Ashwin Morales ’20

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Even amidst excitement over the Crusader football playoffs, the Strake Jesuit basketball season has begun.

So far, SJ has a record of 5-3, having competed in a tournament in San Antonio and two exhibition games against Friendswood and Beaumont. This record does not represent the best the team has to offer as some players, including Thomas Gordon and Nathaniel Beal, are preoccupied with football but will join the team once the season is over.

In the first game facing off against Friendswood both teams started out slow — scoring a mere 14 combined points in the first quarter. Thankfully, the offense got going in the second, but it was a close four point lead for the Crusaders at halftime. SJ really stepped it up in the third quarter, outscoring the Mustangs, 23-15. Friendswood could not overcome the deficit in the fourth, eventually losing to Strake Jesuit, 65-55.

Later, the Crusaders traveled to San Antonio for the NISD Tournament where they went 3-1. Even with one win against Warren, we were unable to stop McArthur’s offense, giving up 77 points in a losing effort to the eventual tournament champs. After the loss, the Crusaders bounced back, cruising past Los Fresnos and Madison with a combined 50 points.

SJ’s next most recent game was a close exhibition game against Beaumont Central. It was a nail bitter, leading to a loss for Strake Jesuit by one point.

More recently, SJ lost to Houston Heights, 43-41, and defeated Elsik, 77-65.

The division opener is December 19 at Morton Ranch. There are also three upcoming home games against George Ranch (December 8), and Dawson High School (December 11). Come out and support Fighting Crusaders Basketball. We are SJ!