really wanted to beat the CBC Cadets on the Cadets' own floor in their own tournament. “I really think we can do it,” said assistant coach Todd Basler, prior to tipoff in the semifinals of the D.C. Wilcutt Invitational Wednesday night.
For a while, Basler’s prediction was looking pretty good. The Cadets raced out to a 7-2 lead, allowing Ladue back into the game and confident visiting squad regained the lead and led at the end of the first quarter 16-9.
In the second quarter, the Cadets steadily took control of the game, opening up a 26-18 lead and at halftime it was CBC 34, Ladue 24.
By the time veteran coach Bob McCormack had cleared his bench, his Cadets won convincingly, 78-57. CBC plays Lutheran North in Friday’s 8 p.m after defeating Whitfield in the night's other semifinal, according to statistics posted by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Ladue and Whitfield will lock horns in
“That was indicative of how we are capable of playing. We had four or five guys in double figures and that’s what we can do. Our guys went out there and gave us a chance to win,” said McCormack, who launched his prep coaching career at Ladue.
Aaron Maxey-Penton paved the way for the Cadets with 15 points. Jared Barnes cashed in 11 points and Jordan Barnett had 10.
Ryan Daniels, 5-foot-11 senior guard had a game-high 19 points. Cornell Johnson, Ladue’s 5-foot-6, sophomore guard was fearless inside and chipped in 14 points.
The Cadets improve their mark to 11-5. The Cadets have won seven of their last night contests. Ladue falls to 9-4.
