The Recap: Saint Joe and Leo started game one of the Champions of Character Classic in Winona Lake, Indiana and it did not disappoint. Headlined by junior Notre Dame commit, JR Konieczny, the Indians snuck away late with a 68-59 victory. This was a game dominated by underclassman as four juniors led the way for St. Joe while Leo's offense runs through two juniors and a sophomore. The win was hard earned as Leo took a one-point lead at intermission led by 6'5" sophomore DJ Allen's 10 points. Konieczny would take over from there scoring 11 of his game-high 22 points in the third quarter for St. Joe. In what was a great overall game I’d love to see both teams again.

Six Takes:

  • St. Joe throws a solid junior-led core in their starting lineup that go 6'7", 6'6", 6'5", and 6'4". Led by JR Konieczny, this squad really plays well together. I feel like each individual knows their role and does it well. Konieczny was very solid in this one. Very smooth and under control. Took over the game when he needed to, especially in the third quarter, and asserted his dominance finishing with six rebounds to go along with his 22 points.
  • 6'4" junior Jack Futa looked great for St. Joe. He finished with a double-double of 19 and 11. Leo never had an answer for him as he had it all on display knocking down 3s, defending, blocking shots, hitting free throws (7/8) and rebounding. Very solid effort from the junior and a great complimentary teammate for Konieczny.
  • Junior's Will Terry and Adam O'Dell both defended well and added some tough rebounds and a couple blocks. At 6'5" and 6'6" respectively, Terry and O'Dell showed well within their roles for St. Joe using their size to their advantage.
  • 6'1" Leo junior guard Blake Davison had 14 points and 8 rebounds for Leo. He was able to get to the line a few times off the drive and hit some jumpers. St Joe's length gave him some trouble.
  • I was really impressed with 6’5 Leo sophomore, DJ Allen, who also added 14 points and 8 rebounds. Allen has good size and length with some athleticism. He looked comfortable around the hoop and was able to rebound and score underneath. He isn’t afraid to go to the offensive glass and is a heady passer. He can also step outside and shoot from the perimeter as well as run in transition.
  • 6’5 Leo junior, Zack Troyer, chipped in 12 points for the Lions. Troyer was able to score underneath and hit a couple jumpers , but seemed to disappear in the 3rd quarter when Leo needed him most.

Next Up:

St. Joe - 12/28 - Logansport Classic - vs. LaPorte (4-3)

  • JR Konieczny - 6'7" Junior (committed to Notre Dame)
  • Jack Futa - 6'4" Junior
  • Adam O'Dell - 6'6" Junior
  • Will Terry - 6'5" Junior

Leo - 12/27 - Huntington North Tournament - vs. Jay County (2-4)

  • Blake Davison - 6'1" Junior
  • Zack Troyer - 6'5" Junior
  • DJ Allen - 6'5" Sophomore

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR