Gonzaga returns favor at McNamara

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Teams have now split in head to head action this season.

February 2, 2010 - Just before Christmas Gonzaga College High School (DC) hosted Bishop McNamara (MD), and if the game was a present for the former it would have been a lump of coal, as the latter walked away with a hard fought six point win. Last night was the rubber match, and this time the Gonzaga Eagles took the prize - a 73-65 road victory.

Previously, McNamara, coached by Marty Keithline rode a confusing 2-1-2 zone to victory. Resultantly, Gonzaga's coach, Steve Turner had a plan to combat it. "We were going to attack it from the middle or short corner" shared sophomore forward Kris Jenkins of the scheme hatched by Turner and his staff.

That obviously included having a player work on the baseline, with both sophomore forward D.J. Fenner and Jenkins doing much of that work in the first half. Jenkins finished with 19 points for the game, Fenner 14.

DJ Fenner attack the tin during first half action.

Before the second half began - McNamara led 35-34 - Keithline indicated a defensive switch was coming, as too many points were gained by the Eagles on that baseline. Throughout the second half, his team defensively employed 1-3-1, man to man and some of that 2-1-2.

But it would be Gonzaga's defensive effort that sealed the game; by the third quarter's 42-37 mark, the Eagles generated a 8-2 run. A minute later, the score stood 44-37. McNamara got to within two points late in the fourth quarter, but could never fully recover.

"That lead was started by defense" shared Turner. "We got opportunities to get out and get easy baskets".

"It was clear that we wanted to (be more aggressive), play stronger", added sophomore guard Nate Britt, who finished with 16 points.

No one can say senior guard Marcus Thornton didn't try to will the Mustangs to victory, as he scored 34 points from spots across the floor; the future William and Mary student-athlete was not shy, shooting and driving. Senior point guard Ibn Muhammad, himself headed to Maryland-Eastern Shore, finished with ten points for McNamara, while senior
Callon Dailey had eight and sophomore forward Kevin Robbins chipped in six points.

Gonzaga is now 15-4 overall, 7-2, a half game out of third place in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. Turner's crew has back to back games against Paul VI and St. Johns, Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. Both contests are set for a 730p tilt and will be at the Eagles' nest.

McNamara still leads the league at 9-3, while holding a 18-4 overall mark. The Mustangs travel to Bishop Ireton for a Thursday tilt starting at 730p.