If you blinked, you probably missed at least three baskets Saturday during the Borgia boys basketball game against O’Fallon Christian.
The Knights (17-8) defeated O’Fallon Christian during the Archdiocesan Athletic Association Shootout at Borgia, 74-63.
“The game moved at a pretty hectic pace,” Borgia Assistant Coach Bill Kimminau said. “It was our fourth game in a week, but that’s not an excuse. That’s where having a good bench becomes handy. We have a little more depth and that’s what made the difference.”
The game did have stops, mainly when teams were shooting free throws. There were 45 attempted free throws between the two teams.
Borgia’s 74 points represented its second-highest offensive output this season. The Knights scored 76 points in a win last Monday at Trinity.
Borgia needed the surge, because O’Fallon Christian managed to score the second-highest total against the Knights this season. Only Duchesne, which beat Borgia Dec. 14 at Borgia, 68-44, netted more in a game this season.
The Knights played everyone and Kimminau said all were needed to secure the win.
“Everybody did something good,” Kimminau said. “That’s what we needed to have success. Everyone came up with a rebound, or set a good screen. This was a great team to play before the playoffs. They have a lot of weapons.”
The game was the final one of the regular season for the Knights, who now work on preparing for their Class 4 District 9 game Thursday, Feb. 28, in Pacific against either St. Clair or Union. That game will tip off at 6 p.m.
Kimminau indicated that Head Coach Dave Neier should be back for that game. His surgery was successful and he’s been released from the hospital.
“That’s great news that we will have Dave back on the bench,” Kimminau said.
O’Fallon Christian
Facing the Eagles for the first time, Kimminau was impressed with the opponent’s talent level.
“It was a good game,” Kimminau said. “Stan Westhoff and I saw them play Friday. We tried to explain that they are very athletic, good shooting and get after it to the team. I don’t know if they took that serious at first.”
The Eagles were able to keep up with Borgia and push the pace throughout the game.
Borgia took a 15-10 lead after one quarter, but held on to lead at the intermission, 29-27.
The Knights came out with a big third quarter, outscoring the Eagles by a 21-8 margin to lead 50-35 after three quarters.
The Knights sealed the game at the free-throw line in the fourth quarter. As a team, Borgia was 18-27 from the stripe.
Defensively, Borgia gave Christian plenty of shots as well. The Eagles went 12-18 from the free-throw line.
Senior Casey Kuchem led the Knights with 24 points in the game. He was 10-12 from the field with both misses coming from beyond the three-point arc. He hit three three-point baskets and added a free throw on his only attempt. He also had eight rebounds, five blocked shots, three assists and a steal.
“Casey had a huge game,” Kimminau said. “He hit some big shots for us.”
Senior Jordan Miller netted 20 points and made it a double-double with 10 assists. He was nearly flawless from the free-throw line, hitting 11 of 12 chances while adding three three-point baskets. Miller also had two rebounds, a blocked shot and a steal.
Senior John Baumstark scored 10 points with eight rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Junior Zac Schweissguth checked in with seven points, two assists and one rebound.
Junior Joe Helfrich scored six points with two assists, two rebounds and a steal.
Junior Adam Meyer scored three points.
Senior River Filla netted two points with six rebounds, a blocked shot and a steal.
“River had five rebounds in the first half,” Kimminau. “His energy was a huge boost for the team.”
Junior Kevin Birk scored two points with an assist and a steal.
Also playing were juniors Tyler Breckenkamp, Parker DuMontier and Collin Mantle and sophomore Alex Moss (one rebound).
“We had a size advantage inside,” Kimminau said. “We had a lot of nice looks We haven’t had that in a while.”
Lance Lehmann led the Eagles in scoring with 18 points.
Deantrell Prince scored 12 points before fouling out midway through the fourth quarter.
“Prince is a tremendous athlete,” Kimminau said. “We had trouble stopping him. He did a good job attacking the basket. We were fortunate that he got into foul trouble.”
Frank Davis closed with 10 points.
Jordan Norwine added nine points. Evan Marcks closed with eight points. Kameron Dunlap and Jackson Rodgers scored three points.
Others playing were Jamie Briggs, Sam Henderson and Trevor Walton.
Showcase Results
It was a sweep for the Large Division teams during the Showcase.
In the other games:
• Duchesne defeated Cardinal Ritter, 72-52;
• St. Dominic defeated St. Charles Lutheran, 48-33.
• St. Mary’s defeated John F. Kennedy, 48-33; and
• Bishop DuBourg defeated Trinity, 53-49.
