Basketball Recap: Make It Three in a Row for Tampa Catholic

Crusaders

Previous 3 Games

01/11/25 @ St. Petersburg	75-65
01/10/25 @ Jesuit	79-58
01/04/25 vs University Christian	76-73

Tampa Catholic had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 12 points) and they went ahead and made it three on Saturday. They walked away with a 75-65 victory over the St. Petersburg Green Devils. Given the Crusaders' advantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 47th, while the Green Devils are ranked 144th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Tampa Catholic's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Skoot Donald, who posted 13 points in addition to six boards and four steals. Another player making a difference was K.J. Morgan, who went 7 for 9 on his way to 15 points and seven rebounds.

Despite the loss, St. Petersburg still got an impressive performance from Nijaun Harris, who went 11 of 19 on his way to 32 points in addition to six rebounds and three steals. Harris is crushing it when it comes to points: he's scored at least 15 every time he's taken the court this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Emir Gainer, who almost dropped a double-double on 14 points and nine assists.

Tampa Catholic's victory bumped their record up to 10-7. As for St. Petersburg, their defeat ended a four-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 9-8.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Tampa Catholic will challenge George Jenkins at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. As for St. Petersburg, they will host Palm Harbor University at 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday. St. Petersburg knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with 55 points or more in their past 17 matchups -- so hopefully Palm Harbor University likes a good challenge.