Five Takeaways: Moeller at St. Xavier
You could feel the intensity as soon as you walked in Berning Gym on the campus of St. Xavier High School on Friday evening. But unfortunately for the Bombers it was there opponent, the Moeller Crusaders, who brought the intensity a little bit more on the court as they ran away with a 66-48 victory. With the St. X down eight 44-36 after the three, Moeller used a 22-12 4th quarter to put the game out of reach for the Bombers. It also helped that the Crusaders had a 25-11 edge on the boards.
For the Crusaders, Wright St. commit Jeremiah Davenport lead all scorers with 21 points to go with a game high 12 rebounds. 2019 G Alec Pfriem (PHO #17) was a stat sheet stuffer finishing with 17 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. For St. X rising junior Nathan Stockman lead the way with 11 points and Wisconsin football commit Chase Wolf chipped in with 10 points and 3 steals.
Five Takeaways: Moeller at St. Xavier
- It’s not just the depth that Moeller has, it’s about the versatility of the depth as well. The Crusaders played nine players by halftime, and each one contributed in multiple ways. That is something that not many teams in the area can contend with. It’s what makes them so dangerous year end, year out.
- Alec Pfreim can hurt you in so many ways. While the 17 points was impressive, including the three dunks, the fact that he contributed on the boards, in the assist game and on defensive tells you how valuable he is. He gives Coach Karl Kremer another consistent play-maker on the perimeter.
- Jeremiah Davenport is a match-up nightmare at that four position. St. X went small against him and used 6’0 Andrew Wittrock to defend Davenport and he continuously attacked and finished at the rim. But the problem is if you put a bigger defender on him, Davenport can face up from the perimeter and has improved his shooting. What to do, oh what to do.
- X senior forward Brandon Gilbert (PHO #95) needs to get going offensively if the Bombers hope to advance far in the tourney. Gilbert has not scored in double-figures since January 26th and the four games since has not scored more than 3 points. Gilbert is to talented a performer to be held to 0 points, as he was February 2nd against Elder.
- With some of the negative press that Cincy area basketball has been getting for off-court issues, it was good to go to a game and see teams rooting hard for their team without any issues. Fans, administrators and referee’s a like all have a responsibility to make the game atmosphere an environment of fun, not malice.