Basketball isn’t necessarily a sport you can “win” during a season, let alone if a team doesn’t go undefeated. Also, it’s especially difficult if your team plays in non-divisional games and tournaments. Yet, varsity Basketball not only managed to win the holidays, but also played and won against large teams, solidifying themselves as a force to be reckoned with and a fierce playoff threat.
Jesuit basketball finished the holiday break with a stellar 5-2 record, a good prelude to difficult divisional play.
1. Dominance on the Road
The Rangers played four out of their seven games on the road, three of which were at the Allen Invitational tournament. In the four games, varsity averaged a 9.8 point differential in both wins and losses combined, the biggest of which was the twenty point thrashing of Fort Bend Travis in the Allen tournament. In particular, Jesuit managed to ignite their shooters, averaging 35.5% from the three point line and, in the Lake Travis game, they shot an insane 19-40 clip. In short, Jesuit found there rhythm away from the home court advantage of Walsh Gym, something they’ll have to be accustomed to in the playoffs.
2. Ability to Win Close Games
With close wins against J.J. Pearce and McKinney North, Jesuit proved their capacity to come up clutch. In the North game, the Rangers depended on their impeccable defense, especially because shots weren’t falling, thus allowing junior Michael Jankovitch ’18 to attack and knock down free throws with only 1.8 remaining in the contest. Along with defense, they displayed admirable discipline and resolve to hunker down, run plays, and execute when buckets are hard to come by. In both games, time and time again the Blue and Gold answered the call.
3. Explosive Scoring
Scoring 80 points in a high school game is no joke. Do it twice in two weeks and you match Jesuit’s massive output against both Fort Bend Travis and Battle of the Saddle foe W.T. White. Both blowouts yielded upper 40% shooting from deep and more than ten threes apiece, not to mention six people cracking double digits, one of which was sophomore Max Abmas ’19, who did it both times. The Rangers tore apart defenses, spreading the floor thanks to driving threat Mitch Prendergras ’17 and floor general Reid Hatzmann ’18, and relying on snipers Marcus Hill ’18, Andrew Olinger ’17 and Michael Jankovitch. In both games the offense flowed like a well oiled machine, with defense causing turnovers and leading to fast break layups and wide open threes, getting the ball in the bucket was the least of Jesuit’s worries.
4. Chaining Wins together
After the tough loss to the Midlothian team with star Kaden Archie, who scored 31, Jesuit began a 4 game win streak that stretched through Christmas Day. Win streaks have proven hard to come by, as evidenced by the ruthless schedule of state competitors. However, this run, a mixture of road and home play, lasted through the gruesome Allen Tournament Consolation win. This victory is especially sweet, resulting from two big games on the same day, the 85-65 win over Travis and the 46-32 win against McKinney North.
5. Strength of Juniors
Finally, juniors Michael Jankovitch, Marcus Hill, Reid Hatzmann, Keegan Nwosu, and Joey Preboy have stepped up into pivotal roles and have been catalysts for Varsity Basketball’s success. Lead in scoring by Jankovitch, the lanky blonde haired shooter has torched opponents with a 43% three point average and a clutch gene to knock down big shots and free throws. Moving on to the fearless scorer in Marcus Hill, he’s knocked down a team high 62 threes, and still manages a 41% average. Hill, seemingly always ready for a breakout game, leads the team in rebounds at guard by over 20 more than the following player, Jeff Grimes ’17. Next comes the selfless starting point guard Reid Hatzmann, who occasionally appears to be more invested in dropping dimes and facilitating than scoring. Always finding the open man with a beautifully placed pass, Reid averages five points and five assists a game, and picks pockets to the tune of a pesky 31 steals over the season. Keegan Nwosu brings height and athleticism to the table, although coming off the bench he shots an efficient 60% from the field and has picked up a fair number of blocks and steals to his name. Lastly, fan favorite Joey Preboy has gotten to the line well, and always plays hard in the sparse minutes he’s given.
Jesuit fought mightily over the break, and their efforts have paid off. Come join your Rangers next Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at Walsh Gym for one of the last home games of the season against Berkner.
