When: Monday, 7 p.m.
KEY PLAYERS
John Carroll (14-1): Kimbal Mackenzie, Sr., G; Elijah Long, Sr., G
Mount Saint Joseph (12-2): Randy Miller, Jr., G; Daveyon "Doc" Barnes, Jr., F
KEYS TO VICTORY
Something has to give with the Mount Saint Joseph averaging more than 61 points per game and John Carroll allowing just 44 per game to opponents. The host Gaels have no seniors and a largely revamped rotation this season, but they haven't missed a beat after sweeping the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference and Baltimore Catholic League crowns last year behind a strong senior class. Miller and Barnes bring intelligence on the court and athleticism to lead the way, with Jarvis Doles, Nigel Jackson and and Darryl Morsell also providing quality minutes. The key to win for Mount Saint Joseph will be figuring a way to break down a persistent Patriots defense. In capturing the Hoodie's House High School Hoops Classic in Charlotte, N.C., earlier this week, John Carroll limited two Georgia oppoinents to 33 points each and then claimed the championship game with a 41-39 win over Hagerstown's St. James on Tuesday. Mackenzie and Long bring versatility and experience to the backcourt and do well to control the pace. The Patriots take advantage of their deep roster with Mike Tertsea, Malik Tyne and Immanuel Quickley also playing big roles. The game will be the third in four days for Mount Saint Joseph, which plays Dulaney on Friday and then has a big home showdown against No. 5 Calvert Hall on Sunday. Last season, John Carroll won the first meeting between the teams — 46-39 at home — before the Gaels won, 62-42, later in the regular season and then again, 75-42, in the MIAA A Conference semifinals.
OTHER GAMES TO WATCH
Boys basketball
No. 5 Calvert Hall at No. 2 Mount Saint Joseph, Sunday, 3:30 p.m.
St. Maria Goretti at No. 4 St. Frances, Monday, 7 p.m.
No. 1 Patterson at No. 13 Poly, Tuesday, 5:15 p.m.
No. 5 Calvert Hall at No. 3 John Carroll, Wednesday, 6 p.m.
Girls basketball
No. 1 Roland Park at No. 3 St. Frances, Saturday, 2 p.m.
No. 8 Aberdeen at No. 12 Western, Monday, 6 p.m.
No. 9 Archbishop Spalding at No. 1 Roland Park, Thursday, 6 p.m.