St. Joe Breezes Into District Finals With a Convincing Win over Ritenour

Clash of St. Joe and Nerinx Thursday night. The game between the St. Joseph’s Academy Angels and Ritenour Huskies in the semifinals of the Class 5 district game at Ladue was over almost the time the Angels glided onto the parking lot.

Ritenour, even with a 19-6 record was no match for St. Joe. The Angels charged out the gate, per usual and steam rolled the Huskies, winning 60-31. The game was shortened with a 4th quarter running clock. The Angels are 19-5, heading into the title game Thursday night.

The opponents will be a familiar crew; Nerinx Hall who handed Ladue a 68-60 loss in the nightcap. These are familiar foes. St. Joe faced Nerinx on December 8, winning 59-40.

St. Joe coach Julie Matheny knows full well this is now a six game season. Six wins means a state championship, something the Angels have won before.

Now, over 15 percent of that post-season schedule is in the books.

Notable quotes:

Erin Nelson, top scorer with 16 points. “We know we had to come out strong and play like we are always facing the best team.”

Quote II

“We just couldn’t look past this game. We just went out there and took it to them.”

Julie Matheny, winning coach. Ritenour has some nice athletes and they play hard, but they don’t play the kind of schedule we play.”

Quote II

“Our goal was to pressure them and to get out there and limit them to one shot.”

Quote III

“This game helped our younger kids. They were able to get the nerves out and get used to playing in the bigger tournament.

What’s ahead: A championship rematch with the Hall Markers of Nerinx Thursday on the  Ladue home floor. Tipoff 7 p.m. Winner goes on to the next round of the state tournament. For the loser, the season is over.

Top scorers: St. Joe; Erin Nelson 14 points; Sydney Stipanovich 12 points. Mary Barton 10 points.

Ritenour: Donshel Beck, 18 points.