Boys Basketball: Marian Catholic Uses Quick Start to Knock Off Joliet West

The Hot Read: Marian Catholic used a 20-4 run stretching from the first quarter into the second to jump ahead 26-11 over Joliet West and was in control of the Class 4A Plainfield Central Regional quarterfinal the rest of the way. Marian went on to notch a 64-55 victory on Monday night. The Spartans, who are seeded No. 14 in the Thornwood Sectional, closed the first quarter with a 13-2 run to grab a 19-9 lead. Then, they scored seven of the first nine points in the second quarter to secure a 15-point advantage against No. 18 Joliet West. Marian Catholic led 32-19 at halftime and 44-29 after three quarters, and Joliet West was only able to get as close as 48-40 in the fourth quarter. Marian’s pressure defense, especially in the first half, seemed to frustrate the Tigers.

Patch’s MVP: Marian Catholic senior forward Brian Gates scored six of his 12 points in the first quarter to help set the tone. He shared team-high scoring honors with DiAndre Bellamy and added a game-high six rebounds and two blocked shots.

Key Stats: The Spartans shot a sizzling 59-percent from the field (23-of-39), including making all five of their field-goal attempts in the fourth quarter. Marian Catholic helped seal the win by making 10-of-15 free throws in the final quarter.

Marian Catholic Leaders: Brian Gates (12 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks), DiAndre Bellamy (12 points), Michael Hutchinson (8 points, 3 rebounds), Tyler Ulis (6 points, 5 assists, 3 steals, 2 rebounds), Robert Blanchard-Coles (9 points, 1 steal), John Rhode (6 points, 4 steals, 3 rebounds), Justin Kennedy (6 points, 4 rebounds), Randall Wells (3 points, 3 steals)

Joliet West Leaders: Remy Roberts-Burnett (13 points, 2 steals), Brandon Tyson (8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals), Marlon Johnson (8 points, 6 rebounds)

Quotable I: Marian Catholic senior guard Robert Blanchard-Coles on the victory: “This was a big win for us and a good confidence booster.”

Quotable II: Marian Catholic coach Mike Taylor on his team’s schedule helping prepare the Spartans for the postseason: “Nine of our losses were against teams in the top 25 in the state, so we’ve seen good teams. We knew we could handle quickness, we’ve seen height and we’ve seen strength, so that’s helped a lot. I thought our pressure early was good. We were able to keep their runs to a minimal and (freshman point guard Tyler Ulis) took care of the ball and got the ball to the right places.”

Team Records: Marian Catholic improves to 13-16, while Joliet West ends the season with a 9-16 record.

What’s Next: Marian Catholic will take on No. 3 Homewood-Flossmoor at 6 p.m. Wednesday in a semifinal game at the Plainfield Central Regional.