MACOMB TOWNSHIP – It appears the champs of two of the Catholic League’s boys basketball divisions may not be determined until the last game of the schedule.
Macomb Lutheran North and Detroit Loyola with 3-1 records top the AA.
Three teams lead the Intersectional 2 with 6-2 records: Clarkston Everest Collegiate, Grosse Pointe University Liggett, and Detroit Cristo Rey.
All share a common challenge: win both of their remaining games.
Lutheran North put a damper on Dearborn Divine Child’s hopes for a league title last Friday, 58-50, which, coincidentally, was the identical result of Loyola’s win over Ann Arbor Fr. Gabriel Richard.
Lutheran North travels to Gabriel Richard (0-4) Tuesday, Feb. 11, whom they beat 45-42 two weeks ago. It was the Mustangs’ lowest offensive production of their 11 wins this winter.
Loyola seeks to avenge an earlier five-point loss against Divine Child (2-2) on Feb. 11 and, if successful, hosts a rematch with Lutheran North on Feb. 14, whom they beat 10 days prior by 11 points in what could decide who raises the AA pennant.
In boxing parlance, the Mustangs and Falcons traded jabs and body blows. Lutheran North went on a 10-0 run for a 15-5 lead midway through the first quarter. Divine Child responded with an 11-7 spurt to trail 19-16 at the end of the quarter.
Lutheran North doubled up, 14-7, in the second quarter for a 32-23 halftime lead.
The Falcons had Lutheran North on the ropes to start the third quarter with a nine-point outburst to tie the score at 32-32.
That lasted all of six seconds. The Mustangs promptly put together another 14-7 run for a 46-39 lead heading into the final eight minutes.
At this juncture, Lutheran North adapted a semblance of Muhammed Ali’s “rope-a-dope” technique. While Divine Child continued its barrage of triples (two in the fourth quarter, eight for the game), the Mustangs delivered the knockout on a combination of a smothering press, dominance of the backboards, and a flurry of 10 free throws.
Senior guard David Mueller made six-of-six. “He was stone cold,” said Coach Jeff DeMasse. “He carried us.”
Cole McClelland (11 points) and Colin Moldenhauer (team-high 13) each contributed a pair. Senior Caleb Hardies had two of North’s five triples for 12 points.
Senior Troy Tiseo’s energy and rebounding “gave us a huge spark” in the second half, DeMasse said.
“It was all seniors against no seniors,” Falcons coach Max Horvath said. He started three sophomores and the only two seniors on his roster. Lutheran North had five seniors who started.
“We were out-toughed,” Horvath said, “but we have to learn from this. We have to grow up.”
Sophomore guard Troy Cicotte launched three 3s among 17 game-high points. Junior Andrew Iaquaniello had 10 points (2 triples).
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Prep (6-0) has clinched the Central Division title and Riverview Gabriel Richard (8-0) the Intersectional 1.
The boys begin the CHSL post-season playoff Saturday, Feb. 22, the same day the girls hold their championship game at Detroit Mercy’s Calihan Hall. The boys championship at Calihan will be a week later, on Feb. 29.
