Loughlin wins as Jefferson devours itself
BROOKLYN, NY – A famous proverb states that if you're not at the table, you’re probably on the menu. On Friday, during the inaugural Lions Showcase both the host team, Bishop Loughlin Lions and the Thomas Jefferson Orange Wave were invited to the dinner but one team ended up being the entree. In a competitive thriller, that produced dramatic lead changes along with busted up eyes and and other unexpected turns of events, it was ultimately the Lions that would feast, taking apart Jefferson, 87 – 74.
A day long torrential downpour did not deter a packed Bishop Loughlin gym as the much-anticipated match between undefeated Lions, a CHSAA powerhouse, and the always dangerous Jefferson not only drew the attention of a multitude of fans but also division I coaches. The two NYCHoops.net Top Ten NYC Teams and its players did not disappoint.
It was Jefferson’s plan to make the game a track meet while exerting pressure on Loughlin’s guards on defense. On offense it was Kareem Welch ‘19 that did most of the damage for the Orange Wave but twins Justin Champagnie ‘19 and Julian Champagnie ‘19 gave the Lions a 5-point advantage going into the second quarter.
Kevin Tabb ‘20 had an important quarter for Jefferson as the junior helped his team make inroads into its deficit. Dashan Crittenton ‘19 then gave the Orange Wave a brief lead with 2-minute left in the half but clutch shots from Julian Champagnie and Jahiem Young '19 kept Loughlin front at the midway point, 40 – 37.
The Orange Wave were on a high as they survived the Lions home cooking. Welch and Tabb shifted the momentum with help from Jaquan Carlos ‘21 and a 12 – 2 run put Jefferson in the driver’s seat, up by seven with 4:47 left in the third quarter. Inside baskets from Justin Champagnie along with a crucial trey bomb from point guard Taj Chiles '20 reduced Jefferson lead but they still trailed by 3 points as the fourth quarter got underway.
Thomas Jefferson wanted to play an up and down, physical style of basketball and as a result, two of Loughlin’s players ended up with stitches. Lions Head Coach Ed Gonzalez said that he stressed at the half that his team play [Loughlin] brand of basketball. “If [we] want to win this game we run plays and we run when the opportunity is there.”
A proverbial food fight ensued as both teams went for each other at a frenetic pace. With 5:10 left to play and in the heat of battle the game was tied at 60 and a win for each team is within reach. Julian Champagnie drains a critical 3-ball at the 4:57 mark and then things got weird. Carlos draws a foul, nets the foul shots and Jefferson now only trails, 63 – 62.
Jefferson picks up a foul on the next possession. Unhappy with the call, Orange Wave Head Coach Lawrence "Bud" Pollard’s head explodes and just like that, he picked up two technical fouls and is ejected from the game with 4:43 on the clock. Even more damaging, Chiles gets and makes a total of 5 free throws from the charity stripe along with possession and within a matter of seconds, the Orange Wave has come crashing down by eight points. With 1:11 remaining, Jefferson continues to implode and its deficit ballooned to 15 points.
Jefferson’s strategy all along was to come aggressively at the Lions with five guards. “We have five guard too,” said Gonzalez. “Ours are just bigger.”
Justin Champagnie led all Loughlin scorers with 28 points while Julian Champagnie and Young contributing 18 points and 17 points. Welch had a game high 32 points for Jefferson.
