TROY — Catholic Central has proven this year that it can bury boys’ basketball opponents with its deadly 3-point shooting. But Saturday, in the Class B state quarterfinals, the Crusaders showed that their lightning quick and aggressive defense can be just as impressive.
Catholic Central’s defensive prowess continually harassed visiting Potsdam as the Crusaders cruised to an impressive 72-34 victory at Hudson Valley Community College, moving them into next Saturday’s 9 a.m. state semifinal at Cool Insuring Arena. Catholic Central, making its first final four appearance, will take on Southampton of Long Island (Section XI), which knocked out Valhalla (Section I) on Saturday, in the state semifinals.
“Yes, we really played defense today,” said a pleased Guy DiBacco, Catholic Central’s coach. While his team drained nine 3-pointers, including seven in the first half, the Crusaders also missed 16 from long range but their intimidating defense more than made up for it. It seemed every time a Potsdam player got the ball, he would have a hand in his face or a hand knocking it away. The Crusaders forced 19 turnovers and Potsdam, the Section X (St. Lawrence Valley) champion, shot just 33 percent from the field, including 0-for-11 from 3-point range.
Catholic Central, ranked second in the state, was led by Conor Gemmill’s 12 points and Darien Moore added 11. Aidan Prunty came off the bench to score 10 points, including eight in the game’s final four minutes. Sei’Mir Roberson and Nick Riley each scored nine. Potsdam, which finishes with a 12-13 record after upsetting Beekmantown in the regional opener, was led by Ian VanWagner’s 13 points.
Catholic Central (24-1) dropped in four 3-point shots in the game’s first 3:30 to race out to a 19-2 lead. Potsdam never got closer than 17 points the rest of the way, trailing 27-7 at the first break, 45-15 at the half, and 58-24…
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