From STAFF REPORTS It’s pretty historical when a team does something its program hadn’t accomplished since before those players were born. St. Francis earned their first road victory at Loyola since 1997, and did so over their longtime Mission League rival. The Golden Knights used 27 points, including six 3-point baskets from Dennis Flowers III […]
From STAFF REPORTS
It’s pretty historical when a team does something its program hadn’t accomplished since before those players were born.
St. Francis earned their first road victory at Loyola since 1997, and did so over their longtime Mission League rival.
The Golden Knights used 27 points, including six 3-point baskets from Dennis Flowers III to defeats the Cubs in their own gym, 61-57.
Flowers had 19 second-quarter points, including five 3-pointers in that 8-minute stretch.
It was that second period in which the Golden Knights outscored the Cubs, 26-11, and they were able to fend off a significant second-half surge by Loyola.
The win was satisfying for many reasons.
But two primary causes for that joy were the happiness and pride it brought the seniors, their teammates and coaches.
It also, though, showed the mettle and perseverance Coach Todd Wolfson’s boys and his staff have shown to weather a tough streak in which they lost two of their most recent Mission League games by a combined total of 5 points.
In fact, it was just one week ago today that the Cubs defeated the Golden Knights in La Canada, 56-54.
What a difference 7 days and 32 minutes made for the confidence and psyche of this valiant and close-knit program.
Lucas Shin added 11 points in his final game at Loyola.
Andre Henry had 8 points, Javon Jones 7 and Matthew Molina had 6.
James Keefe led Loyola with 20 points.
St. Francis will host first-place and undefeated (in league) Crespi (21-2) on Wednesday at 7.
Quotable:
SF coach Todd Wolfson: “This win is not just for us, it’s for all the guys who set the table before us. As our rival school, beating Loyola has been a big plan for our staff since we got here. We feel like we’re turning a corner as a team and a program. Our record in league doesn’t indicate the strength of this team. I really enjoy coaching this team.”
SF senior: Lucas Shin: “The win tonight was huge for us, because of the rivalry we have with Loyola. All of us seniors knew it was our last chance to beat them, especially coming off a tough loss to Chaminade, I think this win will get us back on track, and give us some good momentum going into the end of league.”
SF senior Greg Dulcich: “It’s an awesome feeling being a part of a great, hard-working team and having the process pay off.”
SF senior Alex Stalick: “I’m proud we came together as a team to pull out the win after so many tough losses.”
SF junior Dennis Flowers III: “It feels great, all the coaches have been putting us in the right position to be successful. We have always known we had more than what it takes to be a big threat in this league. I told the team we just have to stick together and I think we’re starting to click. Now it’s just time to be consistent and stay hungry.”
SF senior Marcelino Martinez: “It’s the best feeling winning on that court and playing with all my brothers. We bounced back from two tough losses and it showed our pride. We gave this game our all and showed heart. We are a family and we play for each other. That’s why we have our motto #teamfirst.”
Box Score:
St. Francis: 12-26-7-16-(61)
Loyola: 6-11-16-24-(57)
Records:
St. Francis (13-10, 2-6); (Loyola (12-9, 4-4)
