When you’re building a basketball program, you’re building towards nights like the one St. Anthony had against Bishop Montgomery on Wednesday evening. The Saints had a huge crowd on hand to see them edge the Knights for the Del Rey League championship to close the regular season, 50-48.
“I’m tired,” said Saints coach Allen Caveness when asked if he enjoyed the momentous night. “They don’t give you anything easy, we’re literally just asking ourselves, ‘How are we going to get a basket?’ I’m grateful for the support, the crowd was amazing. It wasn’t always like this. These guys are reaping the benefits of the guys who were here before them.”
The game was within a possession for almost the entire time, with the Knights ahead after taking a 10-5 lead early. The Saints were able to keep pace and keep the game from getting away with their own defensive effort, but they were in trouble down 10 points at 35-25 early in the third quarter and down 38-33 going into the fourth quarter.
The Saints outscored the Knights 17-10 in the fourth quarter thanks to 12 points from Makaih Williams, the electric sophomore who came up huge with a pair of tough 3’s.
“I just wanted to get good shots,” he said. “This was such a fun game, I’m so grateful to all the fans that came out for it.”
Williams finished with 12 points, nine of which came in the final period; Lorenzo Marsh had 13 points to lead the Saints, and kept them afloat in the first half. Long Beach State commit Jadon Jones was held to one field goal, but had an impact rebounding the ball and setting screens.
Caveness was happy with he way his team responded in the second half.
“We played with more urgency,” said Caveness. “Our guys said the fear of losing took them to another level.”
That’s something the Saints haven’t done much of during this historic 27-2 league championship season. The Saints are a lock for the Open Division and will learn their playoff fate on Friday.
VIDEO: St. Anthony Basketball Beats Bishop Montgomery For League Title
