It’s Back to Back for Eagles!

Ron Bailey, Publisher

December 17, 2007 – Gonzaga High School not only remained undefeated, but protected their Gonzaga DC Classic title with a 73-62 defeat of Bishop Loughlin (NY) yesterday evening, at American University’s Bender Arena. While believing besting a field of nationally recognized high schools is cause for pride, Gonzaga’s coach Steve Turner kept his eyes on the big prize.

The Gonzaga boy's basketball family

It’s feels great” said Turner of winning his school’s trademark tournament, a Washington, DC institution since 1989, for the second consecutive year. “But most importantly, we are still undefeated (8-0)”.

Gonzaga’s junior forward Ian Hummer (24 points) led all scorers in route to All-Tournament and tourney MVP honors, and afterward attributed the victory to “Our team, because it is filled with great players”. From an individual perspective, Hummer added “I’m just honored I was picked as MVP”.

One of those players, senior swingman Max Kenyi (22 points), would also join him with an All-Tournament designation, as did senior forward Cameron Johnson (8 points).

Doron Lamb (20), shoots a free throw, while Ian Hummer (right) prepares to rebound a possible miss.

Bishop Loughlin’s sophomore swingman Doron Lamb (18 points) led his team, and too was voted All-Tournament. Senior forward Kevin Phillip (10 points) provided additional offensive presence for the Lions.

Turner’s Eagles distanced themselves early in the fourth quarter whjith the score was knotted at 49; repeatedly, Gonzaga got behind Bishop Loughlin’s 2-2-1 press and match up zone. Hummer was key over this nearly four minute period, scoring six of his team’s points, during their 14-3 run.

“Our forwards didn’t hustle back” said Loughlin’s coach, Khalid Green, of Hummer, Kenyi, and Johnson scoring behind his team’s defense, before also noting Gonzaga’s utilization of a match up zone instead of a man-to-man scheme caused his team to get “a little bit too passive. We were passing too much on the perimeter”.

Nevertheless, he was happy to have participated, saying “The tournament was excellent. It was great competition every game”.

College coaches present included head men, John Thompson, III (G'Town) and Dave Leitao (UVA), in addition to assistants Aki Thomas (UMBC), Tom Herrion (Pitt) and others.

All Tournament Team:

Ian Hummer, Jr., Gonzaga (DC) – MVP
Cameron Johnson, Sr., Gonzaga (DC)
James Johnson, Sr., Bishop Loughlin (NY)
Max Kenyi, Sr., Gonzaga (DC)
Doron Lamb, So., Bishop Loughlin (NY)
Andre Mattison, Jr., Coolidge (DC)
Josh O’Neal, Sr., Freemont
Shane Southwell, So., All Hallows (NY)
Malik Wayns, Jr., Roman Catholic (PA)

Several members of the All-Tournament team: (l. to r.) Cam Johnson, Ian Hummer, Max Kenyi, Josh O'Neal, Doron Lamb, James Johnson