Montini maintains lead, beats Marmion

Holding on to second-half leads has at times been an issue this winter for the Montini boys basketball team.

But it certainly wasn't a problem on Friday night. The Broncos put together a complete effort in a 65-52 victory over Marmion in a Chicago Catholic League White Division contest in Lombard.

"Today we played a full four quarters," said guard Anthony Thompson, who led all players with 22 points. "Other games, it's been a half or it's been a quarter and then we take a quarter off and then have another (good) quarter. So a lot of our games have been tight.

"I think we have only lost two games by more than 10 points. Today we played all four quarters and you see what happens."

Leading by one after the opening eight minutes, Montini (12-6, 3-2) seized control of the matchup with a 20-8 second-quarter run. Luke Morrill scored 9 of his 11 points during that stretch and Jermari Harris added 6 of his 8.

Thompson then made sure the Broncos held on to that advantage after the break, scoring 7 points in the third after the Cadets had sliced the deficit to 8. Those seven were a part of a 15-0 spurt that left the score at 55-32 early in the final period.

For visiting Marmion (8-13, 2-4), the game slipped away courtesy of the defensive end, according to coach Tony Young.

"We've got to guard," Young said. "That's the bottom line, we have to play better defense. And then slow down and execute on offense. That's all I can say at this point, we have to guard and execute on offense."

Matthew Morrissey also checked into double figures with 11 points for the Broncos, who take on Benet on Tuesday in the first of three games next week.

"When we have given up those big leads," Montini coach Daryl Thomas said, "we've kind of gotten too individual, not really working together as a team. Tonight we did a good job of moving the ball, looking for each other, working as a team. And a lot of guys came in and contributed. The credit goes to these guys, we had a great week of practice.

"When we stick together and play together, we can accomplish a lot of good things. Hopefully, this is a turning point for us. We have a big game on Tuesday against Benet; it's a big week, three games in four days."

Mick Sullivan topped Marmion with 21 points. Christian Miller chipped in with 15, knocking down four 3-pointers.