Heavy defensive pressure seemed to be the deciding factor in the 60-40 Crusader (23-8) win over Comeaux on Friday night.
Brother Martin’s defense dominated from the opening tip, forcing Comeaux into seven turnovers in the first quarter. After almost a quarter of one sided play, Irv Smith nailed a half-court shot at the buzzer to give the Brother Martin a 19-12 lead at the end of the first quarter to get crowd on their feet. The Crusaders continued to control the game in the second quarter, going on a 20-2 run while holding the Spartan offense scoreless for the first six minutes.
Brother Martin led 31-17 at halftime, and the lead would prove to be too much for the Spartans.
The Spartans were able to cut into the lead a couple times throughout second half, but Brother Martin continued its heavy defensive pressure forcing turnovers and leading to quick scores.
As a team, Brother Martin forced 21 turnovers in the game. Luke Walker lead all scorers with 16 points while Irv Smith contributed 15 and Venjie Wallis tallied 12.
The Crusaders will face West Jefferson in the next round of the LHSAA playoffs on Tuesday at 7:00pm. The game will take place on the campus of West Jefferson High School. Tickets can be purchased at the gate for $7.
