Two passionate fanbases clashed at Walsh Gym in a matchup that sold out within 30 minutes when tickets went on sale earlier this week. Jesuit Dallas and No. 8 Highland Park, two schools separated by an eight-mile stretch on the Dallas North Tollway, concluded their season series in front of a packed house on Friday evening. Highland Park out-scored Jesuit, 49-31, in the second half en route to securing a 70-50 win over the Rangers in Jesuit's penultimate home game of the 2022-23 campaign. Friday's contest was a "Pink Out Night" for Jesuit Dallas basketball in support of those suffering from a cancer diagnosis.
The Rangers were led by sophomore
Caleb Steger, who closed out the bout with 17 points on 5-of-12 shooting. Steger matched senior
Dylan Gibbons for the team lead with six rebounds apiece, with Gibbons adding nine points, a team-high five steals and two assists. Senior
Tai Kryger scored 11 points, junior
Will Bronson secured nine points, junior
Justin Kemp hit a three-pointer and junior
Hank Gramlich buried a free-throw to compliment a two-assist, one steal night on the hardwood.
At halftime, Jesuit trailed Highland Park, 21-19 behind a strong half on the offensive glass. The Rangers secured 13 offensive rebounds in the first half, anchored by three offensive boards and seven points by Bronson, and forced seven Highland Park turnovers while holding the Scots to 7-of-21 from the field and 3-of-11 from three-point range. The Scots turned the tide in the second half behind a 65.2 clip from the field (15-of-23) and limited Jesuit to five offensive rebounds.
Jesuit will return to Walsh Gym on Tuesday, Feb. 14 for its final home game of the 2022-23 regular season. The Rangers will match up against Richardson on senior night, and will aim to clinch a playoff berth with a win combined with a J.J. Pearce loss to Highland Park. Senior night will be celebrated between the junior varsity gold and varsity games, and will recognize the members of the Jesuit Dallas cheerleading and basketball programs. Tip-off for Jesuit Dallas vs. Richardson is set for 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
