By David Gross ’22

By the end of Leo’s two-point loss to host Rich Township Monday, the basketball contest resembled two heavyweights trading blows and missed haymakers in the final rounds.

Late in the third quarter, the two teams began exchanging buckets and turnovers after Jeremiah Echols hit a three for Leo to take its first lead at 39-36 with 1:30 remaining in the third quarter.

After forcing yet another turnover and converting on Asa Harris’s three, the Lions were able to take a six-point lead, their largest after trailing throughout.

The Lions’ 20-point scoring burst in the third quarter appeared to turn the tide with a five-point lead entering the 4th after trailing at half.

The Lions fought hard to stake claim to a 11-game win streak but fell 55-53 in overtime.

Unforced errors throughout the game – and especially during the pivotal fourth quarter – kept the Lions from grabbing a winnable away game.

Immediately after a go-ahead Rich basket, the Lions retook the lead off of a Nate Stephens’s score on an assist from Harris with little more than four minutes left to play.

The drama continued until — with 50 seconds left to play — a clutch three from Jeremiah Echols tied the game at 48. The Lions’ stout defensive stand sent the game to overtime.

The extra period resembled the tight contest before Rich’s Mason Moore got loose for a dunk and a two-point lead. Leo could only muster two of four free throws down the stretch of overtime.

The Lions had one final chance with eight seconds remaining but couldn’t come up with a basket to tie or take the lead, Harris was overplayed off the inbound pass and no one else cut loose so Harris failed to get a get a clean look and his attempt was rejected by Rich’s Jeremiah Weatherford as time expired.

The Lions win streak was snapped at ten games as they fell to 20-5 overall but still sport a perfect 7-0 Catholic League conference record.

“At this point in the season, we have to step up,” said junior guard Karon Shavers (six points, four assists, four rebounds and three steals).  “The games ahead are more challenging and important to us.”

Rich Township (14-12, 6-4 Southland Conference) was led by Jamson Coulter who finished with 12 points, and Kavon Ammons who finished with 16 points.

Brian Kizerled the way for the Lions with 25 points, six rebounds and two steals.

Leo travels Wednesday for a 7 p.m., non-conference tip off at St. Francis, 2130 Roosevelt Rd. Wheaton, Ill.

Leo travels Friday for a 7 p.m. tip-off in Chicago Catholic League White play against Marmion Academy (5-2 in conference play). Marmion is located at 1000 Butterfield Road, Aurora, Illinois.