O’Connell earns MLK Day win at Carroll

Ron Bailey, Publisher

January 16, 2007 – Yesterday was the annual national commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. As such, many people honored the man in various ways.

Northwest Washington, D.C.’s Archbishop Carroll hosted Bishop O’Connell in high school boy’s hoops as well. The contest wasn’t billed as a King commemoration – not that a basketball game could aptly be one – but the two teams did provide those in attendance a great show, which both schools should be proud of.

O’Connell (10-5) was able to defeat Carroll (11-8), 62-57. In addition to general fans and onlookers, coaches from schools such as Clemson, Georgetown, and the University of Michigan were also present.

The game was a collection of runs, starting first with O’Connell finishing the first quarter on an 8-0 scoring advantage, leading to their 18-11 end-of-period lead. Forward Frank Ben-Eze’s (6 points) interior play – including rebounding, scoring, and providing an overall physical presence - was critical during this juncture.

The Lions of Carroll responded with increased defensive pressure, including using a full court trapping press and 2-3 match up zone, to create turnovers. That and the performance of forward Kris Joseph (20 points) led to their second period closing 8-0 run.

O'Connell's Jason Clark (21), and Ben-Eze (14) are seen here defending Carroll (in white) via a 2-3 zone. Rodney McGruder (22) has the ball (top, center), while Chris Joseph (23) is on the baseline, being guarded by Ben-Eze on the baseline.

The play of the day occurred right before intermission, when Joseph stole the ball, raced down court and dunked after jumping several feet inside the free throw line, despite the efforts of an O’Connell player. That highlight reel play left Carroll’s gym electric through halftime.

According to the Knight’s leader, guard Jason Clark (21 points), his team was not fazed by Joseph’s play. “He dunked the ball, and they got all excited”, remarked Clark, who later stated O’Connell viewed it as simply another sequence.

His coach, Joe Wootten, reinforced that feeling, saying “One dunk didn’t make the game”.

Joseph thought “They (O’Connell) came out with a different mentality” in the second half, and agreed his team was “too hyped” about the dunk.

Resultantly, the Lions were not able to sustain that energy level during the second half, as after Joseph’s lay-up early in the third quarter creating a 32-25 Lion lead, O’Connell was able to tie the game by the fourth quarter’s 7:27 mark.

Carroll swingman Rodney McGruder (4 points) felt his team “had it, but let it slip away” particularly due to numerous turnovers produced possibly by “a lack of focus”.

As evidenced by their ability to create an 11 point advantage with just under a minute to go, O’Connell continued attacking in a focused attack. Assisting Clark in leading this effort was his backcourt mate Kendall Marshall (21 points), who repeatedly helped handle the ball against Carroll’s pressure defense.

Wootten lauded Marshall, when asked of the young man’s penchant for steady play throughout a ballgame. “Kendall seems to play at his pace, all the time” he said.

Marshall attributed his team’s comeback victory to group effort. “We had to work as a team” he said. “We all had to step up”.

Competing to the end, Carroll clawed their way back into contention by fouling and timely perimeter shooting, but the Lion’s comeback bid was stopped by the final buzzer.

Playing well at crucial times is a must in the uber-competitive Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. “The level of play is really high right now” said Clark. “It’s the best in the nation”.

He could be right.