Thanks to a momentous 13-0 run in the second half, Jesuit forced overtime in the Knights of Columbus Dallas Classic Championship, then dominated the extra frame to take the title over Mesquite, 50-43. With the Rangers trailing 29-19 midway through the third quarter, a Sam Truxal 3-pointer ignited the Jesuit comeback that featured a complete team effort. Over the next six minutes, five different Rangers would score a bucket, and the team would completely shut down Mesquite's fast-paced offense.
Truxal's three was followed by another three from Ben Kunasek, and after the defense forced two consecutive turnovers, Michael McReynolds put in a layup and Christian Chiles hit a free throw to bring Jesuit within one point at the end of the third quarter. Peter Lynch hit a free throw early in the fourth to tie the game at 29-29. Moments later, Lynch drew a charge on the defensive end, then followed it up with a bucket on a drive-and-dish pass from Chiles to give Jesuit the lead. In the game's final minute, after both teams traded buckets, Chiles found McReynolds on a back-door cut to tie the game at 38-38 and force the extra frame.
Jesuit took over in OT. Truxal scored on the first possession off a pass from Kunasek. Lynch scored on the third possession off a pass from Chiles. McReynolds scored on the next possession thanks to two free throws. And in between each of these was a Jesuit stop, a Mesquite turnover, or a defensive rebound. The Rangers jumped out to a quick 44-38 lead, then sealed the 50-43 victory with free throws and clock management.
McReynolds finished the game with 12 points and seven rebounds, leading the team in both categories. Truxal and Lynch each scored nine points on the night. None of those three players started the game, a testament to the Rangers true depth. Lynch was recognized on the All-Tournament Team, and Chiles was awarded the Knights of Columbus Dallas Classic Most Valuable Player Award.
To get to the finals, Jesuit beat Molina in the first round and Amarillo Tascosa in the semifinals. In the Molina game, Shawn Regan put up 14 points and also led the team with nine rebounds. The Rangers also got major contributions from Joe Fimian (seven points) and Mitch Prendergast (seven points) in the 78-28 victory. Against Tascosa, three different Rangers scored in double digits. Lynch led the team with 19 points and eight rebounds, McReynolds scored 13 points and pulled in six boards, while Hank Shotland put up 12 points and helped captain the offense. Jesuit won the game 62-52.
Five different Rangers have led the team in scoring in Jesuit's seven games. The next week features Tuesday night's matchup with Killeen Shoemaker, as Jesuit hosts the annual Teddy Bear Toss benefiting Children's Hospital of Dallas. On Saturday, Dec. 16, the Rangers travel down I-45 to play brotherly rival Strake Jesuit at 1:00 p.m.
