The boys’ varsity basketball team played their first preseason game of the year, and after solid defense for the first three and a half quarters, it was their lack luster final four minutes that led to their 53-40 loss at the hands of St.Edwards.

The Cats were led by junior center Jake Diamond who had 11 points in the game.  The Cats performed well and showed heart for the first 28 minutes of the game, but their youth and inexperience, as well as an offensive flurry by St.Edwards’ Bobby Barker and Alex Strickland (combining for 32 of St.Edwards’ 53 points) resulted in the Cats’ late game fall.

Coach Tony Riopelle elaborated on the game as a whole and boys’ poor late game execution.

“Our defensive effort was tremendous for the first three and a half quarters.  We did not execute on offense and we looked confused so that is definitely something we need to work on throughout the season,” Riopelle said. “We also shot 10/30 from the free throw line and we missed eight lay-ups, and it’s difficult to win when you don’t perform well in those two aspects.  Overall though I was happy, this was the first game and with a very young group, it was awesome to see their effort.”

Team captain Sam Lack, who contributed seven points in the loss, had a similar mind set as Riopelle following last night’s game.

“We gave a great effort last night.  What wasn’t great was the way that we finished,” Lack said. “We gave our best effort but we were slow on our execution. Preseason is always good because you get to look at the younger players and see where everyone fits and what everyone can do to help the team.  Hopefully next game we play we play better and when the regular season comes around hopefully we will be ready to roll.”

The Cats are 0-1 in the preseason but have a chance to improve to 1-1 if they beat Pine High School on Friday at St.Edward’s High School as a part of the St.Edwards’ Tip-Off Classic. The game begins at 5:30.