Climbing in the area rankings, improving game by game, Jesuit varsity basketball has continued their impressive season over the past few weeks.
Jesuit faced some of the top teams in the state, played magnificently in the Allen Holiday Invitational Tournament, and began district play with an undefeated record.
On Monday, December 21, the Rangers played their last game before Christmas versus one of the top teams in the state in Cedar Hill. The Longhorns sit atop the state rankings at #8 with a very impressive record of 17-3. The Rangers knew the game would be tough and junior Mitch Prendergast noted, “Anytime you face one of the top teams in the state, you know it is going to be a tough game, but we believe we are strong enough as a team to face anyone.”
The game started out rough as Jesuit fell to a 17-12 deficit at the end of the first quarter. The Rangers showed their fortitude as they battled it out with the Longhorns all the way to the end, carried by outstanding sophomore Marcus Hill and his 21 points. Although the Rangers ultimately fell to the Longhorns 69-59, they displayed their ability to compete with the top teams in the state. These sort of preseason games will help develop the Rangers as the season goes on, allowing them to be primed for a deep run in the playoffs. Prendergast said after the game, “Even though we lost, I am proud of our effort and I believed we improved as a team.”
After a few days off for the holiday, Jesuit got back in the swing of things at the Allen Holiday Invitational Tournament to end 2015 on a high note. The Rangers opened tournament play versus Grand Prairie. The Rangers handled their first round opponent easily en route to a 71-58 victory, led by the outstanding sophomore duo of Marcus Hill and Michael Jankovich.
In the second round, the Rangers faced off against private school rival, the St Mark’s Lions. Whenever Jesuit plays St Mark’s, it is always a special, competitive game that usually comes down to the wire. Again, the Rangers were led by the sophomore duo of Hill and Jankovich. However, Jesuit struggled offensively in the first period, only putting up 9 points compared to the Lions’ 13. However, the Rangers were boosted in the second period as they put up 23 points to the Lions’ 10. The Rangers defense, led by senior Ben Kunasek, was a huge component throughout the game. Kunasek commented, “It’s always been said that defense wins championships, but we truly believe that. We focus on our defense which lets us capitalize on the offensive end.” The Rangers used their momentum to battle it out with the Lions, but the game would need more than just 4 periods, as it was all tied up at the end. In overtime, the Rangers dominated and they won 70-63.
In the semifinal, the Rangers squared up against Plano East in another great game. The Rangers were able to advance to the finals behind Michael Jankovich’s 22 points and fellow sophomore Reid Hatzman’s 15. Sophomores have repeatedly carried the load in the scoring department for the Rangers, which Kunasek has noticed throughout the season, commenting, “It’s reassuring to know that we have such young players who can put points on the board. Also, the future looks very bright for Jesuit basketball.”
The finals came down to Jesuit and the host school, the Allen Eagles. Jesuit jumped all over the Eagles in the 1st period as they took a 26-15 lead. Then the Eagles took control over the next two periods, taking a 57-55 lead heading into the fourth. The game could not be decided in four periods and so was sent into overtime. In the extra period, the Eagles’ home court advantage proved to be enough despite huge performances from both Jankovich and Prendergast. The Rangers took second place after a 85-83 defeat in the final.
Regarding the tournament, Mitch Prendergast noted, “Even though we didn’t come out with the victory, we proved to our opponents and ourselves that we could compete at a high level. The tournaments we play in allow us to grow and improve.”
As the new year came around, the District 9-6A play began with Jesuit facing off against the Irving Tigers. The Rangers wanted to set the tone in the district and they had their chance to do it versus Irving. The Rangers were able to dominate the Tigers from the start, led by the outstanding duo of Hill and Jankovich who each put up 20+ points. The Rangers defeated the Tigers 82-45, and they started off their district record with a win.
In the Rangers’ second district game, they took on Irving Nimitz. Jesuit encountered struggles throughout the way, but they still came out with the victory. The Rangers had difficulty scoring, only putting up a total of 51 points, but their defense was able to hold Irving Nimitz to 44 points which ensured the victory. As the Rangers advanced to 2-0 in district play, junior Dixon Smith said, “It’s reassuring to know that even when we struggle offensively, our defense is so strong that we can still come out with the victory. We know that we should be fine in district as long as we continue to improve throughout the season.”
The Rangers’ streak of impressive performances points to great success this year. Make sure to come out and support the Rangers this year.
