Marquez, Jacobs and Minarik

Wayne………….. DePaul Catholic moved on in the Passaic County tournament with a 60-55 victory over Manchester Highschool. While the Falcons showed no fear they started off slow with the exception of 6’4 junior center Tequese Franklin (#23 pictured )who was a beast throughout the contest. They trailed 14-7 to end the 1st quarter with Franklin having all 7 points. For the Spartans of DePaul it was primarily a team effort in their victory. DePaul pushed the lead up to as much as 15 in the 3rd quarter behind the play of sophomore Davon Jacobs who after being shutout in the 1st half reeled off 6 consecutive points in a minute span to help DePaul take control. Senior Wally Sajime ran the show effectively and it seemed a mere formality, but then after a cold spell and turnovers DePaul found itself holding on to a 5 point lead with 2:34 left in the game on a Franklin layup. DePaul held on behind the clutch free throw shooting of senior guard Mike Minarik late in the game. DePaul was led by Minarik’s 12 points and freshman Joshua Marquez ,who again provided energy to the Spartans team when he entered the affair also contributed 12 points. Jacobs finished with 11 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals, while senior Matt Miller added 9 points. Sajime had 6 dimes to go with his 8 points. Franklin led Manchester with 17 points and 15 rebounds while Zhamir Butler had a strong game off the bench scoring 15 points for the Falcons. Shamar Eleby added 11 while freshman Jetor Brown played a solid game at the point. DePaul now advances to the quarterfinals next week in a rematch against Passaic Valley who won the first contest 60-58 in overtime.