10-24-09 Blue Tigers (New School) beat White Tigers (Old School) 75-73 in OT.
If the 5th Annual Blue/White game was any indication of how the 2009-2010 Tiger basketball season will be, we as fans better buckle up. This back and forth contest, which saw 12 ties, 11 lead changes and an overtime session, not only provided great entertainment for our fans but also encouraged our coaching staff with the depth of players this year’s team has.
James Manthe and Ryan Smith both missed attempts at the end of regulation that could have broken the 59-59 tie. Trailing by three with one minute to go in overtime, Raphael Pride scored pulling the Blue Tigers within one point. After a defensive stop, B.J. Likins secured an offensive rebound and scored taking the lead 74-73 for the new school with just seconds remaining. Mo Capaci hit one of his free throws extending the lead to 75-73. James Manthe was unable to get a shot off as the buzzer sounded, and the Blue Tigers celebrated the victory.
This year’s Tiger team consists of seven returning players from last years’ national championship team including two starters. Senior Damon Grego (7 points and 6 rebounds) and 2008 ACCA Tournament MVP junior James Manthe (37 points and 11 rebounds) look to help lead the Tigers back to another national championship. Junior Tommy McGonagle should see more playing time this year as he shot 6-11 from three point land tallying 18 points.
Of the seven new players for the Tigers this year, 6’6” post player B.J. Likins proved he will have an immediate impact as he scored 28 points and pulled down 23 rebounds for the Blue Tigers. Guards Mo Capaci (20 points and 2 steals) and Jesse Byrd (16 points and 3 steals) will also be great threats from the wing positions. Junior, and first-year Tiger, Raphael Pride has gained the coach’s confidence as being the clear choice for a back-up point guard behind Manthe.
“We may play teams that are bigger, stronger, and faster than us; but I will do everything I can, to make sure we play with heart, hustle, and determination for forty minutes a game. It is our job to execute on the court, or we will be executed,” said Coach Fredericks. The Tigers open up their season with a trip to St. Louis as they play St. Louis Christian College on Friday night and St. Louis College of Pharmacy on Saturday afternoon.
