UPDATE: Catholic Memorial staged a thrilling comeback in overtime, defeating BC High 71-64 in a hard-fought battle at McNeice Pavilion earlier today. After nearly clinching victory in regulation, the Knights regrouped under coach Denis Tobin, who urged his players to focus on the next four minutes and seize the moment.
With just moments left in regulation, senior Kise Flannery and junior Jeremy Hernandez narrowly missed potential game-winning layups, leaving the Knights needing a mental reset before overtime. “I basically told them, ‘Now it’s back to being a four-minute game,’” Tobin stated. The Knights responded with fierce defense and clutch shots, ultimately pulling ahead to secure their fourth consecutive victory.
Flannery and senior Johnny Ramos each scored 17 points, with Ramos sinking a crucial three-pointer early in overtime and Flannery sealing the win with an emphatic two-handed dunk. “It was just about staying tough and not letting our tiredness get to us,” Flannery remarked, showcasing the determination that fueled their comeback.
The game was tightly contested throughout, with neither team able to pull away until the final minutes. The Knights, now 5-2 overall and 2-0 in conference play, gained momentum with a 60-54 lead, the largest of the night, only to see the Eagles rally back behind a balanced scoring effort. Sophomore Charlie Anzenberger led BC High with 13 points, supported by senior teammates Liam Lee and Owen Adams, who added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Catholic Memorial’s success in this game can be attributed to their relentless hustle, with Flannery and senior Isaiah Simmons consistently attacking the basket and winning critical loose balls. Both athletes, who previously shone on the football field as part of Catholic Memorial’s Division 2 state championship team, have brought an intensity to the basketball court that coach Tobin deems essential. “Those 50-50 balls make a big difference in a game like this,” he explained.
As Catholic Memorial continues to build momentum, Flannery emphasized the team’s growth after a rocky start to the season. “We’ve been working hard,” he said. “The season started off rocky, but we’re bouncing back, and we’re becoming a better team every week.”
Fans can expect more competitive action as the Knights aim to maintain their winning streak and further establish their presence in the Catholic Conference.
Stay tuned for updates on their upcoming games and continued developments in this exciting season.
