Springfield Catholic delivered a textbook example of stepped-up play by senior leaders on Thursday.
Jake Branham, Charles O’Reilly and Michael Manzardo totaled 61 points as the Irish mauled St. Paul Lutheran 71-41 in the second semifinal of the Missouri Boys Class 3 State Tournament on Thursday evening.
They and coach Dustin Larsen all nodded when asked if they have a comfort zone at JQH Arena, where the Irish have played eight times this season. Included in their 29-3 record is a title in the four-day Blue & Gold Tournament.
“It’s great to play in front of a home crowd,” admitted O’Reilly.