Bishop Ireton (8-2) exploded with a 20-point second quarter, then hung on late to top Pope John Paul II (11-2) of Henderson, Tennessee, 56-49 in the quarterfinals of the St Pius X Christmas tournament in Atlanta Thursday. The Cardinals will face Brother Martin High School (15-1) of New Orleans, Louisana’s 5th ranked team. The Cardinals will either face host St Pius X or Archbishop Spaulding of Maryland in their final game on Saturday.
The Knights grabbed a 14-13 lead after one quarter before the Cardinals responded with a 20-7 avalanche in the second to bolt to a 33-21 halftime advantage. John Paul II would trim six off that lead during the game’s third period, forcing Ireton turnovers that cut the lead to three during the early stages of the second half.
It would dwindle to a 1-point lead at the 2:32 mark in the game’s final quarter and the margin remained into the final minute of play. Senior Davon Wiley made his only two free throw opportunities of the night with :34 secondst o play to push the margin to 3, then the Knights forced to more aggressive play saw Ireton cash in with free throws to pull away to a deceiving 7-point win.
Senior Louie Khouri, with three 3-pointers and a 7-8 free throw shooting night, led Ireton scoring with 18. The always dependable junior, Dan Noe added 13, Patrick Moseh had 9, and senior Davon Wiley 6. Taylor McHugh had 4 on the evening, Wynn Miller 3, Ty Quarles chipped in a bucket and senior Richie Kampchoum added a free throw in addition to his keys minutes on defense during the big second quarter for the redbirds.
Ireton returns home for their WCAC home opener Wednesday, Jan 2. A tripleheader affair on the final day of Christmas break, the freshmen tip off at 2:30, JV at 4:15, and varsity action is slated for a 6pm start.