Sports
Extra Points: Marian Catholic's Rhode Hits Big Shots
Spartans guard John Rhode sparked a key run in the fourth quarter of Wednesday night's victory over Bloom.
Marian Catholic junior guard John Rhode might have a clutch gene in him. Rhode hit the two biggest shots in the .
“You just have to be confident when you’re shooting,” Rhode said. “Nothing other than that, it’s all confidence.”
Rhode outscored Bloom 8-0 during a crucial stretch in the fourth quarter, which included two three-pointers, as Marian Catholic pulled away from Bloom.
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“Coach (Mike Taylor) was talking about big plays,” said Rhode, who finished with 11 points.
Marian Catholic coach Mike Taylor said at halftime his team talked about players stepping up, and Rhode led the way. “You have to step up and make big plays and not back down. I thought we did a nice job of that.”
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Spartan freshman point guard Tyler Ulis led Marian with four assists. “I tell (Ulis) every chance I get to look to kick it out. I love the three’s, but I tell him to take his fair share of shots, because when the ball’s in his hands we have a good chance of scoring.”
What’s next for Marian Catholic: The Spartans take on Joliet West at 6 p.m. Monday at the Plainfield Central Regional. Taylor said the game will be a challenge as Joliet West is very athletic and has good size. Taylor said his team will need a big game out of senior forward Brian Gates.
Bloom’s big challenge: Despite Wednesday’s loss to Marian Catholic, Bloom can end its regular season in a high note with a victory over Crete-Monee. The Blazing Trojans take on the Warriors Friday night at home as the Southland Athletic Conference title is on the line.
If Bloom wins, the two will share a piece of the conference crown, but Crete-Monee can claim sole possession of the championship with a victory. Bloom at Crete.
Slowing down the tempo was one of the keys for Bloom last time against Crete. Bloom coach Jasper Williams said tempo doesn’t matter for Friday unless the Trojans start playing better. “If we don’t play any better than this, it doesn’t matter what the tempo or anything else is,” Williams said.
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