St. Ray’s coach notches 100th win
BRONX, NY – The Ravens train kept rolling on the winning track as St. Raymond’s improves to 9 – 4 with dynamic 85 - 73 victory over The Knox School. After starting the season 0 – 3, icing on the cake for Tuesday’s win would be head coach Jorge Lopez securing his 100th win.
“It’s a great feeling to reach such a milestone," Lopez told NYCHoops.net. “To follow behind in the steps of such legendary coaches such as Gary DeCesare and Oliver Antigua is a great accomplishment.”
Coaching in his seventh season at the Bronx based catholic school, Lopez said he owed it all to former and current players. He also paid homage to past and current coaches. “They helped me every step of the way."
The Ravens were dramatically undersized against the Knox School, a Long Island school whose front court was buoyed by 6’10” Josh Gray ‘20 and 6’7” Garang Kuot ‘19.
6’6” Gary Grant ‘20, who was St. Raymond’s leading scorer, said Coach Lopez had an interesting strategy versus apparent David vs Goliath scenario. “Coach told us that they’re not really a good post players but they’re bigger than us, so we had to play tougher and when they bring it in, we have to guard the perimeter because they’re gonna kick it out because they a very good perimeter team.”
In the opening half, St. Raymond outrebounded the Falcons but had mixed results containing Gray who pounded through a few dunks. The Ravens were also a bit lax at guarding the perimeter and got a slight sunburn by Knox from the arc. “You guys are doing what you want, “Coach Lopez was heard telling his team. “Now do what I want!”
Overall, the Ravens held on tight and maintained a 39 – 36 advantage going into the locker room spearheaded by clutch shots from Grant and 6'3" Luis Kortwright ‘20. Clearly Lopez colorfully reemphasized the winning game plan to his troops at the half as St. Ray’s launched an inspired 8 – 1 run which catapulted them to a 10-point lead with 6:16 left in the third quarter.
St. Ray’s held served and going into the final quarter. The Ravens lead grew to 17 points midway through the fourth, but The Knox School was not done yet as the Falcons received a jolt off the bench from 5’11” Jaden DeJesus ‘21. The sophomore quickly drained back-to-back threes and within a minute, the Ravens were only up by 11 points.
Grant responded with some electricity of his own netting 12 points in the final minutes that included an assortment of drive-bys, pullups and dunks. The junior pushed the Raven lead back to 15 with 2-minute left in regulation. Turnovers and tech became the Knox school 6th man as time ran out.
“My mindset was to play the way I always play,” said Grant. “[I play] hard, aggressive and try to get the team a win.”
Grant led all scores with 36 points. With Kortright adding 19 points. Gray was high man for the Knox School scoring 20 points with DeJesus contributing 16 points.
