Cullen Avent ’25

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WHAT A GAME! Not only did senior guard Jace Posey score a career-high 41 points in a hard-fought overtime victory, but Coach Dominic Amorosa also received his 300th win as head coach of the Strake Jesuit Fighting Crusaders. 

This was likely marked as a must-win game on the calendar of the Crusaders. Jesuit entered the game Friday night, December 9, hoping to make up for last season’s heartbreaking loss to Stratford, a contest that was surely on the mind of both returning players and students. Despite trailing by two at the half, the Crusaders were able to rally back to win 79-72 in overtime. 

Jace Posey was able to force overtime with a layup, leaving only seconds left on the clock. When asked about his game-tying shot, Posey responded, “I knew we had to get a bucket and I trusted my abilities.” Posey’s being allowed to attempt the final shot in regulation during such a close game is a testament to the trust that this Crusader team has in one another, an important trait for all winning teams. 

Once in overtime, the Crusaders were able to maintain a lead for the entire game. 

The old adage “Defense wins championships” rang true Friday night. In addition to Posey’s last-second shot, the Crusaders’ clutch victory may be credited to their amazing defensive outing in which they were able to record nine steals and 38 rebounds. 

In retrospect, the two teams were seemingly evenly matched, both shooting 29% from beyond the arc, snagging one block a piece, and finishing with a margin of only eight or fewer in total points, rebounds, field goal, and free throw percentage. 

Following this win, the Crusaders have improved to 10-4 on the season.