BREAKING: Monsignor Farrell High School turned in a stunning performance against St. Edmund’s, clinching a decisive 56-35 victory in a CHSAA A division matchup on Tuesday night in Staten Island. The Lions showcased their defensive prowess and offensive fluidity, particularly in the second half, transforming a tight game into a commanding win.
In a game that saw the Lions trailing by just two points at halftime, junior Michael Abreu led the charge with an impressive double-double, scoring 17 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Senior JJ Yates electrified the crowd with his shooting, netting 14 points, including three crucial three-pointers in the third quarter.
Head coach Danny Fisher credited the team’s defensive adjustments for their success, stating, “I think defensive pressure was a big difference.” The Lions held St. Edmund’s to a mere 11 points in the second half, with just four points in the final period, effectively shutting down their offense.
The Eagles initially took control of the game, leading 24-22 at halftime. However, after a tied score of 28-28 midway through the third quarter, Yates ignited a game-changing run. His three consecutive three-pointers helped propel the Lions ahead with an 11-3 run, shifting the momentum in favor of Farrell.
“We pushed the ball more in the second half. We played at a higher speed,” Yates said. “When one goes down, it makes my confidence skyrocket.”
Farrell’s defense was relentless, especially in the fourth quarter, where they executed a game-clinching 10-2 run to widen their lead to 49-33. The Lions’ ability to adapt to St. Edmund’s defensive switches was also crucial, as they exploited gaps to create scoring opportunities.
Fisher praised his team’s ability to read the game and capitalize on their strengths. “We tried to keep it simple while discussing how we’d attack that,” he explained. “JJ shoots the ball well all the time… when he gets an open look, we know it’s going in.”
Abreu highlighted the team’s defensive synergy, stating, “When you get a stop on defense and it turns into a bucket on offense, it really gets you going.” The Lions’ teamwork was evident as they secured a 30-24 advantage on the boards and committed just eight turnovers, compared to St. Edmund’s 13 turnovers.
Both teams converted on their free throw opportunities, with Farrell hitting 6 of 8 attempts. The Lions will now shift their focus to a holiday tournament in Daytona, Florida, beginning on Monday, as they look to extend their winning streak to six games.
This victory marks a significant moment for Monsignor Farrell, bringing their season record to 5-4 overall and 4-4 in league play. The Lions are poised for further success as they build momentum heading into the holiday season.
