rice's Playoff Crusade" http://patch.com/A-f7Nr
