The Resurrection Phoenix captured their second consecutive CWOSSA "AAAA" junior boys basketball crown by holding off the WCI Vikings 42-39 in a thrilling championship final at Resurrection last night.
This marked the third consecutive year that a D8 school has won the AAAA championship (St. Mary's 2008, Resurrection 2009 & 2010). WCI was playing to end WCSSAA's 5 year championship drought at AAAA (Forest Heights, 2005).
The game was very tight throughout. The Vikes took a one-point lead to halftime after Rez's Patrick Zrebiec hit a turnaround jumper off a rebound at the buzzer.
The Phoenix, who have been a second half team all season, continued that trend in this one. After the Vikes had a 3 point lead, clutch shooting by Cory Kenning and Alphonso Ellis allowed the Phoenix to take an 8 point lead with 3:30 to go in the contest.
And that's where it started to get interesting.
The Vikes began to put some pressure on the Phoenix and caused a couple of turnovers. In addition, WCI big men Jeremy Scott and Malcolm Piazza asserted themselves inside for a couple easy baskets.
Two Jacob Ranton free throws with under :30 to play actually tied the game at 39-39.
On the ensuing Resurrection possesion, Rez guard Alphonso Ellis drove the lane while being fouled --- hitting a tear drop runner that took a second to bounce in --- and giving Resurrection a 41-39 lead with :11 to go.
The free throw was missed and the rebound came to WCI guard Jacob Ranton in the corner. He was double-teamed by two Rez players who made the mistake of getting a bit too close and fouling with just :06 on the clock.
In the one-and-one situation, Ranton missed the front end and the rebound was secured by Resurrection's Zrebiec, who was a rebounding and defensive machine on this night. He was then fouled and made the front-end of his one-and-one with :05 to play. After missing the second free throw, WCI's Adam Anagnostopoulos corraled the loose ball and heaved a prayer from beyond halfcourt that was long enough but not quite on line ---- giving Rez their second straight AAAA title.
Ranton was WCI's top scorer with 11 points, while Scott added in 9 points.
Ellis had 17 points while Kenning added 12 and about 5 blocks.
Speaking of Rez, it appears as though the rebirth of their midget basketball (grade 9s who do not make junior) team has paid dividends --- 7 members of this year's team (including 2 starters!) played midget ball last year, developed, and were able to contribute to this year's junior team.
Rez will now set their sights on becoming the first ever school to win three consecutive "AAAA" CWOSSA junior basketball titles. KCI (04 & 05) is the only other repeat champion.
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