Horsemen Take Both Opening Games in Tip-Off Tournament

The Horsemen of St. Helena raced to victory Thursday night as the varsity trampled Our Lady of the Assumption 66-44, and the junior varsity edged out OLA 40-37 in the opening game of the Tip-Off Tournament. The varsity started fast from the starting gate and never looked back, leading for the entire game and hitting 24 two pointers and five three pointers.  Eighth graders scored big for the varsity.  Francisco Mattei had a game-high 21 points, followed by Christian Colter with 16 and Omari Ward with 13. Also contributing to the victory were Khalil Black with 6, Jose Valez with a three in the second and Devonne Stewart with a three in the third, and William Manning and Cindy Pratt each had a two. The Horsemen were 3 for 10 from the line, while OLA was 6 for 15. The junior Varsity jumped out of the gate and led 7-4 at the half, but OLA game back and took the lead 13-16 at the half. But the Horsemen came right back and dominated the second half. Peter Lugo led the junior varsity charge. He was the only player to score in all four quarters with a game-high 16 points, followed by Jahli Ward with ten points. Kyle Austin and Joseph Fernandez each contributed six, and Isaiah LaCasse hit a two in the third. The Horsemen were 2 for 2 from the line, and OLA was 9 for 16. Immaculate Conception dropped out of the Catholic League this season and was replaced by St. Theresa.  “We have three very big eighth graders, and it was good to see Colter using his right hand tonight,” said coach Bobby Schaefer.