By Anthony Bosco
O'Connor, a 6-foot-4 senior forward out of Middle Village, connected on his running jumper with eight seconds remaining in regulation to thwart a Kellenberg comeback. The Firebirds, vying for their second win of the season, trailed by as many as seven in the final period, but battled back to take 44-43 lead.
O'Connor finished the day with a double-double for the Crusaders, scoring 22 points and collecting 10 rebounds.
The win put Cathedral in good position heading into the holiday break. The Crusaders host their own tournament this week, starting on Wednesday. In the first game at the Rego Park school, St. Joseph by the Sea was slated to square off against Holy Trinity, while Cathedral was scheduled to take on Queens private school Martin Luther in the nightcap.
The consolation and championship games will be played Friday at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., respectively.
Christ the King 46, Barlow, Ore. 39. In the consolation game of the Nike Tournament held in Portland, Ore. sophomore guard Japhet McNeil led the way for the Royals with 11 points and six assists. Senior center Robert Barrett and sophomore guard Mitchel Beauford each contributed 10 points for Christ the King, which raised its record to 2-4.
South Salem, Ore. 59, Christ the King 52. Peedy Nelson led the Royals in this losing effort, as the junior forward from Glendale scored 14 points. Barrett and Beauford had 12 apiece in this first round defeat at the Nike Tournament.
St. Francis Prep 76, Richmond Hill 28. The Terriers of St. Francis Prep had little trouble dispatching PSAL opponents Richmond Hill last week in a non-league contest. Senior forward Rashad Bell led with 25 points, while senior swingman Kevin White had a good all-around game, scoring 17 points with eight rebounds and five steals. The win improved the Terriers to 5-3.
Christ the King 102, Mary Louis 29. The Christ the King Royals continued to dominate their league opponents last week, dominating The Mary Louis Academy by 73 points. Christine Catalonotto led CK with a team-high 17 points, followed by Melanie Mangone with 13. The Royals are now 7-0 overall and 4-0 in league play.
