Two of the deepest and most talented boys basketball teams in the area get together tonight night when No. 6 John Carroll hosts to No. 3 St. Frances. It's a rematch of last year's Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference and Baltimore Catholic League championship games, both won by John Carroll.
Both teams have undergone extensive makeovers since last year -- when John Carroll won all four meetings -- so this game should provide some early answers to what's in store for the rest of the season.
The Patriots are 9-1 (2-0 in the BCL and 1-0 in the MIAA) and have enjoyed success with balance. Senior forward Jarred Jones (13.2 points per game) leads four Patriots that average in double figures. Guards Rodney Elliott (12.5 ppg, 3.0 apg), Kamau Stokes (11.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg) and Justin Jennifer (11.6 ppg., 4.9 apg.) have effectively filled the void left behind by the Patriots' graduated backcourt of Malcolm McMillan and Ronald Scott.
St. Frances (2-1 overall and in both leagues) is looking to bounce back from a tough, 78-76, overtime loss at No. 2 Mount St. Joseph on Friday. The Panthers played extremely well early, building a 12-point lead early in the third quarter before falling.
Maurice White, who scored a game-high 31 points Friday, leads the team in scoring, averaging 18 points, and Tevon Saddler is adding 16 points per game. When the Panthers had success against Mount St. Joseph, they were dominating the boards and getting up the floor in a hurry to make the most of their team speed and athleticisim. They'll look to do the same tonight against the Patriots, who will look to control the defensive glass, try to stay in front of the Panthers on defense and limit turnovers.
Much like Friday's game at Mount St. Joe, look for another tight game with late possessions a key.