LCA Wins a Nail Biter Over Hawken to Become the 8th Grade Morrissey Classic Champions

The final game, and most highly anticipated game of the Morrissey Classic, the 8th grade championship was underway with LCA winning the tip. 

A steal by Hawken’s Kingston Caldwell led to a quick transition three from Isaiah Mclain, and just like that the Hawks struck first. LCA wasted no time on the other end however, responding with a two-pointer by Gavin Smedley. 

Tommy Grajzl contributed to the fast paced offensive attack by Hawken out of the gate, scoring three points by way of a two pointer and a free throw. With 3:38 remaining in the first quarter, Hawken led 6-4. 

A quick three by Boone Stehlik for LCA was followed up by a beautiful layup in transition by Callum Smetana, and the Saints had taken a 10-6 lead after a 6-0 run. 

Logan Messek closed out the first quarter scoring with a triple for the Saints, and LCA led after one quarter of play 15-10. 

A mid range jump shot from Moss Zieman got the scoring started in the second quarter for the Saints, with LCA leading 17-10 with 6:04 remaining. The mid range shooting continued to hold efficiently for LCA with Harper Carroll following up Zieman’s mid range shot with one of his own. 

Hawken battled back, cutting the lead to five with LCA leading 19-14, but a Will Stefanski right wing three with 2:34 remaining in the half extended the Knights lead back up to eight. 

A much needed bucket by Kadyn Grattan in transition for Hawken would provide a spark before half, but once again Will Stefanski responded with a three pointer on the other again extending the lead back up to double digits. 

At the midpoint, LCA led 27-17. 

Scoring would open up in the third quarter by way of an Isaiah Mclain free throw cutting the Saints lead back down to single digits. Tommy Grajzl would get fouled on the following possession and make two free throws of his own. The Hawks 3-0 run to start the half would narrow the Saints lead, 27-20. 

After a series of offensive rebounds extended the possession for LCA, Logan Messek capitalized by draining a corner three, putting the lead back up to ten. 

A steal by Jonah Johnson in the back court would lead to a quick fast break layup for Hawken’s Johnson. Another steal on the inbound would lead to a three pointer by Hudson Grant cutting the Knights lead down to five. 

LCA would quickly respond with a fast break layup, and the momentary offensive chaos would calm down with LCA leading 32-25 with 2:11 to play in the 3rd quarter. 

Quick transition baskets due to fantastic defense by Hawken would narrow the LCA lead to one possession, with the Knights leading 32-29 going into the final quarter.  

Battling through a full court press, the Knights were able to capitalize on a second chance offensive rebound and score thanks to Harper Carroll. Another bucket in the paint on the following possession by LCA’s Moss Zieman would extend the lead. Logan Messek nailed a corner three on the very next possession, and LCA’s 7-0 run to start the final quarter would have them in the driver's seat leading 39-30, with 5:40 remaining. 

Tommy Grajzl would hit a top of the arc three with 2:03 remaining, cutting the Saints lead down to 4, with LCA still leading 39-35. LCA followed up the shot by taking a timeout, and just like that the Hawks had a glimmer of hope. 

Hawken would cut the lead down to two following a mid range bucket by Tommy Grajzl. Grajzl would then convert on a free throw cutting the lead down to just one.  With LCA leading 41-40, a clutch layup by Harper Carroll would extend the lead to 43-41. On the next possession Will Stefanski would make a free throw putting LCA back up three points, leading 44-41. Hawken would then convert on a two pointer cutting the lead back down to one, with the Knights still leading 44-43. 

With Hawken needing to foul, Logan Messek would go to the free throw line with 4.1 seconds left with the Knights leading by one. Messek would miss the first, and make the second. Hawken would regain possession with 4.1 seconds to go down 45-43 with a chance to tie, or take the lead. 

A right wing three by Jonah Johnson would be Hawken’s last ditch effort, but the shot would rattle off the back of the rim as time expired. 

Lakewood Catholic Academy would have a moment to exhale, winning the 8th grade Morrissey Classic Tournament in the final seconds.