Loughlin Overtakes Lincoln @ Conrad McRae
BROOKLYN, NY – Saturday’s game during the Conrad McRae Youth League had all the sub-plots. Catholic School vs. Public School as well as bragging rights in the borough of Kings County. After almost falling completely apart, a senior-less Loughlin Lions became cohesive down the stretch to squeeze out a 54 -52 win over players from Abraham Lincoln.
“We’re growing up,” said Loughlin coach Gerard Herbert regarding his young team. “We have a very good team. As long as we stay together and play together, we can play with anyone.”
Lincoln inflicted an unrelenting and smothering defense on the Lions from the onset. Josiah Lewis ‘18*, John Wilson ‘20 and Curtis Gordon ‘18 were the offensive beneficiaries giving the Railsplitters an early advantage. Loughlin seemed shaken but not stirred at first as Justin Champagnie ‘19 and Kahari Rogers ‘19 fought back and closed the gap to 4-points.
Loughlin once again began to have trouble once again handling Lincoln’s press and Gordon and Wilson spearheaded a run that gave them a 29 – 17 halftime lead. Coach Herbert attributed Loughlin’s first half problems to an abbreviated warm up and jitters waiting for the game to start after a delay. “We got out to the start we kinda wanted to but as I said before, we’re a young team. We’ll grow up as we go.”
During the top of the second half, Loughlin managed to stay within six-points of Lincoln. Although the Lions were only one run away from, the Railsplitters were still in control but with 10 minutes left in regulation, the pendulum shifted.
Julian Champagnie ‘19 joined his twin brother along with Dwight Davis ‘19 to give Loughlin its first lead with 7:30 left to play. The lead swung back and forth as both team scrambled to one-up each other. A minute and a half remained and the game was tied at 49.
After a defensive stance by Loughlin a trey ball by William Lee ‘19 gave them a 3-point lead. The second ticked. With 42 seconds on the clock Wilson drew a foul but only hit one of his free-throws which left Lincoln still down by two. Julian Champagnie countered with a deuce to extend Loughlin’s lead. Gordan closed the deficit back to 54 -52. Lewis had a chance to tie or take the lead but the shot fell short as time ran out.
Justin Champagnie led Loughlin with 14 points while his brother added 9 points. Gordon paced Lincoln with 14 points.
