Team Detail
O'Connell Ousts Maroon in Quarterfinals
The tournament quarterfinals would be a rematch of an earlier game this season.
Episcopal traveled to Bishop O'Connell in January, and that was a tough day for the team. That was the team's fourth game in seven days, and the Knights took advantage of some fatigue and poor play from EHS on their way to a lopsided victory. As the Maroon went back to face O'Connell (#3 seed) in the VISAA tournament, the message was clear: just compete and defend. Bishop O'Connell faced a different Maroon team last week, and the team did just what was asked of them.
Episcopal competed from the opening tip, all the way through the final buzzer. O'Connell held a small advantage after the first quarter (four points), but EHS would play them almost evenly through the second and third quarters. The Maroon trailed by six points heading in to the fourth quarter, and at one point early in the final period EHS trailed by nine points. EHS then called timeout. During this break in action, the coaches and the players focused on the opportunity in front of them, and the team responded with great energy, effort and enthusiasm! With just about two minutes to play in the game, a three-point make from EHS gave them the lead, 53-50. The players were so excited that a momentary break down allowed O'Connell to hurry the ball down the floor and knock in a three-pointer of their own to tie the game at 53. The teams would battle the next couple of minutes, and EHS certainly had their opportunities down the stretch, but ultimately, Bishop O'Connell found a way to win. The Maroon fell to the Knights by a final score of 57-56.
The team played so hard, and so well, in their final game of the season. The coaches were incredibly proud of the effort the team gave, and although we fell short of our goal of winning the game and advancing, we certainly recognized and celebrated the year-long accomplishments of this group, as well as the grit and toughness they exhibited in their final game.
The team finished the year with a record of 19-10, and the coaching staff is so thankful to have had the opportunity to work with these terrific young men.
