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The St James Midget boys basketball team won the Class A Diocesan Basketball Tournament held January 9-10th at All Saints Academy in Breese, Illinois. The Trojans from Millstadt easily defeated Cathedral from Belleville in the first round and coasted by St. John of Red Bud in the semi-finals. Playing with a full team for the first time all season, St James was primed to make a run at their 3rd straight Diocesan title.
Jordan McFarland and Stephen Toenjes were both back in action. Jordan is the starting point guard for the 8th grade team and had limited time during the regular season. Stephen broke his arm early in the season and was back to full speed.
St James faced St. Joe's of Olney in the championship game. This was a rematch from last years title game. Off to a fast start St James held on to a slim 8 to 5 lead on early fast- break baskets from Cal Kossina. The lead grew with McFarland scoring 2 baskets and Toenjes adding another and the Trojans took a 14 to 5 lead at the end of the first quarter.
St James fast break offense continued and the lead grew. With speedy Kossina staying hot with 12 second quarter points , McFarland controlling the boards, and long jumpers from Toenjes and Austin Guetterman, St James took a commanding 36 to 9 halftime lead.
The large crowd of black and gold from St. James had more to cheer about in the second half as The Trojans poured it on. McFarland's 9 points led the way in the 3rd while Guetterman and Toenjes combined for 6 points. Jesse Brouk continued to work hard on the boards and Nick Nagel on defense. The score at the end of the third quarter was 51 to 19 Trojans.
The younger Trojans got into the scoring act in the 4th with jumpers from Nick Nagel and Adam Dintleman. The team celebrated as the seconds ticked down for the third straight Diocesan Championship for St James.
Final score: St James 59, St Joe's 27. Like he has all season long, Cal Kossina led the charge with 20 points. McFarland followed with 17 points,11 rebounds,10 assists and 3 block shots. Stephen Toenjes and Austin Guetterman, both having a great Diocesan Tournament, had 10 and 8 points respectively.
St James is coached by Kyle Muskopf and David McFarland. Congratulations Trojans!
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