Members of the Brother Martin basketball team have begun playing summer ball.  The team, which is named after Katie's Restaurant, begin its summer season at LSU-Alexandria Team Basketball Camp this weekend.

To begin the summer, the Crusaders had to play perennial power-house Natchitoches Central.  The team appeared eager to start its summer campaign.  The Crusaders jumped out to a 19 to 4 run to start the game, which was played at Alexandria High School.  Natchitoches Central fought its way back and made the game close, but the Crusaders sealed the deal and won, 53 to 49.  The Crusaders were balanced in scoring:  TJ Small 14 points, Grant Delord 13 points, Brock Ranlett 10, and Davonn Moore 10 points.

After the first game, the team took on Pineville High School. The team played well again, winning 48 to 37, and was led by rising freshman, Clayton Lonardo, who led the team with 14 points.  Tijh Bell added 10 points.

On Saturday morning, the team played Alexandria High School and lost a hard-fought game, 55 to 59.  In the game, Alexandria shot 7 of 14 for threes and converted 30 points on free throws.  Despite losing, TJ Small posted 17 points and Grant Delord added 10.

An hour later, the team bounced back with a nice win against a talented Holy Menard Savior team. The team jumped out to a 22 to 4 lead, but allowed the game to be single digits by the half.  The team held off a valiant effort and won 53 to 48.  TJ Small had 18 points in the game, and Davonn Moore finished with 10.

To finish the camp, the team played an athletic team from Tioga.  After a slow start, the Crusaders trailed throughout but kept the game close.  With less than five minutes remaining, the Crusaders were down by ten and looked defeated.  However, the team finished the game on a 16 to 2 run and won.  In the game, TJ Small led all scorers with 13 points.  Davonn Moore added 12.

The team played well and showed plenty of potential.  Brock Ranlett battled throughout the weekend and led the team in rebounds, and rising freshman Corey Skillman started four games and played well beyond his years.  Senior Tijh Bell and sophomore Jace Patin hit big shots to lead the team to multiple victories.