Jays Build Early Lead, Hold Off Patriots for Road Win

Posted January 28, 2019 / Last updated January 29, 2019

The Jesuit basketball team built a big first half lead, then fought off a second half surge by the John Curtis Patriots to open up the second round of district play with a 47-42 road win on Friday, Jan. 25.

Seven different Blue Jays scored in the first half as Jesuit’s crisp ball movement created open shots from all over the floor. On the defensive end, senior Noah Varnado was a rebounding vacuum, preventing Curtis from getting anything in the way of second chance points. By halftime, Jesuit had a seemingly commanding 28-14 lead.

But nothing is ever easy in district play, and this night would be no exception. The Patriots opened the second half by outscoring Jesuit 20-6 to tie the game at 34 in the fourth quarter. Fortunately, the Jays were able to make their free throws down the stretch to pull away for the five-point victory. Jesuit made 11 of 15 from the charity stripe in the fourth quarter, with six of those coming from senior Robert McMahon.

Senior guard Elijah Morgan led the Jays in scoring for the night with 12 points, followed closely by McMahon with 11. With the win, Jesuit improves to 5-2 in district play.

Through the Lens…

View the Jesuit vs. John Curtis Photo Gallery

Robert McMahon shoots the ball over an aggressive Curtis defender, much to the enjoyment of his teammates.

By the Numbers…

Elijah Morgan (#10)	12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals
Robert McMahon (#22)	11 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks
Nick Brewster (#5)	7 points, 5 rebounds
Nick Artigues (#21)	6 points, 9 rebounds
Noah Varnado (#23)	5 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals

On the Horizon…

Next up is a Tuesday night match-up in the Birdcage against Coach Scott Thompson and his much-improved Rummel squad. The Raiders are coming off a huge upset of St. Augustine. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Galleries

Basketball vs. John Curtis, Jan. 25, 2019

Morgan has a clean look at the basket this time.
Robert McMahon sank 6 of Jesuit's 11 free throws to clinch the victory over John Curtis.
Noah Varnado harnesses his inner wide receiver on this bomb pass from Robert McMahon.
Robert McMahon accepts some room as his man runs into a screen by Nick Artigues.
Zachary DeBlieux elevates to the basket.
Nick Artigues challenges a Patriot shot under the basket.
Nick Brewster is all poise on this shot from the wing.
Elijah Morgan draws heavy contact as he pulls down the rebound.
Noah Varnado makes a sneaky pass across the middle.
McMahon pushes the ball up the floor.
Robert McMahon launches a shot over the outstretched arm of hi s Curtis defender.
Zachary DeBlieux keeps his options open.
Robert McMahon controls the tempo.
Jesuit starters take the floor for the second round district match-up.
Elijah Morgan contorts his body to avoid the block.
Kyle Haupt handles the ball at mid-court.
Elijah Morgan takes a drive down the baseline.
DeBlieux and Haupt set the double team press.
Zachary DeBlieux prepares to make a play on the ball.
Kyle Haupt soars to the basket for an open layup.
Nick Brewster tears down a defensive rebound.
Varnado gets an open look under the basket.
Noah Varnado weaves through traffic in the back court.
Head basketball coach Chris Jennings calls a play from the sideline.
Elijah Morgan shows heavy defensive pressure from the beginning.

Jesuit High School of New Orleans