Recently, the Jesuit Rangers started off their varsity basketball season with a strong start. With several solid performances from their starting five, the Rangers hope to make a deep playoff run led by seniors Ryan McCormick, Ben Johnson, and Sky Tschurr. Ranger fans are hopeful to avenge last years regional final run that was led by Gavin Perryman, who is now playing at the University of Texas.
Lewisville
The Rangers started off their season against the Lewisville Farmers. Jesuit trailed by 3 after the first quarter, and only changed the deficit by one at the half. Mounting a comeback in the third, Ben Johnson ’22 hit a 3-pointer with 16 seconds left in the half, one of his four threes of the night, to give the Rangers a 2-point lead. The Farmers were trying to figure out a new strategy with the loss of a top three recruit, Keyonte George, a Baylor commit who transferred to IMG Academy earlier this year, but were unsuccessful in stopping Jesuit as the Rangers would win the game 64-62. Ben Johnson led the team with 20 points on 7-11 shooting and also recorded a block and a steal. Ryan McCormick ’22, in his varsity debut, had a team-leading 8 rebounds with 15 points. Dylan Gibbons ’23 also had a solid performance with 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Mesquite
With a win over Lewisville, the Rangers hoped to stay hot while playing Mesquite. The Rangers led by one after the first quarter, but at halftime they extended the lead out to eight. The Rangers did excellent in the second half, out scoring Mesquite by eleven in the half. The Rangers won 62-43. Sam Dunkerly ’22 led the team in points with 14, but Ben Johnson ’22 and Sky Tschurr ’22 also had solid outings, with 13 and 11 points respectively. Ryan McCormick ’22 once again led the Rangers in rebounds with eight.
Prosper
making their home debut this year, the Rangers looked to keep their winning streak alive. Jesuit got off to an early lead after the first quarter, but they were outscored in the second and were trailing at the half. Things weren’t looking good for the Rangers when they trailed by seven at the end of the third. But the Rangers, led by Ryan McCormick ’22, mounted a comeback, scoring 19 points in the fourth. Ryan McCormick hit a pair of clutch free throws at the end of the fourth to tie the game, sending it into overtime. The Rangers outscored Prosper by four in overtime, giving Jesuit the win, 71-67. Ryan McCormick finished with a season high 19 points and 15 rebounds, earning him his first varsity double-double. Owen Berry ’23 and Ben Johnson ’22 also had 13 points each while Sky Tschurr ’22 had 11. Dylan Gibbons ’23 led the team with 6 assists.
Mesquite Horn
Hoping to stay undefeated, the Rangers stayed at home to play Mesquite Horn. Jesuit trailed early after the first, but quickly took the lead after the second. They kept the lead in the third quarter but could not hold onto it as they let up 26 points in the fourth quarter, giving the Jaguars the win 64-60. Ryan McCormick earned his second double-double, scoring 19 points with 15 rebounds, tying his season high. Dylan Gibbons ’23 also contributed 12 points while Grant Kostos ’22 filled up the stat sheet with 8 points, 3 assists, and 7 rebounds.
Coming Up
Jesuit will host the 58th Annual Knights of Columbus Bob Stras Dallas Classic. Eight teams will be playing in this tournament which will kick off on Thursday. Jesuit will go against Fort Worth South Hills at Jesuit on December 2 at 7 pm. Come to Walsh Gym to cheer on your Rangers!
Stay tuned to The Roundup for more basketball news!
