Schools

Winner Take All for Chaminade at Ladue Friday Night

District tournament finals on Rams home floor features two high-flying teams. Plan on arriving early.

The Class 5, District 2 championship game, Chaminade at Ladue Friday night is 24 hours away, and Rams’ coach Chad Anderson is already totally amped.

He expects great things, especially when playing on their brand new home maple floor. For the first time in some 15 years, the Rams were able to host a district championship.

The event has gone off flawless to date.

In the semifinals, Ladue came out firing and smothered St. Louis U. High 67-51. In the other semifinal match, Chaminade evened the record with Riverview Gardens for the season 1-1 with an 82-56 whipping. Both games were played Tuesday night at Ladue.

Chaminade is 17-8, and features plenty of younger players. Ladue is riding the crest of a 21-5 season.

Anderson loved the play of his Rams against the Junior Bills. In regards to Beating SLUH: "I thought we played very well defensively and rebounded well. We had multiple players contribute on the offensive end and we did a great job attacking the basket.  Obviously a solid first quarter set the tone for the game. We were uncharacteristic at the free throw line, but that is an easy fix.  We are normally a good free throw shooting team.

I thought our big three (Cornell Johnson, Andrew Maddock and Austin DaGue)  all played very well. Cornell did a great job leading the team and playing unselfish basketball.  He distributed the ball very well.  Andrew and Austin played big inside for us and did a great job on both ends” said Anderson.

Johnson topped all scorers with 19 points; Maddock had 12 and DaGue had 11.

Johnson, one of the top point guards in the Metro has 220 assists this season, dishing out 8.46 per game.

Anderson knows the atmosphere will be great Friday night at home. The 1,500 seat gym will be packed to the rafters.

“Being at home is an exciting opportunity for our players.  We have done a great job protecting our new court this year, and Friday will be no different. The atmosphere from both teams should make it fun.  We are looking forward to this opportunity,” said Anderson.

Chaminade is deep in talent. They are led by the trio of Andy Kleinlein, Grant Hollander and Jayson Tatum. Kleinlein had 24 in the win over Riverview; Hollander had 21 and Tatum 13.

The winner advances to the sectional round on Wednesday.


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