When the #3 ranked Long Island Lutheran, formerly the #1 ranked team by NYCHoops, inexplicably lost against an unranked Archbishop Molloy last week, it seemed as if LuHi had lost its luster. The St. John the Baptist Cougars of West Islip, NY, who are currently ranked #2, came into Lutheran's house poised to pounce on Crusaders and make a statement. Unfortunately when SJB bit down all they were served with was an entrée of textbook basketball with a bunch of three pointers for desert. When the feast was over, the L.I. Lutheran Crusaders devoured the St. John the Baptist Cougars, 70 – 39.

The game began with a pre-designed play that resulted in a lay-up by Cougars junior guard, Jonathan Brown. That was the only lead SJB would have as 6'2" junior guard, Jeriel Henriquez attacked effectively from three point range as well as driving to the hole. Henriquez did pick up two fouls in the first quarter due to the Crusaders aggressive defense but ended the quarter leading 14 – 9.

The second quarter was more of the same which resulted in the lead ballooning to 25 – 9. LuHi's aggressive defense left the Cougars relegated to shooting outside shots which would have been OK if SJB was an outside shooting type team, but they aren't. Bright spots for the Cougars did occur when junior guard Josh Elbaum slashed to the basket for occasional scores but that was about it as Lutheran effectively countered with pick n' rolls and back doors plays along with strong drives to the basket by junior guard Kevin Johnson. The half ended with the score 32 -15. L.I. Lutheran was in a different league both technically and on the court as they nailed five three pointers in the first quarter alone.

In the third quarter Crusader senior guard, Matt Rooney got hot from three point range and any attempts to drive to the basket by the Cougars was thwarted by Lutheran 6'6" big man Shamar Stephen.

It appeared as if Lutheran coach, Brain Carey was going to sit his starter in the fourth as the their lead going in was 34 points but it was only a breather as the Crusader wanted to make a statement of their own. Coach Carey basically kept his same rotation in throughout the game and the game finally ended with the score being 70 – 39 with LuHi hitting a total of nine threes.

High scorers for L.I. Lutheran were Jeriel Henriquez with 17 points followed by Kevin Johnson with 15 points. Josh Elbaum poured in a team high 12 points for St. John the Baptist. The loss was the first for SJB who face #1 ranked Jericho on Thursday. L.I. Lutheran is off to San Diego to participate in the Above the Rim Classic.

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