JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On February 7th, the Bolles School Bulldogs (18-7) sought out revenge on their school rival the Bishop Kenny Crusaders (20-4) on the Bulldogs Senior Night. On January 17th the Bulldogs blew a 17 point lead and lost in OT to the Crusaders 61-58.
With the stands filled with eager parents and students, the Crusaders won the tip. Two minutes into the game Ross Candelino (Bishop Kenny) struck first for the Crusaders and the momentum flowed their way. But Bobby Crouch (Bolles) was the spark plug for the Bulldogs. He finished the first with 5 points including the buzzer beater to help bring the first quarter to a close with the score tied at 10.
The Bulldogs won the second quarter 11-6. Their good defensive effort only allowed three Crusaders to score 2 points a piece. Crouch led the way for the Bulldogs in the second by adding on 4 more points to his 5 first quarter points, including another buzzer beater layup right before the half. At the half the Bulldogs were up 21-16 and showed no signs of letting up. Crouch and Candelino both led their teams with 9 and 8 points, respectively.
The third quarter saw the Crusaders win it 11-9. Multiple Crusaders helped in the charge against the Bulldogs but Daniel Buckley led it with 5 points. Despite the Bulldogs student section constantly chanting “Yoda” every time he touched the ball. But even though the Crusaders won the quarter they still trailed after three 30-27 and that’s because the Crusaders did not have an answer for Crouch. He went off for 6 points in the third.
The final eight minutes were a nitty gritty one. Bolles won the quarter 18-15. Crouch helped keep the Bulldogs ahead with his 7 points of the quarter, making him the only person on his team to score in every quarter. Patrick Tucker and Candelino both combined for 10 of the Crusaders 15 points and lead the Crusaders to tie the game multiple times in the fourth. But it was Justin O’leary who saved the Bulldogs in the final minute of the game by knocking down all 6 of his free throws to give the Bulldogs some breathing room.
The final score was 48-42 and the Bulldogs student section stormed the court with pride as they took down their rival Bishop Kenny at home. The Bolles Bulldogs and Bishop Kenny Crusaders now await who they will play in the 4A District 4 Championship semi-finals on February 12th.
