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So much for the big name. Bergen Catholic came into the first-round state boys' basketball playoff matchup at DePaul and some expected the Spartans to crumble. But DePaul’s outstanding offensive showing earned them a 77-57 victory over the Crusaders. The Spartans picked up their 20th win of the high school season with a collective effort that was simply impressive. |
The Spartans came out nailing shots from behind the arc and quickly took a double digit lead at 13-2. At the defensive end, they were equally effective, showing active hands and even quicker feet. They created loose balls and turnovers that lead to fast-break points. The relentless pace continued, DePaul scored eight quick points to start the second period to regain an 11-point lead.
The play of the game almost brought the roof down. Senior standout Justin Crosgile threw up either a shot or a pass off the backboard, and Keith Ford furiously dunked the basketball to the delight of the faithful in the gym. By the half way mark DePaul lead 39-28 and looked to be in full control of the game.
The Spartans' fire seemed to have been left in the locker room. They came out a bit sluggish and allowed a 9-2 run by the Crusaders that made the game 43-37 and too close for comfort.
But led by Crosgile, the Spartans had an offensive explosion with a 8-0 run followed by a 10-0 run quickly building a 20 point lead and putting the nail in the coffin. The eighth-seeded Spartans had contributions from every player. The spark was delivered Joe Giacchi who started the offensive explosion with three 3 pointers in the first quarter. Thereon, Wally Sajimi and Mike Minarik continued the outburst throughout the game with an impressive basketball shooting exhibition.
The Spartans will now take on top seed St. Peter's Prep Thursday looking to continue this run at a state title. Coach Bart Fazio said, “We have to play good defense and we’ll go from there." DePaul already proved in the county tournament that they can play the role of David when they beat a higher seeded in Passaic. This would be an even bigger upset, as St. Peter's is ranked in the state's high school basketball top five. But, as Fazio said, "Sometimes miracles happen." -- Emir Liguori for Jersey Sports Now
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