In the initial stages of the season, Patrick O’Connor, the newly appointed coach of St. John’s, requested the players to articulate the attributes they sought to embody on the court. With no returning starters from the previous championship team and an absence of seniors on the current roster, the team was compelled to begin afresh.
According to O’Connor, the team selected toughness, discipline, and talent as their defining traits. These characteristics were put to the test in the D.C. State Athletic Association semifinal against No. 3 Jackson-Reed. O’Connor stressed the significance of toughness on the glass, disciplined ball-handling, and the manifestation of their talent.
The game, which took place at Georgetown University, showcased the team’s adherence to these principles. The No. 10 Cadets secured a 55-52 victory over the D.C. Interscholastic Athletic Association champions, seeking retribution for a three-point loss in the same game a year ago. This win propelled the youthful team to the state final for the first time since 2018.
From the outset, the Cadets exhibited toughness, establishing a comfortable lead at halftime with a well-balanced scoring effort from five players. Additionally, they recorded five steals in the first half and constrained the Jackson-Reed offence to merely seven points in the second quarter. Junior guard Pete Newman’s buzzer-beating three-pointer extended the lead to 12 at halftime, quieting the opposing Tigers’ crowd.
Despite the experienced offence of Jackson-Reed rallying in the third quarter, with senior guard Justin Gilmore’s consecutive layups narrowing the gap and injecting energy back into the Tigers, St. John’s maintained their composure. The team’s discipline enabled their young players to display their talent, particularly in the closing minutes of the game.
The crucial moments comprised sophomore Devin Toatley’s deep three-pointer and sophomore Finley Billy’s pivotal three-pointer with 36 seconds remaining, prompting a timeout from Jackson-Reed. Despite a late three-pointer from Jackson-Reed senior Scottie Hubbard, Toatley’s two free throws secured the Cadets’ triumph at the buzzer.
Looking forward to the DCSAA final on Sunday, the Cadets remain assured of their ability to perform under pressure. Toatley conveyed the team’s preparedness for high-stakes games, emphasizing their collective experience and unity as pivotal factors in their success.
The forthcoming final will witness the Cadets pitted against either Sidwell Friends or Gonzaga, both of whom had a late tip-off on Friday. St. John’s is poised to carry their winning momentum into this critical match-up.
In conclusion, the Cadets’ victory in the DCSAA semifinal not only epitomises their skill and determination but also underscores their potential for future success in the competitive realm of high school basketball.