Central Catholic falls in Class 2A semifinal battle against Chicago Orr

Posted on March 10, 2018
Central Catholic will compete against Pinkneville for the Third Place game. (Photo Courtesy Larry Duling/WJBC)

By Blake Haas

PEORIA – A late second half run pushed Chicago Orr (29-4) past Central Catholic (27-7) in the Class 2A boy’s semifinals at Carver Arena.

Early scoring helped the Saints propel to a seven point lead in the second quarter. The Spartans quickly responded to head into the locker room with a 34-34 tie. Saints coach Jason Welch said the Saints struggled to find an answer in the second half.

“We were a little upset that we didn’t have a lead, but with that said they are a good basketball team,” added Welch. “Our objective was can you come down the last three minutes and have a chance to win the game.”

Strong Spartan defense forced the Saints to 15 second half points. Welch said the Saints defense was lackluster in the 60-54 loss.

“Ultimately we didn’t (get the run) stopped, and that was a good adjustment on their part,” Welch said. “We were trying to do some other things, but they went right down in (the paint), and made us pay.”

Senior guard James Morris suffered an apparent ankle injury late in the first half after bolstering the Saints offense with 12 points. Morris only played limited action in the second half adding in 2 points. Welch said the Saints had to learn to respond without Morris on the floor.

“James (Morris) tweaked an ankle, but ultimately that is just part of the game, ” Welch said. “That is just part of the game, you get injuries and you have to (learn) to overcome them. But, certainly that didn’t help things out at all.”

Junior forward Tommy Nelson and senior guard Austyn Ellison chipped in eight points in the loss.

The Saints will take on Pinkneyville on Saturday at 5:30 for the Third Place game. 1230 AM WJBC will have the call starting at 5:20 p.m.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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