Crusaders Finish Season Strong With Win Against Patrick Henry

 With a packed gym and standing room only, the Christendom Crusaders wrapped up their basketball season last Wednesday vs Patrick Henry College.  This was not only the final game of the 2016-17 season, but it was also senior night for lone senior Jake Wagner.  Throughout the pre-season and season, Jake was a leader by example.  According to head coach Patrick Quest, Jake came to practice ready to learn and work hard and over the course of the season; and became a "go-to" player when the team needed offense or would grab a big rebound to ensure the defensive stop.  Jake's encouraging attitude, work ethic, and versatility on the floor will be truly missed, but he made sure to have one of his best games of the season on senior night, posting his first double-double of the season; finishing with 18 points and 13 rebounds.

In front of loud cheering crowd, the Crusaders were determined to set the tone and pace of the game from the opening tip.  The Crusaders played tough team defense and forced Patrick Henry into quick, rushed, and contested shots which led to Crusader rebounds and pushing the ball up the court for easy transition points.  In the half court, the Crusaders executed their various offenses and exploited defensive mismatches while the guards attacked seams to collapse the defense or score around the rim.  Over the course of the game, the Crusaders stuck to their game plan to beat Patrick Henry with the final score of 62-27.

Various players stepped up to lead the charge and the win was a whole team effort.  Jake Wagner led the team with 18 points, followed by freshmen A.J. Lancaster and Patrick Pennefather, scoring 9 and 8, respectively.  Wagner also led the team with 13 total rebounds followed by Freshmen Pete Day with 10

The Crusaders were a young team this season, but grew and learned a lot over the course of the season and were playing solid basketball at the end of the season.  They won four of their final 5 games and will take that momentum into their workouts this spring.