Max Ivany's D1 Nation -Houston: HIgh School Round Up : Jan. 14 Featured Game

St. Thomas HS vs St. Pius X HS

In front of a capacity crowd at the Reckin Gymnasium, two of the cities biggest rivals squared off in a district battle. ST. Thomas HS came out blazing with Christian Sanders (6'4 2012 guard) leading the charge offensively with a quick 7pts out the gate. St. Pius came to play as Devon Turk (6'3 2012 guard) put the Panthers on his back an answered with his own 9pt run to bring his team even with the Eagles from St. Thomas. Chase Brogna (6'0 2012 guard) counter with his own 8pt personal run to help St. Thomas extend the lead into halftime. Halftime score STHS 32- SPX 24. In the 2nd half both teams made a few adjustments and both teams knew they were in for a real fight. Both teams fans began intense chants as the game had a big time atmosphere feel. Tempers flared as neither team gave their opponent any easy baskets, foul trouble plagued both teams and sent key players to bench during this period. ST. Thomas lead 50-45 at the end of 3qtrs. Fans were on their feet for the final quarter both teams trade baskets to start the period, ST. Thomas led for the entire game until the last 2 mins when JP (6'5 2013 forward) scored on a 3pt play the old fashion way, to give St. Pius the lead inside of 2mins left in regulation. Both teams traded missed shots and it was Ian Hurley sinking 2 crucial free throws to give the Eagles a 1 point with 1 min left. ST. Pius got several good looks at the basket but were unable to connect and had to foul down the stretch. With just a 3pt lead Pius had one last opportunity to tie the ball, but a late miscommunication resulting in a turnover sealed the Panther's fate down the stretch. Round 1 goes to ST Thomas HS. Round 2 will be played @ St. Pius HS on 2/4/11get there early folks.