"Forever Saints": an FBCB story

[MoonlightGraham]

Hi again, everyone.

I'm Graham, and I've always loved stories. I enjoy telling them, hearing them, reading them, and writing them. That's why I've had so much fun on this forum, both as a reader and as a writer.

I've come back to create a story based on my favorite game, Fast Break College Basketball. That's nothing new for me; I've written up one long FBCB dynasty here, and I've started a couple shorter ones, too. Those stories never amounted to much because I became bored with them. They weren't enough different from what I did before to hold my attention for long.

This time, I'm trying something different. I've done some world-building here, inventing a corner of the college basketball universe in which my story will take place: a fictional town with a fictional college and its basketball team.

I want to create a story that remains rooted in what takes place in my FBCB game, but one that brings more of the setting to life. My "human coach" will, of course, be the main character, but we'll also meet the people who are important to him along the way. If I tell the story well, we will get to know the campus where he coaches, and the town in which he lives. You'll see stats and records and the elements that are part of most dynasty stories, but you'll read about other things, too.

I understand that this kind of story might not appeal to some of you. If you don't like Hallmark movies, scroll to the next box score or season summary. If you're like the guy I went to school with who wished Rudy had ended with the title character getting hurt, you'll definitely want to find another story.

But I'm in the mood to tell a story that at least has the potential to feel good. My main character might not end up winning many games. He might even lose his job...but that might be a compelling story, too. If I can create characters I have fun writing about--and ones you'll have fun reading about and pulling for, I'll be happy.

I hope some of you will come along for the ride. I'm excited about getting started.

I've already written quite a few of the world-setting posts, so they'll come along in fairly rapid succession.

[MoonlightGraham]

Our story is set in the (fictional) town of Elmridge, Pennsylvania.

Perched amid the gently rolling hills of southeastern Pennsylvania, Elmridge is a venerable small town with a rich history dating back to its founding in the early 1870s. Originally established as a stop along a key regional railroad line, Elmridge quickly grew from a modest farming settlement into a bustling hub of trade, light industry, and culture. Today, its historic charm is unmistakable, with cobblestone streets, preserved Victorian-era buildings, and a strong sense of tradition woven into daily life.

Elmridge’s roughly 12,000 residents live in a community deeply connected to its past. The town center is anchored by a broad, tree-lined Main Street paved with brick and flanked by stately 19th-century storefronts. Ornate wrought-iron balconies, gas-lit street lamps, and detailed cornices showcase the town’s Victorian heritage.

The old railroad line that founded Elmridge still serves the town via a small station, now refurbished with Victorian-era details like ironwork benches and gaslight-style lamps. Modern commuter rail connects residents to Philadelphia and beyond, balancing Elmridge’s historic ambiance with contemporary convenience.

Elmridge Creek still meanders through town, crossed by several stone arch bridges constructed during the late 19th century. These bridges remain functional and are lovingly maintained, alongside a network of narrow alleys and walking paths that echo the town’s early days.

[MoonlightGraham]

Thomas Edward Callahan was born in 1838, the third son of a large Irish immigrant family in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood. Like many men his age, Callahan served his country in the Civil War. He enlisted with the 69th Pennsylvania Infantry, rising to the rank of captain; he was commended for his bravery at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Three years after the war's end, Callahan married Margaret O'Leary, whose father owned a successful shipping and import business. Callahan trained as a lawyer and enjoyed considerable success, but he found himself increasingly drawn to his faith and community service. In the late 1870s, he left his law practice to devote his life and fortune to Catholic education and charitable work in the Philadelphia suburbs.

A man of deep humility and conviction, Callahan believed that Catholic youth needed a place that not only taught academic rigor but also instilled a sense of moral vigilance and communal responsibility—values embodied by St. Michael the Archangel. When St. Michael’s College was founded in 1888 as a small seminary, the Callahans became its most generous and influential benefactor.

Their most famous gift was the funding of the Sentinel Tower, intended as a physical and spiritual beacon to guide and protect students. Callahan's letters and speeches often referenced the tower as a symbol of “watchfulness in faith and knowledge.”

Callahan died in 1901, living long enough to see St. Michael's establish a firm footing from which it could grow.

Thomas E. Callahan's legacy remains alive as the college has grown.

The Callahan Fund continues to support scholarships and campus maintenance.
His personal motto, inscribed on a plaque in the tower’s base, reads: “Vigilance is the soul’s shield; knowledge, its sword.”
Every year on Callahan Day (October 29), the college honors his memory with a lecture on ethics and leadership.
The college chapel’s stained glass includes a panel depicting Callahan handing a lantern to a young seminarian—a symbol of passing the light of faith and learning.
The Sentinel Tower’s lantern room is officially named the Callahan Lantern.

So, too, has the legacy of Margaret O'Leary Callahan persevered.

She was instrumental in founding the St. Michael’s Alumnae Women’s Guild, which provided scholarships and hosted cultural events.

She championed the construction of the college’s women’s dormitory and chapel annex, expanding opportunities for female students.

She advocated for Catholic education for girls in the region, helping to establish feeder schools and partnerships.

A stained-glass window in the college’s main chapel honors her, depicting St. Margaret of Antioch as a nod to her name and strength.

After her death in 1910, the college created the Margaret O’Leary Callahan Endowment Fund for student aid and campus beautification.

[MoonlightGraham]

In Veritate Lux

Founded not quite two decades after the town itself, St. Michael’s College grew from a small Catholic seminary into a respected liberal arts institution. Its original buildings, constructed in a blend of Gothic Revival and Romanesque styles, remain focal points of the campus. The signature chapel, with its soaring spires and intricate stained-glass windows depicting saints and local history, dates to 1897.

The college expanded gradually through the 20th century, but it retains the air of a storied institution where tradition meets scholarship. The campus quadrangles are surrounded by mature elms and maples, some planted by the college’s first students more than a century ago.

Some of the most notable campus buildings include:

Callahan Hall (Administration & Philosophy)
Named for Thomas Callahan, the college’s early benefactor. This stately stone building was the original structure on campus, completed in 1888. Its Sentinel Tower and stained-glass clerestory dominate the quad. Callahan Hall still houses the Office of the President, the Department of Philosophy, and the Callahan Seminar Room, a vaulted chamber used for senior orals and guest lectures.

O’Leary Library (Library & Archives)
Named for the family of Margaret O’Leary Callahan. A Gothic Revival structure with groin-vaulted reading halls and clerestory windows, the O’Leary Library houses the college archives, the O’Leary Rare Book Room, and the Sisters of Charity Reading Room. Students love the deep leather chairs and creaky floors.

College Chapel
Consecrated in 1897. Known for its mosaic apse of the Virgin enthroned and its resonant bell, “Immaculata.” The Chapel hosts daily Mass, weddings, vigils, and graduation. St. Michael the Archangel appears in stained glass above the high altar, sword raised in defense of truth. Other windows depict Thomas and Margaret Callahan, and other revered figures from the College's early days.

Margaret Hall (Humanities and Women’s Studies)
Originally the women’s dormitory, now home to History, Religious Studies, Women’s & Gender Studies, and the Margaret Center for Civil Discourse. Its inner courtyard is called the “Garden of Wisdom.”

St. Joseph’s Quad (Residential Life)
A four-dorm complex built in the 1980s, arranged around a grassy commons with a central statue of St. Joseph the Worker. Dorms include:
Kolbe Hall (First-year men)
Seton Hall (First-year women)
DeSales Hall (Upperclassmen)
Lourdes House (Honors housing)

Reilly Commons (Student Union & Activities)
Named after longtime coach and student advocate Fr. James Reilly, this is the beating heart of student life. Contains the campus coffee shop (The Lantern), student offices, mailroom, commuter lounge, and the WSMC campus radio station. The Great Room hosts open mics, dances, and student debates.

The Cloister Walk (Walkway and Social Space)
This elegant, columned arcade connects O’Leary Library to the chapel. Lined with ivy and lanterns, it’s a quiet study spot by day and a romantic, music-filled passage at night. Students often chalk quotes or prayers on the flagstones.

O’Shaughnessy Center for the Arts
Named for a patron who endowed the college’s visual arts program in the 1960s. Contains large studio spaces, a small recital hall, and The Nave — a contemporary gallery that features student work, faculty shows, and traveling exhibitions.

St. Margaret’s Hall of Science
A sleek brick and glass building completed in 1991, housing Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Physics. Its rooftop greenhouse supports ecological research, and the east wing holds a state-of-the-art anatomy lab.

The Refectory (Dining Commons)
A high-ceilinged hall with wood trusses and stained glass. Students eat at long tables, and it’s known for its weekend brunches, Christmas formal dinner, and occasional surprise meals cooked by faculty. The Refectory balcony often hosts string quartets or student choirs.

O’Connell House (Campus Ministry & Retreat Center)
Once a faculty residence, now the home of Campus Ministry and spiritual life programs. Known for its warm hearth, soup nights, and occasionally, informal theology talks.

[MoonlightGraham]

St. Michael's plays their home games at The Pavilion, which opened for the 1932/33 season. The official capacity of The Pavilion is 4338 spectators, and this number is the announced attendance for every Saints home contest.

Architectural Style: Collegiate Gothic with Romanesque touches — featuring arched timber trusses, clerestory windows that flood the court with golden afternoon light, and wrought-iron lanterns suspended from vaulted wooden beams. The entire building is clad in warm sandstone with limestone accents.

Building Features:
“The Nave” Court:
The central hardwood court is affectionately called “The Nave” due to the building’s chapel-like proportions and echoed acoustics. Polished maple floorboards are laid in a chevron pattern, and the boundary lines are hand-painted in navy and gold.

Clerestory Windows:
A ring of high, stained-glass windows surrounds the upper walls of the pavilion. Each window represents a virtue — Fortitude, Temperance, Charity, Justice — and at sunset, amber light spills over the court during late practices and warm-up sessions, adding to the mystique of the building.

The Gallery:
Wooden bleachers, lovingly maintained, run up either side. The west end is home to the student section, which is invariably filled by raucuous, spirited St. Michael's men and women. At the east end, a modest organ loft is occasionally used by the pep band on feast days and homecoming.

The Saints' Hallway:
A corridor beneath the stands serves as a walk of honor, lined with portraits of all-time greats, team chaplains, and relics from the Saints' most historic games. It includes hand-lettered box scores and framed varsity letters from decades past.

Coach Reilly’s Office:
A warm, wood-paneled space tucked behind the bleachers, filled with old game balls, family photos, and the smell of coffee. No longer an active office, it retains the atmosphere created by the Saints' legendary coach, who retired in 1958.

Saints' Locker Room:
Stone-tiled floors, recently upgraded lockers, and a mural of St. Sebastian over the doorway. The locker room prayer — “Protect us in battle, Lord. Make us humble in victory and faithful in defeat” — is painted above the doorway.

[MoonlightGraham]

Let's visit the town of Elmridge, making stops at the places most important to the lives of the College community.

Neighborhoods and Surrounding Areas
Elmwood Heights: This neighborhood features elegant Victorian and Colonial Revival homes built by prosperous merchants and railroad officials during Elmridge’s boom years in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many houses still boast original woodwork, stained glass, and wrap-around porches. Elmwood Heights is known for its mature tree canopy and quiet, winding streets.


Riverside District: Once home to small factories and warehouses serving the railroad, Riverside has evolved into a mixed-use area with preserved brick industrial buildings converted into lofts and art studios. The district’s narrow cobblestone streets and iron fire escapes tell stories of the town’s working-class roots.


St. Michael’s Village: Near the college, this district grew up around boarding houses and rental homes for students and faculty in the early 1900s. Many buildings retain their historic clapboard siding and simple, functional design, while local eateries and cafes offer modern comforts amid the classic architecture.


Old Town Elmridge: The oldest section of town, Old Town is a living museum of Elmridge’s origins. The 1873 Town Hall stands proudly in the square, its clock tower still chiming the hour. The district hosts an annual Founders Day celebration, complete with period costumes, horse-drawn carriage rides, and craft demonstrations.


Popular Businesses Around St. Michael’s College

1. The Elm & Ink Bookshop
A cozy, independent bookstore just a short walk from campus, Elm & Ink is a beloved hangout for St. Michael’s students and professors. The shop specializes in classic literature, philosophy, and theology, with a strong selection of both new releases and rare vintage volumes. Frequent poetry readings, book clubs, and guest lectures are hosted in its backroom. The scent of aged paper and freshly brewed coffee makes it a perfect study retreat.

2. The Cloister Café
Located in a restored 19th-century carriage house, The Cloister Café serves artisan coffee, herbal teas, and locally sourced pastries. It’s a favorite spot for morning classes, informal faculty meetings, and late-night study sessions. The café’s interior features stained glass windows and wooden beams, echoing the collegiate gothic aesthetic of St. Michael’s campus.

3. O’Malley’s Tavern
A traditional Irish pub with dark wood interiors, brass fixtures, and a roaring fireplace, O’Malley’s is the go-to place for game-day celebrations, casual dinners, and live folk music nights. Run by a family with roots in Elmridge since the 1920s, it has a warm, welcoming atmosphere where alumni and locals mingle easily. Their famous shepherd’s pie and stout on tap are campus favorites.

4. The Scholar’s Nook
A stationary and academic supply store catering specifically to the needs of St. Michael’s students and faculty. It offers fine writing instruments, journals, art supplies, and a small collection of academic apparel. The owner, a retired professor, is known for personalized recommendations and a quiet reading corner stocked with classic texts.

5. The Green Elm Apothecary
This herbal shop and wellness center blends old-world remedies with modern holistic health practices. They sell locally grown herbs, tinctures, teas, and handcrafted soaps. Many students and faculty visit for stress relief products, especially during finals, and the apothecary hosts occasional workshops on herbal medicine and mindfulness.

6. Marigold & Vine Florist
A quaint flower shop near campus, known for its vintage-style arrangements and seasonal bouquets. Marigold & Vine decorates campus events, dorms, and faculty offices, often collaborating with the college for formal dances and ceremonies. The florist’s owner, a former art student, incorporates wildflowers and native plants into all designs.

7. The Scholar’s Table
A small, family-owned bistro specializing in farm-to-table fare with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Open for brunch and dinner, it’s popular for weekend meetups and post-lecture discussions. The menu changes seasonally and features hearty soups, sandwiches, and vegetarian options, with a warm, rustic ambiance.

8. Del Vecchio's
Davide Del Vecchio served his first sandwich to a St. Michael's student in 1922. His descendants still offer pizza, pasta, and sandwiches to the Saints community. A DelVecchio's hoagie is the traditional pre-game meal for Saints basketball fans.

9. Campus Threads
A clothing and gift shop offering St. Michael’s College apparel, from classic letterman jackets to cozy scarves and tote bags. They also stock vintage-inspired accessories and handmade crafts by local artisans. The shop is a must-visit for visiting families and alumni picking up memorabilia.

[MoonlightGraham]

The story begins...


Recruiting Profile: Toby Whittaker

Full Name: Tobias Edward "Toby" Whittaker
Graduation Year: 1992
High School: St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School, Alexandria, VA
Position: Point Guard
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 170 lbs
College Commitment: St. Michael’s College (PA) – Class of 1996
Intended Majors: Philosophy & Political Science
Recruiting Rankings: ⭐⭐⭐ #301 nationally by FBCB Scouting Service

Toby was a three-year starters for the SSSA varsity, a team captain during his junior and senior years. Toby was known across the Interstate Athletic Conference (IAC) as one of the smartest and most unselfish point guards in the D.C. metro area. His command of the offense, court awareness, and leadership under pressure earned him respect from teammates and opponents alike. Though not the flashiest player on the court, he was the most dependable—running the floor like an extension of the coaching staff.

As a senior, Toby averaged 14.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 7.1 APG, and maintained a 3.2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. He made nearly 47% of his field goal attempts, including 41% from distance, and hit 83% of his free throws.

His basketball honors list was impressive:

All-IAC First Team (1992)
All-Met Honorable Mention (Washington Post)
SSSA Athlete-Scholar of the Year (1992)
MVP, Sleepy Thompson Tournament (December 1991)
McNamara Award, for Leadership in Athletics & Academics


Coach's Commentary
“Toby is the rare kind of player who makes everyone around him better. He sees the floor like a coach and approaches the game—and life—with humility and integrity.”
— Coach Ned Chapman, SSSA Varsity Basketball


Toby was also a fine high school soccer player. His quickness and court vision translated well to the pitch, where he played as a box-to-box midfielder—balancing offense and defense with smart passing and stamina. During spring seasons, Toby ran the 400m and participated in the 4x400m relay for SSSA's track team. Though not a top-level sprinter–his personal best was just under 52 seconds for 400m–he was respected for his dedication and team spirit. Toby also enjoyed casual tennis matches with friends, appreciating the mental focus and hand-eye coordination tennis required.

Toby graduated in June 1992 with a 3.93 GPA, earning High Honors. Off the court, he was involved in Student Council, serving as vice president as a senior. He was an active volunteer, especially enjoying working with youth sports camps and tutoring younger students at his school. Toby was also involved with the campus ministry, attending retreats and serving as a peer leader during sophomore year. His faith was important to him, grounding his decisions and goals.

Toby’s diverse activities contributed to his reputation as a disciplined, compassionate, and intellectually curious student-athlete—qualities that made him a natural leader both on and off the court.

[MoonlightGraham]

Toby's Freshman Season: 1992/93

Saints coach George Sarver immediately made Toby a fixture in the starting lineup. The 91/92 Saints had won the Centennial Conference tournament and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. Toby had the unenviable task of succeeding Thomas Drury, the Saints' all-time leading scorer, and while he was not quite Drury's equal, he demonstrated his ability to adapt to the demands of college basketball.

Moving between point guard and shooting guard, Toby averaged 9.0 PPG and 2.0 APG. He proved to be a very good rebounder for a 6'2" guard, pulling in 3.2 RPG. Toby served as the team's third option behind high-scoring sophomores Rickie Parker and John Theisen.

Toby's contributions were enough to earn him a spot on the Centennial Conference's All-Freshman Team and its Freshman of the Year Award. But the Saints suffered a reversal of fortune, finishing with a 13-19 record.


Toby's Sophomore Season: 1993/94
With their young core returning, the Saints had every reason to expect a better season in 93/94. The addition of Harold Toombs, a dynamic guard from nearby York, PA, gave Saints Nation even more hope.

That hope was largely realized, as Sarver guided his team to a 18-13 mark that included a 10-4 conference record. Four Saints earned spots on the first All-Conference Team: Parker, Theisen, Toombs...and Whittaker.

Toby shifted to shooting guard to accommodate talented freshman Toombs. He averaged 9.5 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 3.1 APG, and just over a steal per game. Rickie Parker was named the league POY, and Toombs its FOY.

The Saints' Achilles heel was their team defense. They allowed their opponents to score over 72 points a game and knock down 39 percent of their threes.


Toby's Junior Season: 1994/95

Coach Sarver's Saints took another step forward in 94/95.

Their season began with an upset victory in the Anaheim Invitational. The Saints entered the tourney as the seventh seed in the eight-team bracket. They defeated St. Bonaventure and East Carolina by one point each, with Toby hitting a three-pointer with five seconds remaining against the Bonnies. The Saints' four-point victory over Georgia Tech in the championship game felt comfortable by comparison.

The Saints kept winning throughout the season, posting a 12-2 conference record to win the league, and completing the triple with a Centennial Conference tournament victory that earned them a ticket to the Big Dance. Iowa ended the Saints' season in the first round, but the student body nevertheless welcomed them back to campus with a joyful celebration.

Rickie Parker ended his illustrious career by repeating as Centennial Player of the Year. His classmate, John Theisen, joined him on the all-league first team. So, too, did Toby, earning his second straight selection.

Toby established new career highs in scoring (11.1 PPG), rebounding (4.1 RPG), and assisting (3.7 APG).


Toby's Senior Season: 1995/96

Coaches who achieve success with small programs are often invited to try their luck and skills with larger ones. George Sarver's departure for Niagara in the spring of 1995, therefore, wasn't a surprise, but for Toby, it was a disappointment. The new Saints coach, Charles Toomer, depended heavily on Toby to build his relationships with his team.

There were three first team All-Centennial players on the 95/96 Saints, but this was Toby Whittaker's team. The senior captain averaged 15.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.3 APG, and 1.5 SPG. Toby joined juniors Harold Toombs and Sid Kobayashi on the all-conference team; it was Toby's third consecutive selection.

But there was a greater honor yet to come. Toby was named Centennial Conference Player of the Year.

The Saints went 20-12, 9-5 in league play, and earned a spot in the NIT field. They exited with a first-round loss to Wake Forest, in what was Toby's final collegiate game.



Toby finished his St. Michael's career with career totals of 1473 points (11.4 PPG), 502 rebounds (3.9 RPG), 392 assists (3.0 APG), and 142 steals (1.1 APG). He shot .872 from the free throw line (362/415) and .418 from three-point range (215/514). Durable and reliable, Toby never missed a game in his four varsity seasons, starting a total of 129 contests. The Saints' record in these games was 74-55.

Toby was not St. Michael's greatest player ever. That honor probably belongs to Jeffrey Simons, a talented center who was a first-team All American in 1989/90 and a two-time Centennial Player of the Year. Toby's teammate, Rickie Parker, was also named conference POY twice. However, it wouldn't be unreasonable to choose Toby for an all-time Saints starting five. And few players had been as widely loved and respected as Toby was by the time his career came to an end.


* I began playing this dynasty in 1960, so some history had been established before Toby entered the story.

[MoonlightGraham]

Toby's years as an undergraduate at St. Michael's were highlighted by much more than his on-court exploits. It's time to meet someone very special, with help from my daughter, who has taken quite an interest in this story.


When Claire Dempsey first stepped onto the campus of St. Michael’s College in August of 1992, she felt a quiet certainty that she’d found someplace special. It wasn’t just the old stone buildings with ivy curling up their sides or the soft hush of the Cloister walk, but something gentler — a feeling that life might open up here in a way it hadn’t before. She arrived from Pittsford, New York, eager but a little unsure. She’d loved art for as long as she could remember and had packed her sketchbooks alongside her books, but wasn’t yet convinced she belonged among students who already seemed to know exactly what they wanted.

She met Toby Whittaker in her first-year philosophy seminar. At first, she mostly noticed his posture — attentive, upright, never showy — and then his voice, low and deliberate, when he spoke in class. He didn’t speak often, but when he did, she listened. He had a way of cutting to the heart of things. They partnered up for a class discussion on justice in The Republic, and that conversation stretched long after the bell rang. Later that week, they bumped into each other in the O’Leary Library, and ended up studying side-by-side in near silence for two hours. Somehow, it felt companionable, not awkward. That was the beginning.

Friendship came easily with Toby. They would walk the campus loop together after their classes, talking about everything — books, music, childhoods, doubts. She liked that he didn’t try to impress her. He was steady, thoughtful, a little shy, and deeply kind. He liked her drawings. He listened closely. She fell for him slowly, then all at once. Their first real date was to an art film screening on campus, followed by hot chocolate at the Cloister Café. They kissed for the first time later that night under the old stone arch by the College Chapel, just as snow began to fall.

They grew into themselves side by side. Claire dove deeper into her art history major, taking on studio classes and getting close with Professor Eleanor Vega, who pushed her to pursue her ideas more boldly. Toby juggled basketball and dual majors in philosophy and political science; in the classroom, he bonded best with Professors Peter Cavanaugh and Emily Saad. Busy as they were, they always made time for their quiet rituals: late breakfasts at the student-run café, post-practice dinners where he’d arrive still smelling faintly of the gym, or nighttime sketch walks where she’d stop to draw and he’d read nearby. She loved seeing him in his element on the court — calm under pressure, generous with the ball, always playing with integrity. She cheered so loudly his teammates started calling her their sixth man.

There were hard stretches too — during her museum internship, when she missed him more than she expected, or when he got overwhelmed juggling a full course load and team captaincy. Once, during junior year, they had a long argument about their future that left her crying in the Cloister. But the next morning, there was a note tucked into her sketchbook: "Still with you. Always." That was who he was. Not flashy, not dramatic. Just with her, through it all.

By senior year, they felt like two halves of something solid. They still had their own worlds — she was consumed with her thesis and gallery work, he was driving the team to another 20-victory season — but they shared everything. They took a class together on art and ethics, stayed up late editing each other’s papers, and once spent an entire Sunday curled up on a blanket behind the art building reading aloud to each other. The night he hit the game-winning shot against Ursinus at The Pavilion, she ran to him without thinking, past fans and confetti and cameras, straight into his arms. Later, in the quiet of the Grotto, he whispered, “This is where it all started for me.”

Graduation felt like a threshold — joyful and bittersweet. She knew even then: their story wasn’t ending. It was deepening, unfolding. Years later, when they brought their own children back to that same campus, she could still feel the girl she’d been at 18 — full of questions, unsure of herself — and she smiled, remembering how Toby had taken her hand and never let go.


https://i.imgur.com/wYf5XMW.jpeg
Claire, about the time she and Toby met (September 1992)

https://i.imgur.com/7Rdf1IA.jpeg
Claire took this one of Toby (November 1992)

https://i.imgur.com/LQPoie9.jpeg
Toby's favorite photo of Claire, from the week of their first date (November 1992)

[MoonlightGraham]

St. Michael’s College — 112th Commencement
Sunday, May 19, 1996
Cloister Lawn, Elmridge, Pennsylvania
Procession: 10:00 AM | Ceremony: 10:30 AM


🎓 Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts

Claire Eleanor Margaret Dempsey
Pittsford, New York
Bachelor of Arts, Art History
Minor: Studio Art
Magna Cum Laude (3.89 GPA)

Phi Beta Kappa

Lambda Alpha (Art History Honor Society)
Margaret O’Leary Award for Excellence in the Arts (1996)
President, Art History Society
Student Art Exhibition Participant (1993–1996)
Senior Thesis: “Echoes of Light: American Impressionism and the New England Landscape”

Claire’s professors admired her keen visual sensitivity, careful writing, and the poetic insight she brought to art interpretation. Her paintings — luminous, emotionally rich — often reflected Elmridge’s natural beauty.



Tobias Edward Whittaker
Alexandria, Virginia
Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy and Political Science
Minor: Religion
Magna Cum Laude (3.81 GPA)

Phi Beta Kappa

Callahan Prize for Academic Achievement in the Humanities (1995, 1996)
St. Anselm Society for Philosophical Inquiry
Men’s Varsity Basketball, Four-Year Letterman
Senior Thesis: “Justice, Virtue, and the Self: A Comparative Study of Aristotle and Rawls”

Toby was known for his quiet, thoughtful presence in seminar rooms and his ability to connect big ideas with lived experience. Professors often remarked on his clarity of thought and grace under pressure — a quality that extended from the classroom to the court.

[MoonlightGraham]

Both Toby and Claire earned master's degrees in their chosen fields.


🎓 Toby's Graduate Education
M.A. in Philosophy
University of Chicago
1996–1998

📚 Academic Focus:
Concentration: Moral and Political Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, Classical Thought (especially Aristotle and Aquinas)

Master’s Thesis: “The Common Good and the Form of the Just Life: Recovering Civic Virtue in a Fragmented Age”

Advisors:
Dr. Charles M. Renner (Ethics and Ancient Philosophy)
Dr. Judith Levin (Philosophy of Religion)

Notable Seminars:
Aquinas and the Nature of Law
Virtue Ethics: Aristotle to Anscombe
Augustine’s Confessions and the Self
Politics and Piety in Early Modern Thought

🏛️ Additional Notes:
Served as a graduate teaching assistant in the Core Curriculum, leading undergraduate discussion sections on philosophy and civilization.

Actively involved in the Lumen Society, a graduate reading group dedicated to faith and moral reasoning in the modern world.

Attended lectures at the Divinity School and engaged in interdepartmental dialogues on ethics, theology, and public life.

🧭 Afterward:
Toby finished his master’s degree with distinction but chose not to pursue a doctorate, feeling a strong pull toward work that blended ideas with action. He returned to southeastern Pennsylvania, where he taught at a private school and coached varsity boys basketball. The mix of mentorship, leadership, and his lifelong love of the game was pointing him toward a coaching career.


🎓 Claire's Graduate Education:
M.A. in Art History
Institute of Fine Arts, New York University
1996–1998

📚 Focus & Achievements:
Concentration: American and European painting, 19th–20th centuries

Research Interests: American Impressionism, museum studies, women artists of the early modern period

Thesis Title: "Framing the Domestic: Mary Cassatt and the American Gaze"
Graduate Internship: Education & Curatorial departments at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Teaching Assistant: Undergraduate Art History survey courses at NYU
Graduated with distinction, May 1998

Claire’s time in graduate school helped her hone her voice as both a scholar and creative educator. While in New York, she also maintained a part-time studio practice, showing her work in a small group exhibition in Brooklyn in 1997.

[MoonlightGraham]

The Dempsey and Whittaker Families
joyfully invite you to celebrate the marriage of their children

Claire Eleanor Margaret Dempsey
daughter of Mr. James Dempsey and Mrs. Ellen Dempsey

and

Tobias Edward Whittaker
son of Mr. David Whittaker and Mrs. Lorraine Whittaker

on Saturday, the twelfth of June
nineteen hundred and ninety-nine
at half past two in the afternoon

The College Chapel
St. Michael’s College
Elmridge, Pennsylvania

Reception to follow in the Garden Court Pavilion

Your presence will bless this joyous beginning

[MoonlightGraham]

Toby's Early Career

1998–2005: William Penn Charter School, Philadelphia
In 1998, shortly after Claire completed her master’s degree, Toby accepted a position at William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia. There, he taught Philosophy, Religious Studies, and later helped develop a senior ethics seminar. He also served as a basketball coach, working as JV head coach for two years before taking over the head varsity position. His style combined patient mentorship with intense preparation—earning him quiet respect from players, colleagues, and parents alike.

He and Claire moved to Philadelphia together and married in June 1999 at the College Chapel at St. Michael’s.


Claire in Philadelphia (1998–2005)
Claire began work in 1998 as a Museum Educator and Program Coordinator at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she focused on community engagement and K–12 education initiatives. She co-led the museum’s push to redesign interpretive materials for younger audiences and was especially active in creating programming that connected art to contemporary social issues.

Her position allowed her to continue curating and lecturing while also developing teaching materials and public events. She gave gallery talks on 19th-century European art and participated in a city-wide symposium on "Women in the Arts: Education, Legacy, and Public Life."


2001–2005: Family and Teaching Life
The Whittakers welcomed their first child, Nora, in November 2001, followed by Grace in December 2003 and Eli in September 2005. During these years, Claire adjusted her work schedule to part-time, contributing to education programs at the Woodmere Art Museum and occasionally guest lecturing at local colleges, while Toby continued to teach and coach full-time.

The couple settled into the Mt. Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia, where their home often hosted former students, faculty friends, and fellow young families. On weekends, Toby led pickup games at the school gym, and Claire organized book clubs and museum outings with fellow educators and parents.


2005–2007: Transition to College Coaching
In 2005, Toby accepted a position as an assistant coach at Bucknell University, seeing it as the first step toward his long-held dream of coaching at the college level. The family relocated to Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, where Claire consulted for the Samek Art Museum and led an after-school program focused on integrating art into STEM education.

Two years later, when the head coaching job at St. Michael’s College opened in early 2007, Toby was a finalist almost immediately.

[MoonlightGraham]

March 15, 2007 — Elmridge, Pennsylvania

A clear, brisk late-winter morning bathed the campus of St. Michael’s College in golden light as students trickled back from spring break. The bare trees lining the Green cast long shadows on the worn brick paths, and the chapel bell had just tolled ten when the news broke: Toby Whittaker, Class of 1996, would be returning to his alma mater — not as a visiting alumnus, but as the new head coach of the St. Michael’s men’s basketball team.

The announcement came first in a press release from the college’s athletic department, posted to the college website and hand-delivered to local outlets by a smiling student intern. Within an hour, word had spread across campus and town. At the Cloister Café, baristas exchanged knowing glances, students raised to-go cups in mock toasts, and a few upperclassmen who remembered watching old VHS highlights of Whittaker’s distinguished career whooped out loud.

Toby arrived just after noon for the press conference, stepping out of a dark blue SUV with his wife Claire beside him and their three children in tow — Nora, five; Grace, three; and Eli, a toddler bundled against the chill. Toby wore a navy St. Michael’s warmup jacket under his overcoat, the gold S stitched just over his heart.

The press conference was held in the newly renovated Callahan Hall Auditorium, but it still had the warm, creaky charm of the old days. Banners commemorating past championship seasons hung behind the podium. Athletic Director Diane Lundquist opened the event, her smile proud and broad as she described Toby’s legacy — not just the points he scored or games he led, but his leadership, character, and enduring connection to St. Michael’s.
When Toby stepped up to the microphone, the room quieted like a chapel.

“This place made me,” he began, voice calm but filled with quiet emotion. “I wore this jersey with pride as a player, and I’ll coach with the same pride. My heart is here. I know what it means to play in The Pavilion, to hear our names chanted from the Reilly Commons steps, to walk across campus after a tough loss and feel the town still behind us. I want our guys to feel that. Not just for four years. For life.”

Claire watched from the front row, her hand gently resting on Nora’s shoulder, tears caught in her lashes.

After the formalities, the Whittaker family wandered the campus, hand in hand. Claire pointed out old haunts to the girls, who marveled at the stone buildings and stopped to peek at the Grotto. Eli toddled ahead of his dad, carrying–and often dropping– a mini basketball someone from the team had slipped him.

Back at the arena, Toby greeted his players, already buzzing about playing for “Coach Whit.” He gathered them around midcourt, under the old wooden arches of the clerestory-lit gym. He looked each of the young men in the eye and spoke softly and earnestly. “This place matters. Let’s make it proud.”

By sundown, the news had rippled through Elmridge. At O’Malley’s Tavern, alumni were already toasting the hire. At Campus Threads, someone placed an order for fresh “St. Michael’s Basketball” hoodies. And that evening, in the quiet of their new home on Orchard Street, in the leafy Elmwood Heights neighborhood, Claire and Toby tucked the kids into bed. Later, as Claire relaxed in a hot bath, Toby sat in his office, surrounded by boxes, writing the first plans for the 2007/08 season on a yellow legal pad.

A new chapter had begun — not just for Toby, but for the college, the team, and a community ready to believe again.

https://i.imgur.com/0YXefAr.jpeg
Claire loved to commemorate the important events of the life of her family through her art.
Here's her playful rendition of her proud husband, which she created the weekend after his announcement.

[MoonlightGraham]

Toby Whittaker inherited a program that might have needed a boost, but one that was far from ruin.

Toby’s predecessor, Christian Huckaby, had posted a 54-44 record in his three seasons, including a 22-win campaign in 2004/05 that earned the Saints a spot in the NIT field. However, Coach Huckaby couldn’t repeat those successes, and after a 15-18 record and a middle-of-the-pack finish in the Centennial League, the board decided to look elsewhere.

Coach Huckaby, an especially talented recruiter, decided to accept a position as an assistant coach at San Diego. One member of his staff, lead scout Barton Fee, decided to retire. Huckaby’s other two assistants expressed a desire to remain at St. Michael’s, and Toby was pleased to make that happen.

Charles Campbell would be Toby’s head recruiter. He impressed Toby with his steady presence, and he had clearly earned the respect of the players. A former power forward at Massachusetts, he had a knack for developing big men.

Charles, now age 42, met his future wife, Reneé, at UMass; she was now a pediatrician with a practice in Elmridge. Charles and Reneé had three children: Charlotte (13), Malcolm (9), and Talia (4).

"Coach Campbell has an incredible feel for people — not just talent, but character, fit, and potential," said Toby. "He builds relationships that last, and recruits trust him because he’s genuine. He doesn’t oversell — he tells them what St. Michael’s is really about, and that honesty resonates.”

Toby was also pleased to retain Carl Wilson as his associate head coach. As Toby put it, "Coach Wilson sees the game two steps ahead — especially on the defensive end. "He’s got a gift for teaching guys how to anticipate, how to rotate, how to communicate. Our defensive identity starts with him. He holds our team to a high standard, and the players respect him because he’s earned it, year after year."

Coach Wilson was a Texas native, but he made his way east to play at Bowdoin and attend graduate school at Temple, where he met and fell in love with Monica James. They married a year later, and both found jobs at Elmridge High School. Monica was still a guidance counselor there.

Their son, Jalen (16), was a standout two-sport athlete in basketball and track. Daughter Tessa (13) and son Micah (7) completed their family.

Claire was settling into life in Elmridge, enrolling Nora in kindergarten and Grace in preschool at St. Aloysius School and exploring opportunities in the local arts community. She began contributing part-time to the College Chapel’s art and archives committee, helping to curate a small exhibit in the Callahan Library on the history of sacred art on campus. She also made plans to teach a seminar course in art history as an adjunct at St. Michael’s, with plans to possibly expand her academic role in the years to come.

Meanwhile, her husband’s first important action at St. Michael’s was the hiring of assistant Ari Goldberg, who would head the Saints’ scouting efforts. The 29-year-old coach was a Davidson alumnus, and he came to St. Michael’s from Richmond, where he had worked in the basketball operations office.

Coach Goldberg brought with him his wife, Lila, and their two-year-old daughter Naomi. Lila Goldberg immediately bonded with Claire over their common interest in art; Lila majored in Studio Art at Davidson and worked as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator.

"Coach Goldberg has an incredible eye for detail," Toby said. "He’s meticulous, relentless, and totally locked in — the kind of coach every program needs if they want to stay a step ahead."

The Goldbergs found a cozy, second-floor apartment in the Woodmere neighborhood, within walking distance of St. Michael’s Village and its cafés. The Campbells and Wilsons already owned homes in Elmridge. Charles and his family lived in a brick Craftsman home near the Greenway along the creek, and Carl’s home was a sunny yellow Colonial a few blocks east of Old Town, near a lovely park.

Now that his staff was situated, Toby’s focus turned to the start of the summer recruiting season.

[MoonlightGraham]

Here’s a summary of St. Michael’s basketball history from 1960/61 until Toby’s hiring in the spring of 2007.

ST. MICHAEL'S TEAM PERFORMANCE

Season Team W L CW CL Rank RPI PRS Result
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 St. Michael's 15 18 7 7 211 257 53 No Postseason
2005 St. Michael's 17 14 9 5 136 225 51 No Postseason
2004 St. Michael's 22 12 6 8 50 64 47 Loss in NIT Round 2
2003 St. Michael's 22 11 12 2 78 93 52 Loss in NIT Round 2
2002 St. Michael's 24 12 11 3 53 68 53 Loss in NCAA Sweet Sixteen
2001 St. Michael's 17 14 8 6 136 175 47 No Postseason
2000 St. Michael's 20 13 8 6 83 183 47 Loss in CBI Round 3
1999 St. Michael's 22 12 8 6 80 102 47 Loss in CBI Round 2
1998 St. Michael's 11 21 4 10 316 272 48 NCAA Tournament Play-in Game
1997 St. Michael's 24 8 12 2 71 84 51 Loss in NCAA Round 1
1996 St. Michael's 24 12 10 4 92 121 49 NIT 4th Place
1995 St. Michael's 20 12 9 5 93 119 47 Loss in NIT Round 1
1994 St. Michael's 24 11 12 2 67 80 48 Loss in NCAA Round 1
1993 St. Michael's 18 13 10 4 115 194 46 No Postseason
1992 St. Michael's 12 19 7 7 290 334 48 No Postseason
1991 St. Michael's 19 13 9 5 92 143 51 Loss in NCAA Round 1
1990 St. Michael's 19 14 9 5 114 307 48 Loss in NCAA Round 1
1989 St. Michael's 25 10 10 4 65 82 44 Loss in NCAA Round of 32
1988 St. Michael's 23 12 12 2 82 146 37 Loss in NCAA Sweet Sixteen
1987 St. Michael's 20 13 10 4 83 183 27 Loss in NIT Round 1
1986 St. Michael's 16 14 8 6 149 323 25 No Postseason
1985 St. Michael's 20 14 8 6 107 117 26 Loss in CIT Round 3
1984 St. Michael's 15 15 7 7 181 141 25 No Postseason
1983 St. Michael's 18 15 8 6 140 214 26 Loss in NCAA Round 1
1982 St. Michael's 16 14 7 7 142 178 21 No Postseason
1981 St. Michael's 6 24 5 9 359 358 22 No Postseason
1980 St. Michael's 8 21 6 8 336 351 25 No Postseason
1979 St. Michael's 8 22 6 8 345 338 28 No Postseason
1978 St. Michael's 8 23 5 9 344 324 31 No Postseason
1977 St. Michael's 10 24 5 9 343 289 35 Loss in NCAA Round 1
1976 St. Michael's 17 16 9 5 164 259 29 Loss in NCAA Round 1
1975 St. Michael's 17 14 8 6 138 237 22 No Postseason
1974 St. Michael's 8 23 4 10 349 345 21 No Postseason
1973 St. Michael's 20 12 9 5 74 116 21 Loss in CBI Round 1
1972 St. Michael's 9 21 5 9 336 272 15 No Postseason
1971 St. Michael's 11 19 6 8 309 298 13 No Postseason
1970 St. Michael's 14 17 6 8 238 237 14 No Postseason
1969 St. Michael's 8 22 5 9 343 357 14 No Postseason
1968 St. Michael's 13 17 8 6 241 226 16 No Postseason
1967 St. Michael's 6 24 3 11 358 354 15 No Postseason
1966 St. Michael's 8 22 3 11 342 356 19 No Postseason
1965 St. Michael's 10 21 5 9 334 337 21 No Postseason
1964 St. Michael's 10 20 3 11 314 352 23 No Postseason
1963 St. Michael's 17 16 8 6 167 231 26 Loss in NCAA Round 1
1962 St. Michael's 12 18 6 8 252 348 20 No Postseason
1961 St. Michael's 8 22 8 6 318 337 23 No Postseason
1960 St. Michael's 12 19 7 7 248 303 20 No Postseason


Success was sporadic for the Saints for the first thirty or so years of my dynasty. Despite some remarkable stability in their coaching staff–Monty Reitz held the head coaching position for ten years beginning in 1967, and the Saints had only four coaches from 1960 to 1982–the team’s prestige was the same at the end of that run as it had been at the beginning.

The first “golden age” of St. Michael’s basketball arrived in the late 1980s and continued through the middle of the next decade. This run of success coincided with the careers of Jeffrey Simons, Rickie Parker, and Toby Whittaker himself. A “mini-dynasty” in the first years of the new century raised St. Michael’s prestige as high as it’s ever been. Both those successful runs included trips to the Sweet Sixteen, the only ones in Saints history.

Toby hoped to bring stability to the program’s leadership. The coach who recruited him, George Sarver, was the only one who stayed in Elmridge for as long as four years. Any player who took a redshirt, then, was on campus longer than his coach was.

Centennial Stats Leaders

# Team Wins Losses Pct Conference Champs Conference Tourney Champs
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Franklin & Marshall 739 749 .497 9 6
2 St. Michael's 723 773 .483 8 12
3 Haverford 685 784 .466 5 8
4 Johns Hopkins 673 780 .463 5 3
5 Ursinus 662 799 .453 5 5
6 Swarthmore 631 831 .432 5 2
7 Dickinson 600 866 .409 7 9
8 Muhlenberg 551 896 .381 3 2

Still, the Saints were the second-most successful program in Centennial Conference history, and those 12 conference championships meant 12 trips to the NCAA tournament: more than any other team in their league. Toby, therefore, wasn’t taking the wheel of a sinking ship.

[MoonlightGraham]

June 2007

St. Michael’s had one scholarship available to offer to a player in the transfer portal. And Toby knew exactly what kind of player he wanted.

"We’re looking for a foundational piece," Toby said. "Ideally, a true big with size, toughness, and a few years of eligibility left—someone who can anchor us inside, not just for one season, but as we build. We don’t need flash. We need a presence. A guy who wants to grow with this program and help us establish our identity." There wasn't a true center on the St. Michael's roster.

There was such a player in the portal, and to Toby’s delight, he was interested in talking to him and his staff about coming to St. Michael’s.

Brenner Turnbull was legitimately seven feet tall, with a massive, muscular frame. He’d suffered a frightening leg injury in an automobile accident the summer before his senior year at Houston High School in the Memphis suburbs, and most coaches took him off their lists. Tulsa coach Tony Hulse continued to recruit him, however, and that’s where the three-star recruit decided to sign.

Then Coach Hulse announced he was leaving for SMU. His successor at Tulsa, Henry Brisson, wasn’t impressed with Brenner, whose game was very raw, especially offensively. The big man didn’t play a single minute of the 2006/07 season. Sad and lonely, he put his name into the transfer portal without a moment’s hesitation.

Toby and his staff brought Brenner to St. Michael’s. They watched him work out and, even more importantly, spent time talking to him.

"When I came to visit St. Michael’s, it just felt right," Turnbull recalled. "Coach Whittaker and the staff were real with me from the start—they laid out the vision, showed me how I’d fit, and didn’t sugarcoat the work ahead. I respect that. Walking around campus, meeting the team, seeing the Pavilion—it felt like a place where I could settle in, grow, and make an impact. I’m ready to get to work."

Brenner Turnbull became the first recruit of Toby Whittaker’s coaching career.

"Brenner brings exactly what we needed in the frontcourt," said assistant coach Ari Goldberg, who led the scouting on the 7-footer. "He’s a presence—he changes shots, owns the glass, and anchors the defense with a kind of poise that’s hard to teach. He’s not just tall; he’s tough, smart, and committed to doing the dirty work. Brenner is also an outstanding student. We’re thrilled to have him in the program."

The night Brenner signed, Claire picked up takeout from Del Vecchio’s—Toby had joked more than once that pasta helped him think better. On the kitchen table, she laid out a simple spread: rigatoni Bolognese, garlic knots, salad, and a modest chocolate cake she and the girls had baked earlier that afternoon. Claire and the girls joined Toby in a sparkling-water toast, while Eli lifted his sippy cup.

Claire made her husband laugh when she playfully suggested that their new player's name sounded like a prestigious law firm.

The evening's celebration was nothing flashy—just warmth, relief, and a sense that something was beginning to click.

[MoonlightGraham]

Toby and his staff had three scholarships available to award during this recruiting cycle. The signing of Brenner Turnbull made the need for a big man a little less acute, but the Saints' roster still lacked size. At least one, if not two, of the offers should go to post players. There was also a need for a tall wing; all the Saints' most important perimeter players were 6'4" or shorter.

Perhaps most importantly, Toby wanted to make sure every player he recruited was a better-than average defender. Many of the Saints paid relatively little attention to what happened when they didn't have the ball. Even assistant Carl Wilson's talents as a defensive coach couldn't transform the Saints into a team that was difficult to score against.

Toby and his staff quickly identified a player who fit the team's needs perfectly. Jamir Douglas was a 6'10" center from nearby Cheltenham, PA. He was an irrepressible rebounder and a tenacious defender. His high school coaches praised his work ethic, and he was an outstanding student. A high three-star recruit, Jamir was precisely the kind of player Toby wanted at St. Michael's.

But players like this attract attention from many programs, and Jamir was no exception. To sign Jamir, St. Michael's would have to win a recruiting battle with some of the top teams in the East. And Toby was beginning to doubt his ability to win those battles. The fact his predecessor, Christian Huckaby, was known as a consummate recruiter who punched well above his weight didn't help.


SCENE: Early evening; late September 2007
Toby is in his small office in the athletic complex at St. Michael’s. The windows are cracked open, letting in the cooling air and the muffled sounds of practice on the soccer field. Papers, scouting reports, and old game film tapes are scattered across his desk. Claire knocks lightly on the open door, holding a paper cup of coffee. She's left the kids with Eryn, the teenage girl next door, their favorite babysitter.

CLAIRE (softly):
This seat taken?

TOBY (sighing, looking up):
Only by doubt and frustration. But I’d trade those for you any day.

CLAIRE (smiling as she walks in):
Coffee with milk and too much sugar. Emergency-grade comfort.

TOBY (accepting the cup):
You’re a good woman, Dempsey. Even if you don’t always respect coffee the way it deserves.

CLAIRE:
Desperate times. What's going on?

TOBY (leaning back):
Jamir Douglas. He was supposed to visit next weekend, but now he’s going to Villanova. That’s the second reschedule in three weeks. His coach says he’s still “interested,” but I can feel it slipping. He’s the kind of player we could build around. Smart. Grounded. Big presence in the paint.

CLAIRE (sitting across from him):
Toby… recruiting’s like dating in high school. If someone keeps bailing, you eventually stop waiting by the phone.

TOBY (chuckling tiredly):
I know. I just wanted to make a statement with this first class. Prove that we’re serious. That St. Michael’s is still a place where something real can grow. He’s not just good—he’s our kind of kid.

CLAIRE (gently):
And maybe he’ll come around. Or maybe someone else will walk through that gym door who’s better for this place in ways you can’t see yet. You’re not just selling wins, Toby. You’re offering them what this college gave us.

TOBY (quietly):
I just don’t want to fall behind before I’ve even started.

CLAIRE (reaching for his hand):
Then don’t look at it as falling behind. Look at it as starting from exactly where you are. You’re building something honest. That’s going to matter more to the right kid than whatever some other school throws at them.

TOBY (after a pause):
You always do this.

CLAIRE:
What?

TOBY:
Make it feel like it’s still possible.

CLAIRE (smiling):
Because it is. Now go home soon. You’ve got a team to believe in, and a daughter who wants you to read The Penderwicks for the third night in a row.

TOBY (standing):
All right. But I’m skipping the part where the rabbit gets loose again.

CLAIRE:
Deal. But only if you admit you cried a little when it got lost last time.

TOBY (grinning):
No comment. Let’s go.

They walk out together into the cool fall night, the leaves just beginning to turn on the oaks lining the quad.

[MoonlightGraham]

November 11, 2007

Toby was guardedly optimistic after the first, intensive week of practice.

Player # Pos Yr Ht Wt Sch Acd Status Hometown
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andrew Fajardo 0 C Sr* 6-7 214 Yes 12 OK Westfield, IN
Scotty Barnett 4 PF Sr* 6-5 249 Yes 5 OK Yorkshire, NY
Arthur Huntley 5 SF Jr* 6-0 193 Yes 1 OK Waterloo, NY
Charles Clemmons 10 PG So 6-0 193 Yes 12 OK Bethesda, MD
John Markel 11 PF Fr* 6-5 248 Yes 15 OK Nelson House, Canada
Alan Gurrola 12 PG So 6-0 178 Yes 9 OK Brooklyn, NY
Newton Breunig 14 SG Jr 6-0 181 Yes 19 OK Bethesda, MD
Victor Stango 20 SG Jr* 6-1 191 Yes 6 OK Coxsackie, NY
George Bergman 22 SF So 6-4 180 Yes 11 OK Pennsauken, NJ
Frank Bookout 31 PF Fr 6-8 214 Yes 2 OK Pleasantville, NY
Brenner Turnbull 33 C Fr* 7-0 285 Yes 19 Redshirt Germantown, TN
Ernie Elsam 34 C Fr* 6-6 240 No 8 OK Gosforth, UK
Randolph Querry 41 C Fr 6-8 227 Yes 12 OK Neath, UK
David Buffington 43 PF Sr 6-7 256 Yes 10 OK East Orange, NJ
Rainer Neubauer 53 C So* 6-7 206 No 14 OK Freiberg, Germany


The team’s most important players would be the “B Team,” a group of three men whose surnames shared that initial: senior David Buffington, junior Newton Bruenig, and sophomore George Bergman.

Buffington looked more like a defensive end than a forward, and like a good edge rusher, he was surprisingly athletic for his size. He’d scored almost 1400 points in his first three years at St. Michael’s, but he was a high-volume, low-percentage shooter. Toby thought he would benefit greatly from improved shot selection.

Bruenig, like Buffington before him, had been the league’s Freshman of the Year. But he suffered a horrendous slump as a sophomore, making less than a third of his shots. His underlying skills looked good, however, so Toby thought he might bounce back. Like David, Newton had been a high three-star recruit, the kind of player St. Michael's didn't often manage to sign. Newton was also a superlative student.

Bergman was the team’s small forward, in the truest sense of the word. At 6’4” and 180 pounds, he was constantly matched against much bigger players. Strangely enough, he was better at post defense than he was at guarding on the perimeter. George was the team’s best outside shooter, with a smooth, fluid stroke. Still, only 41 percent of his shots had gone in last year. That mark was awfully low for a “best shooter.”

Alan Gurrola held a small advantage over Charles Clemmons in the contest for the starting point guard position. Both were sophomores; Alan had played much more than Charles the year before. They were similar players–good ballhandlers and passers, fair defenders–but Gurrola was a hair more talented.

Redshirt senior Andrew Fajardo rounded out the starting five. It was impossible not to pull for Andrew. He had paid his dues in the program for five years, finally establishing himself in the rotation last season. That would be the ideal role for Andrew, but the Saints’ lack of true bigs forced Toby to cast him as a starter. Andrew was very strong for his size and hit the boards willingly.

The most important frontcourt reserve–indeed, the only one Toby and his staff believed would be good for more than mop-up duty–was a walk-on from Germany named Rainer Neubauer. Rainer was strong and a good rebounder, but he was probably not as tall as his listed height of 6’7”. He had trouble defending the team’s only true big man, Brenner Turnbull.

Speaking of Brenner, he was turning out to be exactly the player Toby and his staff thought they were getting. He used his big frame to its best advantage: blocking shots, rebounding, and setting rugged screens. With assistant coach Charles Campbell’s help, Brenner was also developing a better offensive repertoire. “He would start for us if he were eligible,” Campbell admitted privately.

Junior Victor Stango and freshman Randolph Querry were especially valuable squad players, because, as Toby pointed out, “they’re the best all-around defenders we have.” At the very least, Victor and Randolph would challenge the B Team in practice.

Toby knew this edition of the Saints would struggle to stop opponents from scoring. They would have to count on the B Team to pour in enough points to win, and unless they started making more of their shots, that wasn’t going to happen.

Coach Ari Goldberg’s analysis of the data they acquired at practice revealed some positive signs: Buffington was getting into better positions for scoring, and Bergman, especially, was shooting much better. Were these gains real, the kind that would show up once the games began?

Toby and his staff were about to find out.

[MoonlightGraham]

Toby Whittaker’s office sits in the recently renovated east wing of The Pavilion, a sleek but modest athletics facility nestled between the old stone library and the newer student wellness center at St. Michael’s College. The renovation preserved the character of the original 1930s architecture—arched windows, sturdy limestone walls—but modernized everything inside, giving coaches like Toby a clean, functional space to build something new.

The office itself isn’t large, but it’s filled with quiet purpose. A wide window behind his desk lets in generous morning light and offers a view of the main quad, where students pass between classes, frisbees arc over the grass, and the college bell tower chimes the hours.

The desk is a simple dark wood slab with clean lines, often tidy but never chaotic. Binders of scouting notes, manila folders with recruit profiles, and yellow legal pads filled with ideas and sketches for practice drills are usually spread across it. His laptop is open most hours of the day, often paused on Synergy game footage or a spreadsheet of potential recruits. There’s a pencil holder full of dry-erase markers for the big whiteboard on the far wall—half of which is covered in rotating practice plans, while the other half always seems to have a quote or question scribbled on it, in Claire’s looping cursive or sometimes one of the assistants’.

The room’s personality shows in the details:


A framed photo of Toby and Claire at the old Grotto, one of their engagement photos, next to a shot of their kids in St. Michael’s gear on a game day. There's also a self-portrait of Claire, wearing Toby's St. Michael's letter jacket. It's the companion piece to the one she drew of Toby the week he was hired.

https://i.imgur.com/NUsvNAX.jpeg

A copy of The Inner Game of Basketball and a well-thumbed Epictetus reader on the shelf behind him.

A team photo from Toby’s senior year hangs above a small couch that has already become a hangout spot for players dropping by to talk—or vent.

A corkboard displays handwritten notes from alumni, a couple of scouting passes from big high school tournaments, and a child’s drawing labeled Go Coach Dad! with an enthusiastic stick figure slam-dunking over a dragon.

There's also a mini-fridge in the corner stocked with sports drinks, protein bars, and the occasional emergency ginger ale. Near the door hangs a framed clipping from the St. Michael’s Sentinel, the college paper, from March 2007: “Whittaker Returns Home to Lead Saints.”

The space reflects Toby himself: thoughtful, no-frills, grounded in history, but built to move forward. It’s a place where strategy is drawn up, hard conversations are had, and hopes for a new era of Saints basketball quietly take shape.

[MoonlightGraham]

On the evening of November 18, 2007, Frank Calderone took his seat behind the public address microphone at The Pavilion, just as he had for every Saints home game–save three–since December 1981. Revered as “The Voice of the Pavilion,” Frank was a beloved fixture on campus and in the Elmridge community. Now in his late sixties, Frank had thick silver hair, combed neatly. His brown eyes sparkled behind wire-framed glasses.

That night, he welcomed the crowd as he always did, and introduced the lineup for the visitors from Wesleyan. Then, he took a deep breath, and the sounds of his smooth baritone filled the arena.

“And now…the starting lineup…for our St. Michael’s Saints!
“At guard: a 6’0” sophomore from Brooklyn, New York…number 12, Alan Gurrola…
“Also at guard: a 6’0” sophomore from Bethesda, Maryland…number 14, Newton Breunig…
“At forward: a 6’4” junior from Pennsauken, New Jersey…number 22, George Bergman…
“At center: a 6’7” senior from Westfield, Indiana…number zero, Andrew Fajardo…
“And at forward: a 6’7” senior from East Orange, New Jersey…number 43, David Buffington."

Each player rose from the bench as Frank intoned his name, in his classic, understated style.

Then, Frank took another long, deep breath, composing himself.

“The head coach of the Saints, in his first season…from St. Michael’s Class of 1996…Toby…Whittaker.”

Frank heard his voice catch ever so slightly on the word “Whittaker.” It wasn’t enough for anyone to mistake it for a stumble, but those who knew Frank could hear the emotion bleeding through.

Frank smiled as he recalled that moment. “When I called Toby’s name that night, it was like the walls themselves remembered him. The Pavilion just roared — not the usual cheer, but something deeper, like the whole place was saying ‘welcome home.’ I’ve announced thousands of names in this building, but that one… that one gave me chills.”

Toby smiled and lifted his hand to the crowd, acknowledging their welcome home. He caught Claire’s eye–she held Eli on her lap, with Nora and Grace seated on either side of her–and smiled warmly. Claire’s eyes shone proudly with tears.

“We cheered loud for Daddy,” Grace pointed out.

“We sure did,” Claire replied.
St. Michael's 85, Wesleyan 75

----------------------------------------------------------
Wesleyan (0-1, 0-0):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Eugenio Yost C 26 2-4 0-2 2 3 0 3 4
Dennis Edens PF 29 6-9 4-6 0 8 0 3 16
James Appleby SF 32 3-12 0-0 4 10 5 5 6
Benton Gunn SG 32 6-16 0-0 2 4 5 3 16
Arthur Canfield PG 29 6-14 3-4 0 1 4 4 15
Charles Ferrari PG 15 3-6 0-0 0 0 2 2 6
Larry Anderson PG 7 0-2 0-0 0 0 2 0 0
Mark Durst C 22 4-4 2-3 4 9 2 2 10
Ken Behrens SF 2 1-2 0-0 0 0 0 0 2
Brian Gaskill PF 5 0-1 0-0 0 0 0 1 0

Turnovers: 9 (D.Edens 2, J.Appleby 3, A.Canfield 1,
C.Ferrari 2, M.Durst 1)
Blocked Shots: 2 (E.Yost 1, J.Appleby 1)
Steals: 7 (D.Edens 2, B.Gunn 2, C.Ferrari 1, L.Anderson
1, B.Gaskill 1)
3P FGs: 4-25 (D.Edens 0-1, J.Appleby 0-3, B.Gunn 4-10,
A.Canfield 0-4, C.Ferrari 0-3, L.Anderson 0-2,
K.Behrens 0-1, B.Gaskill 0-1)

St. Michael's (1-0, 0-0):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Andrew Fajardo C 27 2-3 1-2 2 9 2 4 5
David Buffington PF 32 7-13 4-4 2 7 2 4 19
George Bergman SF 35 7-16 3-4 1 4 3 2 23
Newton Breunig SG 35 6-13 8-10 2 4 4 2 25
Alan Gurrola PG 36 2-5 2-3 0 3 5 1 7
Charles Clemmons PG 4 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 0 0
Arthur Huntley SF 10 0-2 2-2 0 2 0 0 2
Rainer Neubauer C 15 1-1 2-2 1 6 2 1 4
Randolph Querry PF 6 0-1 0-0 0 2 1 2 0

Turnovers: 16 (D.Buffington 3, G.Bergman 3, N.Breunig
3, A.Gurrola 4, C.Clemmons 1, R.Neubauer 1, R.Querry 1)
Blocked Shots: 2 (A.Fajardo 1, R.Neubauer 1)
Steals: 3 (D.Buffington 1, R.Querry 2)
3P FGs: 13-31 (D.Buffington 1-3, G.Bergman 6-11,
N.Breunig 5-11, A.Gurrola 1-4, A.Huntley 0-1, R.Querry
0-1)

Player of Game: SG Newton Breunig (STMIC)

Wesleyan led, 38-35, at the half. The Saints had trouble containing Benton Gunn, who was named very appropriately for a player who specialized in shooting. Gunn fired home three triples in the game's first 20 minutes.

Toby believed in playing man-to-man defense. It was part of the DNA of the St. Michael's program, and he liked the way it made players accountable. "You've got to lock #4 down," Toby told Newton Bruenig at halftime. Bruenig was, by far, the best on-ball defender among the starters. "Make him work for every touch."

The adjustment worked. Gunn went 1-for-5 from three-point range in the second half. Meanwhile, the B Team took over the game. Bruening and George Bergman connected from distance. Andrew Buffington sliced Wesleyan's interior defense apart.

The crowd inside the Pavilion--which Frank announced once again as 4338--roared as he delivered the result.

"And our final score: St. Michael's 85, Wesleyan 75."

As a player, Toby had always waved to the student section at the end of a home game. Without thinking, he repeated this gesture tonight, and turned to offer the crowd behind the scorer's table the same salute. He found Claire and the kids again, and his smile brightened.

As he walked along the scorer's table, he offered a handshake to the man behind the mic. "Thank you, Mr. Calderone," he said with a smile.

"You're welcome, Coach. Call me Frank."

"Yes, Mr. Calderone." Toby winked.

Then Toby and his assistants joined the fifteen players and the four student managers, standing in front of the student section. They faced the crowd, arms linked, and sang the St. Michael's Alma Mater with them.

"Forever Saints, our bonds remain,
We lift to thee our dear refrain.
We honor thee, our cherished home,
St. Michael’s pride, forever known."

And so it began.

[MoonlightGraham]

January 11, 2008

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11/18/07 Wesleyan 19-15 75 W 85-75 1-0
11/22/07 vs. Saint Louis 20-14 51 L 90-84 1-1
11/23/07 vs. Villanova 22-12 38 L 72-66 1-2
11/24/07 vs. Oregon State 17-15 151 W 75-72 2-2
11/28/07 at Iona 14-18 208 L 83-66 2-3
12/01/07 Amherst 8-22 324 W 72-64 3-3
12/05/07 at Vanderbilt 4-25 265 W 81-62 4-3
12/08/07 at Drexel 13-19 225 W 78-65 5-3
12/12/07 Vermont 8-22 344 L 63-55 5-4
12/16/07 William & Mary 14-16 224 W 77-69 6-4
12/20/07 Rider 12-20 230 W 77-69 7-4
12/22/07 Howard 21-12 74 L 61-47 7-5
12/30/07 at Pennsylvania 13-16 293 W 79-69 8-5
01/05/08 at Notre Dame 14-17 87 W 69-61 9-5
01/09/08 Dartmouth 13-16 272 L 74-49 9-6

A weak winter sun struggled to peek through leaden clouds as Saints fans at the Cloister Café commented on their favorite team's pre-conference performance.

Marty “Stats” DeAngelis, retired math teacher, tapping a printout of the team's schedule with one finger:
“Nine and six, but we should be eleven and four if we could just beat teams like Vermont and Howard. You don’t lose to a 344 RPI team at home—no excuses. Still… Notre Dame in South Bend? That’s a statement.”

Janice Merriweather, retired history teacher who never misses an early-season tournament and actually flew to Hawaii for the games, finishing her third cup of java:
“That Maui trip was worth every mile. We took Saint Louis and Villanova to the wire, then gutted out a win over Oregon State. You could see the guys bonding out there — even in the losses, there was a toughness building. And hey, the sunsets didn’t hurt.”

Tasha O’Connell, junior Political Science major, stirring her latte:
“I’m just happy we’re winning more than we’re losing. I mean, we already doubled the excitement from last year. But we’ve gotta stop dropping those games we should win, like Vermont. Some consistency would be really helpful.”

Leo “The Voice” Mancuso, popular local entertainer and big Saints fan, sipping his Americano:
“We’re gritty. You can see Toby’s man-to-man starting to click. That Amherst win was all heart, all defense. If we can keep that energy, the rest of the conference better watch out.”

Doris Greenfield, alumna, Class of ’68, wrapping her hands around her mug:
“I like that they play smart basketball. It’s not just run-and-gun. They’re working for good shots. The boys look like they’re enjoying the game again—and that makes me happy. It feels different this year. Even in the losses, there’s a structure. They defend, they move the ball. And they’re not afraid to go into a place like South Bend and win.”

Shane Palmer, freshman, plans to major in Biology, perhaps too jazzed up on coffee:
"[Newton] Bruenig and [George] Bergman are back. They're both making what, 40 percent of their threes? And [David] Buffington is playing like an Alpha. The conference better watch out. I wonder if we've ever been undefeated in the league?"

[MoonlightGraham]

By the time the Saints entered the Centennial Conference season, Toby and his staff had finished assembling their incoming recruiting class.

As Toby had feared, they missed out on Jamir Douglas. Jamir chose the prestige of Villanova over the chance to make an immediate impact at St. Michael’s. And because Jamir was the only player among the Top 100 to show any interest in the Saints, they had to adjust their sights downward. None of the three new Saints would arrive with nearly the same degree of hype.

Still, Toby had hit all the targets he and his staff had identified: two bigs and a wing, each of whom needed to be aware of the importance of defense.

Joe Greeley was the easiest of the three to sign. Joe was Delaware’s Mr. Basketball, an All-State power forward. He was going to require seasoning, but Toby and his staff believed he could develop into a useful rotation player who would guard his man and grab some rebounds. Joe was delighted with the opportunity to play for St. Michael’s, and there was a lot to be said for a kid who wanted to be there.

Sandy Fancher came from a small town on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. He stood 6’10”, three inches taller than Greeley, and he was even more unpolished. But as Charles Campbell pointed out, he was more athletic than he seemed at first glance, and he was a hard worker. If Toby squinted hard enough, he could see Sandy developing into a rim-protecting big man.

Joe and Sandy both committed on Decision Day in November. It took two more months for the Saints to find a taker for their third offer, and his signing was quite a story.

He stood 6’7”, and he looked and moved like an athlete. He was quick enough to guard perimeter players, he was an impressive leaper, and while his motion could be smoother, a trained eye could see his potential as a shooter. But Matt Caruso had almost zero interest in playing Division I basketball.

Matt enjoyed basketball and he was good at it, but he was also an exceptionally good student. He envisioned himself at a small, selective liberal arts college that didn’t play big-time basketball. Division I coaches contacted him anyway, but Matt and his coaches quietly deflected their interest. Most scouting services dropped him from their rankings. FBCB didn’t, but they downgraded him to a three-star prospect with the caveat that he probably wouldn’t accept an offer. The son of Dr. Anthony Caruso, one of the top cardiologists on the East Coast, Matt didn't need to earn a scholarship to finance his college education.

Meanwhile, Toby was still looking for the wing he wanted to complete the Saints’ recruiting class. He lost James Marion to St. John’s. Chris Hollingshead picked Duquesne. Owen Merritt chose Muhlenberg. “I was close to putting the offer in my pocket and either saving it for the transfer portal or a 2009 player,” Toby recalled. “Then I got a call from a coach in New Jersey.” He smiled at the memory.

Frank Marinaro had met Toby at a coaching clinic four years earlier. A stocky, genial man in his mid-fifties with a booming voice and a firm handshake, Frank remembered Toby from his playing days. “I remembered reading about this kid at one of the Centennial Conference schools…a pretty good player who majored in philosophy or history or something like that, a true student-athlete. I couldn’t recall his name, but when I started talking to Toby at the clinic, I remembered who he was.”

Coach Marinaro thought St. Michael’s and their philosopher-coach might be a good fit for Matt. “I told Matt about St. Michael’s and Coach Whittaker, and I asked him if he’d mind if I reached out to them. He shrugged and said, ‘Sure.’ I figured Matt was simply being polite, but I felt like recommending him was the right thing to do.”

Matt found himself intrigued by Toby’s recruiting pitch. “I talked to Matt more about the courses he could take, the professors he could connect with, what it would be like to study and learn at St. Michael’s. That's what Matt really wanted to discuss with me,” Toby said. “Matt responded well to the atmosphere of tradition that surrounds this place. He liked standing on the court in The Pavilion, looking around and imagining what it’s like on a game night.”

St. Michael’s was the only school to recruit Matt seriously, much less offer him a scholarship. When he made his commitment on the first day of 2008, the Saints declared their recruiting season officially closed.

None of the three players were ranked nearly as high as guys like David Buffington or Newton Bruenig were when they came out of high school. Both David and Newton were among the top 200 players in their classes, high three-star recruits. Sandy Fancher, ranked #310, was the “best” of the Saints’ signees.

Still, as Ari Goldberg pointed out, “we signed the kinds of players we were looking for. We need size, and we got a 6’10” guy and a 6’7” guy who plays big. We need a tall perimeter player, and we got a 6’7” guard. We need players with good defensive instincts, and we got three guys we think we can work with.”

“Recruiting is a gamble,” Toby added. “The guys who rank the players and assign the stars know basketball, but they’re still looking at a player when he’s 17 years old and imagining what he’ll be able to do when he’s a 21-year-old senior. The top guys are easier to identify. It’s harder to evaluate the two- and three-star players with the certainty you need to be able to say ‘This player will definitely be better than that one.’ “It’s about fit, and we think our guys will fit.”

[MoonlightGraham]

March 9, 2008

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
01/12/08 at Johns Hopkins 18-12 149 W 84-80 10-6 (1-0)
01/17/08 at Franklin & Marshall 20-14 129 L 86-76 10-7 (1-1)
01/19/08 at Swarthmore 13-16 271 W 106-82 11-7 (2-1)
01/24/08 Haverford 8-21 301 W 77-57 12-7 (3-1)
01/26/08 Ursinus 17-16 240 W 79-68 13-7 (4-1)
01/31/08 at Muhlenberg 17-14 221 W 88-64 14-7 (5-1)
02/02/08 at Dickinson 10-20 245 W 86-75 15-7 (6-1)
02/07/08 Johns Hopkins 18-12 149 W 74-64 16-7 (7-1)
02/10/08 Bucknell 20-13 81 L 72-58 16-8
02/14/08 Franklin & Marshall 20-14 129 L 77-75 16-9 (7-2)
02/16/08 Swarthmore 13-16 271 W 66-65 17-9 (8-2)
02/21/08 at Ursinus 17-16 240 W 80-74 18-9 (9-2)
02/23/08 at Haverford 8-21 301 W 98-79 19-9 (10-2)
02/28/08 Muhlenberg 17-14 221 W 68-67 20-9 (11-2)
03/01/08 Dickinson 10-20 245 W 75-69 21-9 (12-2)

03/07/08 vs. Haverford 8-21 301 W 68-56 22-9
03/08/08 vs. Ursinus 17-16 240 L 64-56 22-10

Here are Toby's thoughts about the Centennial Conference season, and the conference tournament:

When you step back and look at that run, I think the first word that comes to mind is growth. January was a turning point for us — we went on the road, we beat Hopkins in a tough environment, and then even though Franklin & Marshall got us, we didn’t let that loss linger. The guys responded with energy, put together a stretch of five straight league wins, and started to believe they could control games. That stretch — Swarthmore, Haverford, Ursinus, Muhlenberg, Dickinson — it wasn’t always pretty, but we showed toughness.

The Bucknell game was a reality check. That’s a program with tradition and talent, and we learned you can’t afford an empty possession against a team of that caliber. We had to take on Franklin & Marshall without Newton Bruenig. He tried to play with a painful rib injury, and he managed only four minutes that night. F&M got us a second time by two points, and I think that one stung — but sometimes a loss like that sharpens your focus. You saw it in how we finished: grinding out one-possession wins against Swarthmore, Muhlenberg, Dickinson. Those weren’t flukes. Those were the product of our guys deciding they weren’t going to break.

We ended conference play 12–2, and I’ll never minimize that. That’s hard to do in this league, with gyms where every night is a battle and you’re playing teams that know your playbook as well as you do. To win a tournament game, to get to the final — that’s progress for this program.

But I’ll be honest: losing to Ursinus in the title game hurts. We didn’t execute in the halfcourt, we let them dictate tempo, and we didn’t match their physicality on the glass. That’s the step we’ve still got to take. You can be proud of 22 wins, but if you want to be extra-special, you’ve got to finish those opportunities. We spent some time in the Mid Major Top 25, which felt like a well-earned reward. I think we'll be happier about that achievement once we can step back and think about it with some perspective.

So, yeah — proud of our group, proud of how far we’ve come, but we know the job isn't done. We’ve put St. Michael’s basketball back on the map. Now the challenge is to raise the standard again.”

[MoonlightGraham]

April 4, 2028

Ursinus, who entered the Centennial tournament as its #6 seed, earned the conference's automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament. To get there, the Grizzlies had to defeat the #1, #2, and #3 seeds, in order: never an easy feat.

Their season ended with a loss in the play-in game.

Toby Whittaker's Saints accepted a bid to the CBI tournament, seeded fifth in the 16-team field.

03/18/08 Indiana State 19-14 121 W 65-44 23-10
03/24/08 at Texas-Pan American 22-13 122 W 90-73 24-10
03/26/08 at Idaho 21-13 112 W 83-76 25-10
03/31/08 at Colorado State 23-11 44 L 96-88 25-11
04/02/08 Colorado State 23-11 44 L 73-61 25-12

Coach Toby Whittaker’s reflection on the CBI tournament:

“You know, when I look back at that run, I feel a mix of pride and heartbreak. Beating Indiana State by 21, taking care of business at Texas-Pan American, and then pulling out that win at Idaho on their court… that’s not luck. That’s discipline, focus, and heart. Those guys left everything out on the floor, and you can’t ask for more than that. I’ll never forget the locker room after Idaho — the way they celebrated together, the smiles, the high-fives, the sense that we’d accomplished something special. That’s the stuff you carry with you.

Then we get to Colorado State. Those losses sting. Badly. They’re the kind of games you replay in your head for months. The first one at their place was a slugfest — we hung in, pushed them to the limit, but they made shots at the end and we didn’t. Coming back for the home game, trying to close it out in front of our fans, and falling short… that cuts. You want so badly to give your players that ultimate reward, and we came up just short.

But here’s the thing — I’m proud of these kids. Proud of how they carried themselves, how they represented St. Michael’s, how they supported each other through every win and every loss. You see a kid like Andrew Fajardo, a senior who maybe nobody knew before the season started, who plays every minute with everything he’s got… that’s what you coach for. That’s why you keep coming back.

So yeah, the ending stings. But I don’t want anyone to miss the bigger picture: we were 25–12. We grew as a team. We showed the country what St. Michael’s basketball is capable of. And more than that, we did it together. That’s something no scoreboard can ever take away.”

***

The office was quiet, the only sound the faint hum of the heater and the occasional squeak of his chair. Toby sat behind his desk, head in his hands, the Pavilion scoreboard still flashing in his mind. He could hear the final buzzer and the heartfelt response from the capacity crowd. He could feel the emotion as he and his players sang the Alma Mater with the fans for the last time until next November.

He let out a long, slow breath and leaned back, staring at the framed photo of the team from earlier in the season—smiling, sweaty, triumphant after the Idaho game. He touched the glass lightly, as if he could feel the energy of that moment.

“Damn it,” he muttered softly, not because of anger but because it still hurt. He wanted that trophy for them. For the seniors who’d given everything, for the underclassmen who’d worked their tails off, for the program. But he also felt something else—something quieter. Pride.

He thought of the little things: the way they laughed in practice, how a freshman like Randolph Querry paid his dues without complaint, the way the team huddled after wins, sweaty and exhausted but grinning. That stuff mattered. That stuff lasted.

Toby rubbed his eyes and finally smiled, just a little, shaking his head. We fell short today, he thought. But they fought. They fought harder than anyone ever expected.

He stood and walked over to the whiteboard covered in Xs and Os, traces of the game still sketched there. He tapped it gently, thinking about adjustments, what could have been done differently—but he didn’t linger on the frustration. Instead, he let himself imagine the next season: the new recruits, the returning players, the games that were still waiting.

And for the first time since the loss, he allowed himself to breathe without that tight knot in his chest. We’ll come back. We’ll come back stronger.

Toby turned off the desk lamp, letting the room fall into darkness except for the glow of the scoreboard in the corner of the large monitor in his office—still showing the final 73–61 score. He didn’t watch it. He just let it be, a reminder of what had been, and a quiet promise of what could still be.

***

The house was quiet except for the soft ticking of the kitchen clock. Toby hung his coat by the door and kicked off his shoes, moving almost mechanically. Claire had put the kids to bed and had settled in the living room, curled up on the couch with a mug of tea.

He sank into the armchair across from her, letting out a long sigh. “Still can’t believe it slipped away,” he muttered, staring at the carpet like it might have the answers.

Claire set her mug down and leaned forward. “I know. But you’ve got to stop replaying it in your head. You coached your heart out. You gave them everything.”

Toby rubbed his face, running a hand through his hair. “It’s not just about me, Claire. It’s the seniors… they’ve worked so hard. I wanted that for them. I wanted them to feel the glory.”

She reached over and placed her hand on his. “And they do, Toby. They feel it every day in practice, in games, in how you challenge them and believe in them. Losing doesn’t erase any of that. They know you’re proud of them—maybe more than they even know themselves.”

He looked up at her, a small, tired smile forming. “You always know what to say, huh?”

Claire shrugged playfully. “It’s a gift. Someone’s got to keep you grounded.”

Toby chuckled, the tension in his shoulders softening. “I just… I hate that they have to feel the disappointment. Makes me feel responsible.”

“You’ve done your job,” Claire said gently. “And remember… there’s a life outside basketball. You get to come home, have tea with me, love on the kids tomorrow, breathe for a minute. That counts, too. You can’t carry it all.”

He leaned back, letting himself relax for the first time that night. “Thanks,” he said quietly. “For being here. For understanding. I don’t say it enough.”

“You don’t have to,” she said with a wink. “I’ll remind you anyway.”

For a long moment, they sat together in the quiet living room, letting the weight of the season settle but also allowing the pride, love, and resilience to linger. Outside, the night was calm. Inside, Toby felt the sting of the loss soften just enough to see the bigger picture: a team that had grown, a coach who had given everything, and the life and support waiting for him at home.

[MoonlightGraham]

ST. MICHAEL'S Averages

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
George Bergman SF 37 37 31.5 16.9 1.0 3.8 2.0 0.7 0.2 2.8 2.9 3.9
Newton Breunig SG 36 34 29.7 17.1 1.2 3.0 2.4 1.0 0.1 2.1 2.4 5.4
Alan Gurrola PG 37 36 29.3 8.1 1.1 3.9 4.0 0.6 0.1 2.1 2.8 3.5
Andrew Fajardo C 37 37 29.1 5.1 2.4 7.7 1.1 0.6 0.3 1.3 3.0 6.1
David Buffington PF 37 37 28.8 15.6 2.2 6.4 1.5 0.6 0.1 1.6 3.1 4.5
Rainer Neubauer C 36 0 18.6 3.2 1.4 4.4 1.0 0.5 0.5 1.2 2.2 1.0
Charles Clemmons PG 37 4 11.6 2.4 0.4 0.9 0.9 0.3 0.0 0.7 0.9 -0.7
Randolph Querry C 37 0 9.8 3.0 0.5 1.9 0.3 0.4 0.1 0.6 1.2 -1.2
Arthur Huntley SF 36 0 6.8 2.6 0.4 1.2 0.4 0.3 0.1 0.8 0.7 -0.8
Scotty Barnett PF 26 0 4.2 0.7 0.3 1.6 0.2 0.0 0.3 0.3 0.6 0.6
Victor Stango SG 28 0 3.3 0.8 0.2 0.4 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.3 0.3 -0.7
Ernie Elsam C 6 0 3.0 0.3 0.2 1.7 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.2 -1.5

ST. MICHAEL'S Totals

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
George Bergman SF 37 37 1164 627 37 140 74 26 6 102 107 145
Newton Breunig SG 36 34 1070 614 42 108 86 37 5 77 87 195
Alan Gurrola PG 37 36 1083 301 40 146 148 24 2 79 103 131
Andrew Fajardo C 37 37 1077 189 90 286 39 21 10 47 111 225
David Buffington PF 37 37 1065 579 81 237 56 22 4 59 115 167
Rainer Neubauer C 36 0 670 116 49 157 35 19 19 42 80 36
Charles Clemmons PG 37 4 431 88 15 34 33 11 1 26 34 -27
Randolph Querry C 37 0 361 111 19 70 11 14 5 24 46 -46
Arthur Huntley SF 36 0 244 93 14 44 16 11 5 27 26 -28
Scotty Barnett PF 26 0 108 18 7 41 6 1 9 7 15 16
Victor Stango SG 28 0 91 23 5 11 9 3 0 7 7 -19
Ernie Elsam C 6 0 18 2 1 10 1 0 0 1 1 -9

ST. MICHAEL'S Shooting

Player Pos Fgm Fga Fg% Ftm Fta Ft% 3pm 3pa 3p% PPS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
George Bergman SF 205 435 .471 92 133 .692 125 298 .419 1.44
Newton Breunig SG 184 394 .467 118 137 .861 128 278 .460 1.56
Alan Gurrola PG 92 222 .414 73 90 .811 44 146 .301 1.36
Andrew Fajardo C 75 169 .444 39 63 .619 0 1 .000 1.12
David Buffington PF 212 451 .470 119 200 .595 36 94 .383 1.28
Rainer Neubauer C 46 109 .422 24 58 .414 0 1 .000 1.06
Charles Clemmons PG 25 55 .455 29 37 .784 9 26 .346 1.60
Randolph Querry C 35 76 .461 30 39 .769 11 36 .306 1.46
Arthur Huntley SF 27 78 .346 33 41 .805 6 29 .207 1.19
Scotty Barnett PF 7 21 .333 3 5 .600 1 3 .333 0.86
Victor Stango SG 6 29 .207 9 10 .900 2 16 .125 0.79
Ernie Elsam C 1 6 .167 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0.33

George Bergman (SF): The team’s versatile wing, scoring productively and providing solid rebounding and passing while shooting efficiently from both inside and outside.

Newton Breunig (SG): The primary scoring guard, delivering high-volume points with excellent shooting percentages and contributing defensively with steals.

Alan Gurrola (PG): The floor general, facilitating the offense with strong assist numbers while chipping in points and hitting free throws at a high rate.

Andrew Fajardo (C): The defensive anchor and top rebounder, providing a presence in the paint and providing efficient inside scoring and an occasional blocked shot.

David Buffington (PF): A consistent, rock-solid inside-out scorer and rebounder, combining solid post play with occasional perimeter shooting to stretch defenses.

Rainer Neubauer (C): A key reserve big man, giving the team depth with rebounding, shot-blocking, and efficient minutes off the bench.

Charles Clemmons (PG): A backup point guard providing energy, spot scoring, and occasional three-point shooting in limited minutes.

Randolph Querry (C): A reserve center who contributed rebounding, scoring efficiently in bursts, and helped protect the rim in limited playing time.

Arthur Huntley (SF): A bench wing who offered spot scoring and occasional defensive contributions in short bursts.

Scotty Barnett (PF): A role-playing forward who provided depth, modest rebounding, and occasional points in limited minutes.

Victor Stango (SG): A reserve guard contributing very limited scoring and minutes, mostly as a situational player.

Ernie Elsam (C): A deep-rotation center who saw minimal minutes, contributing sparingly in rebounds and scoring.

[MoonlightGraham]

ST. MICHAEL'S TEAM INFO

Current Performance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Team Prestige: 53 Record Vs 1-50: 0-3 Poll Rank: NR
Season Record: 25-12 Record Vs 51-100: 2-3 RPI Rank: #93
Conference Record: 12-2 Record Vs 101-200: 6-2
Home Record: 11-6 Record Vs 200+: 17-4


Team Stats CR NR Opp. Stats CR NR Margin CR NR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points 74.6 1 64 Points 70.5 8 213 Points 4.1 1 67
O.Reb 10.8 4 199 O.Reb 11.7 7 262 O.Reb -0.9 6 252
D.Reb 23.9 4 283 D.Reb 23.9 5 79 D.Reb 0.0 3 173
Rebounds 34.7 5 259 Rebounds 35.6 7 156 Rebounds -0.9 6 225
Assists 13.9 1 132 Assists 13.4 8 181 Assists 0.5 2 128
Steals 5.1 5 238 Steals 5.5 4 114 Steals -0.4 4 204
Blocks 1.8 8 344 Blocks 3.1 6 119 Blocks -1.3 7 293
Turnovers 13.5 2 115 Turnovers 13.8 5 189 Turnovers -0.3 3 151
Fouls 19.8 6 204 Fouls 19.9 6 146 Fouls -0.1 6 173
FG% .447 1 72 FG% .444 7 266 FG% .003 3 149
FT% .700 2 82 FT% .659 2 57 FT% .041 1 48
3P% .390 1 17 3P% .327 4 94 3P% .063 1 21
PPS 1.35 1 7 PPS 1.25 3 207 PPS .100 1 53
Adj. FG% .536 1 13 Adj. FG% .499 7 246 Adj. FG% .037 1 47

Here's assistant Ari Goldberg's analysis of this data:

“Looking back at the season, we showed a lot of strengths, especially on the offensive end. We led the conference in scoring at 74.6 points per game and were efficient in shooting, ranking near the top in FG%, three-point percentage, and points per shot. Our assist numbers were also excellent, which reflected how well the team shared the ball and moved it to the right spots. In transition and half-court sets, we created good looks, and our spacing and ball movement translated into high-percentage opportunities consistently.

Defensively, we were solid in some areas but had clear weaknesses. We held opponents to 70.5 points per game, which was respectable, and our defensive rebounding matched them on average. But we almost never blocked shots and didn’t get as many steals as we’d have liked. On the boards, we were slightly out-rebounded overall, and that hurt us in a few key games against bigger or more physical teams.

One clear takeaway was our consistency against lower-tier opponents—we dominated teams ranked 200+, going 17-4, but we couldn’t get over the hump against top-100 competition, going 2-6 combined against teams ranked 1-100. That gap highlighted areas where we needed to elevate intensity and execution—on both ends of the floor—against elite competition. We got it done against our conference, but the gap between us and the big guys is real.

Free-throw shooting was above average and reliable, which helped us close games, and our turnover rate was low, so we generally took care of the ball well. Overall, the data showed we were a well-coached, efficient team with a potent offense and good fundamentals, but we needed to develop much more interior presence, generate more defensive disruption, and find ways to win the games against the stronger opponents if we wanted to take the next step.

Bottom line: Offense was elite, team cohesion and shot creation were excellent, and we limited mistakes reasonably well. Defense and rebounding against top teams need more attention, and we need to emphasize interior presence and finishing possessions. If we can shore up those areas, especially against quality opponents, this team can be not just good, but really dangerous come tournament time.”

[MoonlightGraham]

2007 CENTENNIAL AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

JR SG Newton Breunig St. Michael's 17.1 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.4 APG 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR SF James Bisson Ursinus 10.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.1 APG 0.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Teddy Grover Franklin & Marshall 20 - 14 (12 - 2)

All-league 1st Team:
C SR Dennis Leiva Dickinson 5.9 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.3 SPG, 2.3 BPG
PF SR Peter Torres Franklin & Marshall 10.2 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.9 BPG
SF SO George Bergman St. Michael's 16.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SG JR Newton Breunig St. Michael's 17.1 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG SO Alan Gurrola St. Michael's 8.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 4.0 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C SR Sosimo Iglesias Ursinus 10.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PF SR David Buffington St. Michael's 15.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SF SR Brian Hubbard Muhlenberg 15.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SG SR Arthur Crespo Johns Hopkins 17.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG SR Kent Pullen Franklin & Marshall 12.7 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Donnell Lunt Johns Hopkins 2.6 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PF FR Max Taliaferro Franklin & Marshall 2.4 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SF FR James Bisson Ursinus 10.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SG FR Freddie Rosenberry Haverford 2.6 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.0 BPG
PG FR Silas Szymanski Swarthmore 2.6 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Four of the five Saints starters earned All-Centennial honors. Newton and George were the league's second- and third-leading scorers, and David placed fifth. Alan led the league in assists.

Then, Saints Nation was delighted to learn that senior David Buffington was chosen with the #58 pick in the professional draft. He would almost certainly be given a real chance to demonstrate his ability to play in the best basketball league in the world.


2007 Recruiting Rankings

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
53. Ursinus Centennial SG Dave Knorr *** 0 0 3 1 0
143. St. Michael's Centennial PF Sandy Fancher *** 0 0 2 1 0
166. Franklin & Marshall Centennial PG Joseph Rinehart *** 0 0 1 3 0
167. Muhlenberg Centennial SF Owen Merritt *** 0 0 1 0 1
227. Johns Hopkins Centennial SG Prince Wells *** 0 0 1 2 0
235. Haverford Centennial SG Gayle Sullivan *** 0 0 1 0 0
251. Swarthmore Centennial SF Angelo Rabb ** 0 0 0 3 1
283. Dickinson Centennial SF Darell Forster ** 0 0 0 1 2

Ursinus landed the best recruiting class in the program's history, headlined by Dave Knorr, a wing whom Toby and his staff took a long look at. Muhlenberg's prize recruit, Owen Merritt, turned down an offer from St. Michael's.

[MoonlightGraham]

The offseason changed the tempo of life in the Whittaker household.

Toby loved being able to work from home more often. The spare bedroom of their lovely Arts and Crafts bungalow had been turned into an office where he and Claire had desks and bookshelves. Toby loved being able to spend time with Eli at home. He often picked Nora and Grace up at St. Aloysius, or--better yet--went with Claire to greet the girls at the end of their day.

Claire's exhibit in the Callahan Library turned out to be a huge success. She was still planning on teaching, but that had taken a back seat to her own art career. With Toby at home more often, she had time (and solitude) to sketch and paint. She also occasionally substituted for the art teacher at St. Michael's College School.

The rhythms of their family life were sweet and soothing.

Orchard Street was quiet and leafy, so the entire family enjoyed evening "journeys," which involved Toby or Claire pushing Eli in a stroller alongside Grace on her three-wheeler and Nora on her "big girl bike" with training wheels. Toby loved looking at the older houses in their neighborhood. Mornings often meant trips to Elmwood Park, where the children enjoyed the playground the most. They would linger on a blanket, enjoying fruit, Goldfish, and coffee for Toby and Claire.

Nora and Grace were learning to help their Mom and Dad in the kitchen. Pancakes and cookies were their specialties, although Grace, in particular, wore more flour than she mixed. Eli's contributions were limited to "stirring" an empty pot with a big wooden spoon.

The evenings were times for stories. Toby and Claire were both born storytellers, and the girls adored the way their parents read to them, using different voices for the characters. Nora sometimes tried to "read aloud" to Eli, who mostly wanted to snuggle in her lap. Movie Night meant blankets on the big couch, a shared bowl of popcorn, and often, a nap for Toby.

For Toby especially, this was a season of learning to switch gears—being “Dad” without a whistle, without a clipboard. He loved watching Nora start to find her voice, Grace’s boundless energy, and Eli toddling into everything. Claire, steady as always, saw the joy in these ordinary days and quietly reminded him that this, too, was what they were building a life for.

https://i.imgur.com/HNy23TR.jpeg
55 Orchard Street, the Whittaker home.

[MoonlightGraham]

November 11, 2008

Player # Pos Yr Ht Wt Sch Acd Status Hometown
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt Caruso 3 SG Fr 6-7 211 Yes 88 OK Rutherford, NJ
Arthur Huntley 5 SF Sr* 6-0 193 Yes 1 OK Waterloo, NY
Charles Clemmons 10 PG Jr 6-0 194 Yes 53 OK Bethesda, MD
John Markel 11 PF So* 6-5 248 Yes 72 Unhappy Nelson House, Canada
Alan Gurrola 12 PG Jr 6-0 178 Yes 42 OK Brooklyn, NY
Newton Breunig 14 SG Sr 6-0 182 Yes 88 OK Bethesda, MD
Victor Stango 20 SG Sr* 6-1 192 Yes 23 OK Coxsackie, NY
George Bergman 22 SF Jr 6-4 182 Yes 52 OK Pennsauken, NJ
Frank Bookout 31 PF So 6-8 215 Yes 6 Unhappy Pleasantville, NY
Brenner Turnbull 33 C So* 7-0 289 Yes 88 OK Germantown, TN
Ernie Elsam 34 C So* 6-6 242 No 37 OK Gosforth, UK
Joe Greeley 35 PF Fr 6-7 226 Yes 81 OK Georgetown, DE
Sandy Fancher 40 PF Fr 6-10 255 Yes 77 OK Ridgely, MD
Randolph Querry 41 C So 6-8 229 Yes 54 OK Neath, UK
Rainer Neubauer 53 C Jr* 6-7 207 No 67 OK Freiberg, Germany

Toby Whittaker's first season was, as he told his brother one night on the phone, "like something out of a storybook." The Saints tied their program record with 25 wins and came within a victory of a tournament championship. Toby knew repeating this success would be difficult. Two key players from last year's team were gone, and the Saints would miss them.

David Buffington would be impossible to replace, man-for-man. Big Buff started every game for four years, and he finished his career as the Saints' second all-time leading scorer and a professional draft pick. "No team can plug in a replacement for a player, and a leader, like David," Toby pointed out.

His classmate Andrew Fajardo would be missed, too. Andrew paid his dues and then some, working his way from a squad player to a starter in four seasons. Usually giving up several inches and thirty pounds to his opponents, Andrew battled them night after night without complaining or tapping out.

But the Saints' cupboard was far from bare. The Centennial Conference Player of the Year and two other All-Conference selections were still on campus.

Senior Newton Bruenig was ready to make his final season his best yet. The year before, he recovered from a terrible sophomore slump to emerge as the conference's top player. For his senior season, he added a new level of defensive intensity to his skill set.

George Bergman, now a junior, was still 6'4" and still a small forward. He would never be able to fly to the rim like some wings did; instead, he filled the air with daggers from three-point range. George emerged from camp with an even more elite three-point shot, which Toby told him to use on a very regular basis.

The third returning starter was point guard Alan Gurrola. Alan was an unselfish, creative passer who took care of the ball and kept his offensive-minded teammates happy. As a sophomore, Alan had averaged a quiet eight points per game, and he might be called upon to do a bit more scoring in his third year.

The Saints' remodeled front court featured redshirt sophomore Brenner Turnbull and fourth-year junior Rainer Neubauer.

Brenner's size and rim protection were the piece that had been missing last season, which he sat out after transfering from Tulsa. The staff's efforts to help him gain more offensive savvy didn't seem to bear much fruit, however. But if the seven-footer could block shots and frustrate opposing centers, he'd more than earn his keep.

Rainer was one of the team's most popular players. Two seasons ago, he joined the team as a walk-on, and since he was 6'7", he was immediately thrust into the rotation. Last year, he played the sixth most minutes on the team and he held his own, especially against conference opposition. Could he raise his game as a junior, or had he reached his limit?

Quick, reliable Charles Clemmons would be the top backcourt reserve. The junior was, as Toby admitted, "easily one of the team's five best players," but he was stuck behind three guys who were better than he was. Charles never complained and always did what he was asked to do. Teams needed players like Charles.

The entire team was talking about the play of freshman Matt Caruso. "The kid who said he wasn't sure he wanted to play college ball came in here and worked his tail off," recalled coach Charles Campbell with a smile. "He improved every part of his game, and he won our award for conditioning." Matt's emergence created an interesting possible scenario, in which he moved into the starting lineup in Neubauer's spot. Matt would be a smallish four, but he seemed comfortable switching onto bigs.

Or, would Matt's classmate, Joe Greeley, a natural post player, be able to accelerate his learning curve and challenge for playing time? Joe seemed more ready for college ball than the team's third new freshman, Sandy Fancher. At the very least, Joe and Sandy gave Toby the ability to bring some size off the bench.

Toby's expectations for the season were measured. The three proven stars were just that, among the conference's best. But Franklin & Marshall would be good again. Muhlenberg was returning the top six players from a team that won 17 games. Ursinus was adding a strong recruiting class to the group that made the NCAA tournament.

St. Michael's AD, Diane Lundquist, wanted a conference championship. Could Toby and his staff shift the pieces around well enough to win one?

[MoonlightGraham]

ST. MICHAEL'S Schedule

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
11/17/08 vs. Wake Forest 10-4 194 W 71-39 1-0
11/19/08 vs. East Carolina 5-9 196 W 83-68 2-0
11/24/08 vs. Wichita State 8-6 30 L 87-73 2-1
11/28/08 Colby 7-6 119 W 73-70 3-1
12/02/08 at Canisius 7-8 176 L 70-59 3-2
12/06/08 Bowdoin 5-10 193 W 59-49 4-2
12/10/08 at #10 Villanova 11-2 23 L 69-59 4-3
12/13/08 Penn State 5-9 9 W 78-66 5-3
12/17/08 Dartmouth 4-8 203 W 63-51 6-3
12/20/08 at #18 Northwestern 13-2 79 L 83-64 6-4
12/22/08 at Richmond 4-9 189 W 84-48 7-4
12/28/08 at Temple 11-3 61 L 90-85 7-5
12/31/08 at Boston University 7-7 233 W 70-62 8-5
01/03/09 Holy Cross 8-7 154 W 89-71 9-5
01/07/09 at Virginia 5-8 306 W 83-57 10-5


What did some of the folks at O'Malley's Tavern think about the Saints' pre-conference performance?

Danny McCloskey – 39, history professor at St. Michael’s. Animated, wide-eyed, tends to spin every win as the start of a new dynasty. A true “program optimist,” the kind of supporter who thinks this year could be the year.
“Two blowouts in Vegas and a 30-point pasting of Wake Forest? Folks better start paying attention to the Saints.”

Ethan Carver – 36, data analyst for a healthcare company, St. Michael’s alum. Cerebral, precise, keeps a notebook of advanced metrics and insists on using terms like “adjusted efficiency margin” when everyone else just wants to argue about rebounds. Slightly socially awkward but respected for always knowing the numbers.
“Look, the Vegas wins were solid, but against sub-200 RPI teams. The Wichita State loss? That’s the only data point that matters from that trip.”

Sheila Duffy – 28, nurse at Elmridge General. Smart, quick with a quip, she keeps the guys honest. A Villanova alumna, but switched allegiances after moving to Elmridge.
“I’m just glad we’re not that old East Carolina team, getting run out of the gym by the Saints. That was ugly.”

Pat O’Shaughnessy – 50, owns Campus Threads. Generous, booming laugh, always defends the team with a mix of civic pride and nostalgia. Keeps referencing old St. Michael’s squads from the ’80s.
“C’mon, ten and five in non-conference, with half those games on the road? That’s no small potatoes.”

Joe Rasmussen – 39, local lawyer. Hot-blooded, wears his Saints fandom on his sleeve. Quick to celebrate, quicker to lament. Drinks IPA and slaps the bar when things go south.
“Temple game still burns me up. You can’t give up ninety to those guys, not if you’re serious.”

Tom Larkin – 65, retired English professor and Class of ’64 alum. The group's sage, likes to lace basketball talk with literary or historical analogies.
“Every season’s a narrative. The Vegas tournament, Wake, even Villanova — that’s all exposition. The question is, does the story become a tragedy or a comedy?”

Al Carr – 70, retired head of campus security. Gruff, loyal, drinks whiskey neat, and has a knack for grounding Tom’s musings.
“Spare me the Aristotle, Tom. We beat Penn State, that’s what the papers remember.”

[MoonlightGraham]

As the Saints played their way through their pre-conference schedule, Toby and his staff were also busy recruiting the Class of 2009. They had three scholarships to offer, and this year's focus was on the backcourt.

Alan Gurrola and Charles Clemmons were classmates, juniors now. Between them, they claimed almost all the minutes at the point. Unless Toby brought in a point guard in this year's class, the departures of Alan and Charles in spring 2010 would leave the team without a player who had ever touched the controls of the team. Toby was interested in bringing in a guard who would learn from the veterans for a year before taking over.

A player who might fit that role was just about as close as a player could be.

Jalen Wilson was a senior at Elmridge High School. A 6'0" point guard, Jalen was an exceptional all-around athlete who also starred in the sprints and jumps for the Elmridge track and field team. In the classroom, Jalen combined talent and dedication in similar ways. He maintained a very high GPA while taking a challenging course load, and his test score earned him a National Merit commendation.

On the court, Jalen combined his quickness with a rare ability to command the floor and involve his teammates. If it sounded like Jalen saw the game like a coach, there was a reason why.

Jalen was the son of Carl Wilson, Toby's associate head coach.

This reality complicated the situation on several levels. If Toby examined his credentials without the name "Jalen Wilson" attached to them, the decision was easy. Jalen was everything a St. Michael's man should be. But that separation wouldn't be possible, and that made Toby wonder what he should do.

***

The Whittakers’ living room – late evening, late autumn

The house is quiet, the kids long asleep upstairs. A lamp glows in the corner, and Claire sits on the couch with a book in her lap, though she hasn’t turned a page in ten minutes. Toby walks in from his office, still in sweats, a mug of tea in hand. He drops onto the armchair across from her, looking heavy with thought.

Claire: (without looking up yet)
“I know this look. It's that time of year.”

Toby: (chuckles tiredly)
“Is it that obvious?”

Claire: (finally meeting his eyes)
“It’s always obvious. You look like you’re carrying a boulder around the house. What is it this time?”

Toby: (sighs, leaning forward)
“Jalen Wilson. He’s the real deal, Claire. He’s quick, smart, sees the floor better than kids two years older. And he’s… he’s right here in Elmridge. It feels like the kind of opportunity you dream about when you’re trying to build something.”

Claire: (careful)
“But he’s Carl’s son.”

Toby: (nodding)
“Yeah. And that’s the knot in my stomach. Carl’s not just my assistant — he’s like family. We’ve built this staff together. He’s trusted me with his career. And now…I might be asking him to trust me with his son."

(He rubs his temples, struggling with it.)

Claire: (sets her book aside, gentler now)
“So what’s the worry? That Carl will feel like you’re pressuring him? Or that people outside will think you’re bending the rules for family?”

Toby:
“Both. If I recruit Jalen, I need to know it’s because he belongs here, not because of who his dad is. And if I don’t, I need to know I’m not letting fear of appearances get in the way of doing what’s best for the team. Either way, it feels like someone’s going to think I mishandled it.”

Claire: (leans back, folding her arms, thinking)
“You’ve always told me recruiting is about fit, not just talent. Does Jalen fit? Not just on the court — in the locker room, in the culture you’re trying to build?”

Toby: (pauses, considering)
“Yeah. He does. He’s grounded. He listens. You know that; you know him, too. He’s got that mix of confidence and humility you don’t teach. He’d come in behind Gurrola and Clemmons at first, but by sophomore year… he could run the team.”

Claire: (soft smile)
“Then maybe you already know the answer. Just be honest with Carl. And with Jalen. If you do this the way you do everything else — straight, no shortcuts — people will see that. Eventually.”

Toby: (sits back, exhaling, almost relieved)
“Sometimes I think you should be the one running the program.”

Claire: (teasing, picking her book back up)
“I do run the program. I just let you handle the basketball part.”

(They share a quiet laugh. Toby sips his tea, the weight a little lighter, though the decision ahead still looms.)

[MoonlightGraham]

The Wilsons’ Living Room, October 2008

The fall evening settles over Elmridge — leaves crunch outside, and the faint chill of October slips through the open window. Inside, the Wilsons’ living room glows with the lamplight, photos of Jalen in track gear and basketball jerseys crowding one wall. Toby Whittaker sits on the sofa, jacket folded beside him. Jalen is in the armchair across, shoulders a little hunched. He wears his Elmridge Track and Field quarter-zip, and a basketball rests in his lap. Carl leans in the doorway, quietly watchful.

Toby: (leaning forward, steady)
“Jalen, you know we’ve got two senior guards next year. Alan Gurrola and Charles Clemmons — they’ve carried us a long way. If you come to St. Michael’s, you’d be the freshman behind them.”

Jalen: (hesitant, eyes down on the ball)
“I get that, Coach. They’re great players. I just… I don’t wanna waste a year, sitting. I’ve worked too hard for that.”

Carl: (firm, but not harsh)
“It wouldn’t be wasted. You know that.”

Toby: (gentle, nodding)
“Your dad’s right. You wouldn’t just be sitting. You’d be pushing those two every day in practice. You could be the first guard off the bench — maybe twenty minutes a game, real minutes. And when they graduate, you’d step right into the lead role. That’s not wasting time. That’s preparing to own it.”

(Jalen nods slowly, fingers drumming the basketball. His tone is thoughtful.)

Jalen:
“I guess I worry I won’t measure up. Guys like Gurrola… he’s already all-conference. I don’t want to come in and look like I don’t belong.”

Toby: (leans in, voice steady)
“Jalen, I’ve watched you. You belong. What you don’t have yet, you’ll gain by facing Gurrola and Clemmons every day. Think about it — you’ll be tested harder in practice than you would in half the games. And when it’s your turn, you’ll be more than ready. You’ll be our guy. The offense runs through you.

Gurrola and Clemmons aren’t roadblocks — they’re a training ground. You’ll battle against two of the best guards in the conference every practice. By the time that starting job opens up, you won’t just be ready. You’ll be polished. You’ll be a leader.”

(Jalen looks up now, eyes meeting Toby’s. There’s no bravado in him, just a quiet hunger.)

Jalen: (softly)
“I want that chance. To lead. I just… wanna make sure I earn it.”

Toby: (with conviction)
“You will. And you’ll do it here, in front of the people who already believe in you. Elmridge High to St. Michael’s — that story writes itself. Kids at Orchard Park already wear your number. Imagine them watching you light up Villanova or Temple in two years’ time.

Carl: (gentle, almost proud)
“That’s the path, son. Not the easy one — the right one.”

(Jalen squeezes the ball in his hands, nodding. The idea of being the future of St. Michael’s, forged through humility and work, sits heavier now — but not unwelcome.)

[MoonlightGraham]

Scene: The Wilsons’ kitchen – later that evening

Dinner dishes are stacked in the sink. Tessa’s retreated to her room with homework, Micah’s finally asleep, and faint beats drift down the stairs from Jalen's room. Carl sits at the kitchen table, staring into a half-empty glass of water. Monica comes in with a towel over her shoulder, wiping her hands.

Monica: (gentle but firm)
“You’ve been chewing on this all night. Just spit it out, Carl.”

Carl: (sighs, rubbing his forehead)
“Toby’s serious about recruiting Jalen. He said it outright. Wants him in the program.”

Monica: (pauses, leaning against the counter)
“And you don’t know how you feel about that.”

Carl: (grim smile)
“Try torn in twelve different directions. On one hand, it’s St. Michael’s. It’s Division I ball, it’s right here in town, and Toby’s built a system where Jalen could thrive. On the other hand…I work there. That’s my boss. My livelihood. I don’t want Jalen’s future tied up in my job performance.”

Monica: (walking over, sitting across from him)
“So you’re afraid people will think it’s nepotism.”

Carl: (nods)
“Or worse: that Jalen will think he only got the offer because of me. He deserves to know he earned it on his own. The kid’s busted his tail-- track meets, late nights at the gym. I don’t want that work cheapened by whispers.”

Monica: (softer now)
“Carl, anyone who’s watched him knows he’s the real deal. He’s not perfect; he’s still learning, still figuring out how to be a leader. But that boy belongs on a college court. And Toby’s no fool. He wouldn’t risk the program’s credibility just to throw you a favor.”

(Carl drums his fingers on the table, still uneasy.)

Carl:
“Maybe. But I also know the pressure that comes with wearing the jersey in your own hometown. He’s going to hear it from classmates, neighbors, alumni...'you're only there because of your dad.’ That’s a lot to put on a seventeen-year-old.”

Monica: (reaches across, takes his hand)
“And that’s why he needs us. To remind him he’s more than the chatter. He’s Jalen Wilson. He’s worked for this. And if he chooses St. Michael’s, it’s because he believes in what Toby’s building. Not because of us. Not because of you.”

(Carl looks at her, his expression softening. The weight lifts just a little.)

Carl: (quietly)
“You always know how to cut through the noise.”

Monica: (smiles faintly)
“It’s literally my job, darling."

(They share a laugh, the tension easing. Upstairs, footsteps creak — Jalen heading to the bathroom — and both parents fall into a silence, knowing the conversation about his future will soon be his, not just theirs.)

[MoonlightGraham]

January 2009

The Elmridge High School gymnasium was a venerable old building, built in the late 1940s. The lobby smelled faintly of floor polish and popcorn from the concession stand. A scattering of folding chairs faced the trophy case, where state track medals and district basketball plaques gleamed under the fluorescent lights.

Jalen Wilson sat at a table in front of the case. He rested his palms on a stack of papers. Monica, an Elmridge High School counselor, stood just behind him with her hand on his shoulder. Carl, in a St. Michael’s basketball polo, stood close by with his arms around Tessa and Micah, who couldn’t stop staring at their big brother.

The Elmridge varsity boys' coach, Mark Delaney, leaned against the wall off to the side, arms folded, watching with the kind of half-smile that spoke of pride and the bittersweetness of knowing it was almost time to let go.

And off to the other side, Toby Whittaker stood quietly, trying not to take the young man's spotlight.

Jalen cleared his throat. His voice carried a mix of nerves and resolve.

“I just want to thank everyone who’s been here for me,” he said, eyes darting to Coach Delaney first. “Coach, you believed in me when I was a skinny freshman trying to run with the seniors. You taught me how to slow down and see the court. And, more importantly, you taught me how to lead from a place of humility. I wouldn’t be here without you.”

Delaney gave a short nod, lips pressed tight in a proud smile.

Jalen’s voice softened as he looked at his family.

“Mom, Dad…you guys pushed me in the right ways. Mom, you made sure I put my academics first, so I would be able to go anywhere I wanted. Dad, you’ve been both coach and father—and I know that wasn’t easy. Tessa and Micah, you've been my biggest fans. One reason why I work so hard is because I don't want to let you down. I want you to be proud of me.

"I love all of you."

Monica dabbed her eyes with a tissue, and Carl blinked fast, fighting the same.

Jalen took a deep breath. He looked down at the papers in front of him.

“I want to thank all the coaches who have been recruiting me. I've made my decision. After thinking about what kind of player and person I want to become, I’ve decided to commit to St. Michael’s College and play for Coach Whittaker and the Saints.”

Applause filled the small space—louder than the little lobby seemed capable of holding. Tessa and Micah rushed to their brother's side, hugging him around the waist.

Toby stepped forward, shaking Jalen’s hand and then pulling him into a brief hug.

“We’re proud to have you, Jalen,” Toby said. “Proud of the man you’re becoming.”

Coach Delaney walked over last. He didn’t make a big show of it—just gripped Jalen’s hand firmly, then leaned close so only he could hear:

“You’ve made the right choice, J. Go show them what we already know you can do.”

Jalen nodded, his throat too tight to answer. The crowd—his favorite teachers, his teammates and a few other friends, some neighbors—clapped again, and the Saints’ newest recruit stood a little taller in the glow of it all.

[MoonlightGraham]

January 2009

Jalen Wilson's commitment completed St. Michael's 2009 recruiting class. Three perimeter players with different skill sets were set to join the program next fall.

The first to sign was a player Toby and his staff had been recruiting from the start of the season. Malik Jefferson was a 6'6" wing from Cardinal O'Hara High School in nearby Springfield, PA. A three-star recruit, Malik was rated #8 among small forwards in the East.

Here's what Toby said about Malik:
"Malik’s a kid who fits what we’re trying to build here. At 6’6”, 205, he already has a college-ready frame, and he knows how to use it. The first thing that jumps out is his efficiency--he’s shooting over 56% from the field, and he’s not living on easy dunks. He makes strong cuts, finishes through contact, and he rebounds his position well. Seven boards a game in high school tells me he’s not afraid to mix it up inside.

Skill-wise, there’s still work to do. His outside shot just isn’t there yet--12% from three, and the mechanics need some tightening. But the free throw stroke isn’t bad at 69%, and that gives me hope. He’s got the potential to grow into a reliable midrange and foul-line scorer. Defense is where I see real promise: he’s got length, quickness, and the motor to be disruptive on the wing. He can guard multiple spots, and with his strength, he won’t get bullied.

Turnovers are a concern--his assist-to-turnover ratio is upside down, and his handle is behind the rest of his game. But we’re not bringing him here to run the offense. He’s going to be a glue guy, an energy guy, someone who defends, rebounds, and finishes plays. If he embraces that role, he’ll get minutes early, and he could grow into a real two-way threat by the time he’s an upperclassman.

I also like the kid’s intangibles. GPA’s solid, test score shows he’s got the smarts, and from what I hear at Cardinal O’Hara, he’s coachable. Not flashy, not a stat-chaser. He competes. He’s the kind of player who can give us toughness and balance when we’ve got our scorers doing the heavy lifting.

Bottom line: Malik can be the glue that holds a program together. If he buys in, we’ve got ourselves a real Saint in him.”


The Saints' second commitment flew under the experts' radar. A 6'5" wing from Allentown, Evan Carlucci was rated at only one star, but Toby and his staff thought he was better than that.

Here's what Toby said about Evan:
"Evan’s a developmental guy, no question about it. He’s not coming in here with the physical gifts of a Malik Jefferson or the polish of a top-100 wing. But what he does have is a skill set we can grow and, just as important, the right head on his shoulders.

Offensively, Evan’s a perimeter player. His jumper’s already a real weapon. He has a nice midrange touch, and he’s knocking down 32% from three on decent volume. The free throw stroke is solid at 71%, which makes me think with reps he can push that three-point number into the 40s one day. He’s not going to create much off the bounce, and his handle’s a weak spot right now. But he doesn’t force much either--when he’s in rhythm, he can stretch the floor and make defenses honest.

Physically, he’s still catching up. At 6’5”, 200, he’s got the frame to play at this level, but he’s not explosive. Vertical and strength aren’t there yet, and defensively he struggles when matched against quicker wings. He’ll need to commit to our strength program and get comfortable with the speed of Division I. Rebounding numbers are decent--six boards a game--and that’s encouraging, because it shows he’s willing to get dirty even if he’s not an above-the-rim guy.

Turnovers worry me, especially with that 0.42 assist-to-turnover ratio. He’s not a decision-maker with the ball, and we’ll need to keep him in roles where he’s catching and shooting, not putting it on the floor.

The upside with Evan is his shooting. Potential says he can become a reliable three-point specialist with enough length to hold up defensively if he buys in. Every roster needs a guy who can come off the bench, space the floor, and hit a big shot. If he embraces that role, he’ll carve out a niche here. If he doesn’t, he’ll get buried. Simple as that.

Off the court, I like him a lot. Good student—3.4 GPA, 1330 test score—and comes from a solid program at Southern Lehigh. He’s coachable, works hard, and doesn’t carry an ego. For a one-star, he’s exactly the kind of bet I like to make: if he develops, he’s a weapon; if not, he’s a good teammate who raises the floor of our practices and locker room.

Bottom line: Evan’s not going to wow anybody right away, but if he sticks to his strengths, he could end up being one of those kids who surprises you by his junior year.”


Jalen Wilson's backstory made him the most intriguing of the Saints' three signees. Jalen was much more than a courtesy recruit; Toby would have looked closely at him if he hadn't been Carl Wilson's son and a local star.

Here's what Toby said about Jalen:
"Recruiting your assistant’s kid is never simple. But the tape doesn’t lie: Jalen can play. He’s earned this, and I’d be saying the same thing if Carl weren’t on staff. The real challenge is making sure people understand he’s not here because of who his dad is, but because of what he can bring us at the point guard spot.

First thing you notice with Jalen is the quickness. He has the speed and bounce of a track and field star, because he is one. He's explosive with the ball, and he uses it well. He can push the pace, get into the lane, and create opportunities. He’s got a tremendous motor, and his leaping ability is an asset: for a 6-foot guard, nearly four rebounds a game shows he competes on the glass. He’s active, athletic, and willing to do the little things that don’t always show up in the box score.

Skill-wise, he’s a developing floor general. Ball handling and passing both grade out very well, and he’s already showing flashes of the conductor he'll become. Nearly 7.7 assists per game against 1.7 turnovers — that’s a strong ratio, especially considering how much of the offense runs through him. He reads defenses, sets up teammates, and takes care of the basketball. Defensively, he’s active and aggressive. He pressures the ball, can hound opposing guards, and has the potential to be a defensive tone-setter.

The shooting, though, is the swing skill. Free throw percentage is solid at 70%, but he’ll need to develop a more reliable jumper to keep defenses honest. He's very streaky from behind the arc, but his mechanics are good. He has room for improvement.

What I love most is his makeup. GPA 3.55, 1420 on his tests: he's smart, grounded, and disciplined. Humble, competitive, hard-working, and already invested in our program because he’s grown up in our gym and around our culture. That matters.

Role-wise, as a freshman, he’ll come off the bench, learn the pace of college basketball, and bring energy in relief of Alan Gurrola and Charles Clemmons. By sophomore year, I see him ready to run the team. Long-term, he’s a two- or three-year starter who can set tempo, run our offense, and be a leader on both ends.

Bottom line: Jalen’s not a finished product, but he’s a competitor, an athlete, and a true point guard. If he commits to improving his jumper and continues developing his game, he can be a special player for us. And the fact that he’s one of our own — Elmridge kid, son of Carl — makes this one feel even better. He’s going to wear the jersey with pride."

[MoonlightGraham]

March 10, 2009

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
01/10/09 Franklin & Marshall 21-13 111 W 83-73 11-5 (1-0)
01/15/09 Ursinus 14-17 268 W 80-66 12-5 (2-0)
01/17/09 Muhlenberg 20-11 133 W 63-51 13-5 (3-0)
01/22/09 at Swarthmore 12-18 238 W 86-60 14-5 (4-0)
01/24/09 at Haverford 8-23 299 W 72-61 15-5 (5-0)
01/29/09 Johns Hopkins 16-14 201 W 73-65 16-5 (6-0)
01/31/09 Dickinson 10-20 294 W 80-77 17-5 (7-0)
02/03/09 Trinity 11-21 258 W 87-64 18-5
02/07/09 at Franklin & Marshall 21-13 111 L 70-61 18-6 (7-1)
02/12/09 at Muhlenberg 20-11 133 W 76-67 19-6 (8-1)
02/14/09 at Ursinus 14-17 268 W 90-61 20-6 (9-1)
02/19/09 Haverford 8-23 299 W 78-72 21-6 (10-1)
02/21/09 Swarthmore 12-18 238 W 61-49 22-6 (11-1)
02/26/09 at Johns Hopkins 16-14 201 W 70-68 23-6 (12-1)
02/28/09 at Dickinson 10-20 294 W 84-71 24-6 (13-1)

03/06/09 vs. Haverford 8-23 299 W 82-58 25-6
03/07/09 vs. Swarthmore 12-18 238 W 99-74 26-6
03/08/09 vs. Franklin & Marshall 21-13 111 W 80-44 27-6

Carlos and Denise Alvarez lived in the house across the street from the Whittakers. Carlos, who was an IT support specialist for a hospital in Harrisburg, said he was a "casual fan" of Saints basketball. Denise graduated from St. Michael's in the Class of 2000. She was more focused on academics than on basketball as an undergrad, but she remembered the energy in The Pavilion on winter nights. Now a sixth grade math teacher at St. Michael's College School, Denise found herself circling back to the program.

The day after the Centennial Conference tournament, Denise and Carlos were shoveling snow from their sidewalk when they saw Toby walking out to put some recycling in the bin. They waved him over.

Denise: (grinning) “Well, well, Mr. Whittaker. I hope you’ve been enjoying this Saints run as much as I have. Did you see what they did to Franklin & Marshall in the final?”

Toby: (laughs) “Eighty to forty-four. That was a statement, wasn’t it? Probably the sharpest game they’ve played all year.”

Carlos: (leans on shovel) “I’ll admit, I tuned in for that one. Even I knew F&M had gotten them earlier in February. To flip it like that? Pretty impressive.”

Denise: “Oh, don’t let him fool you, Toby. He was up off the couch when George [Bergman] hit those threes. I thought he was going to knock the lamp over.”

Carlos: (smiles) “Hey, the guy’s been scoring in bunches. He and [Newton] Bruenig—they’ve been the difference, right? One of them always seems to step up when they need a bucket.”

Toby: “Exactly. Bruenig’s been the steady hand, and Bergman gives them that extra scoring punch. When you can spread the floor like that, it makes everything easier.”

Denise: “And then you look inside—Brenner Turnbull’s been a wall. Seven feet, swatting shots, cleaning the glass. He’s not flashy, but he anchors everything.”

Toby: (nodding) “That’s what is different about this year's team. Now we have a true center who can protect the rim. Our defense has gone up another level. Combine that with Bruenig and Bergman knocking shots down, and they’re tough to beat.”

Carlos: “And that’s why they finished 13–1 in the league. You could feel it building—the close win at Dickinson, then cruising at Ursinus. By the time they got back to F&M in the final, it was like the whole team was in rhythm.”

Denise: “Makes you proud, doesn’t it? They’re not just winning—they’re doing it with style. This feels like something special.”

Carlos: “Think they’ve got a shot in the tournament?”

Toby: “If they get a decent draw? Absolutely. Nobody wants to deal with a team with scorers like George and Newton. And now Matt Caruso is making teams guard him, too. Combine that with an interior presence and you have a dangerous team.”

Denise: (nodding) “I’d love to see it. I was at St. Michael’s when seasons like this were just wishful thinking. It feels different now.”

Carlos: (grins) “Well, it gives us something to talk about besides the weather. Just don’t ask me to rattle off their rebounding stats.”

Toby: (smiling back) “Don’t worry, I’ve got that part covered.”


The first building blocks of the Saints' success were already firmly in place. Newton Bruenig and George Bergman entered the season as known quantities. Toby's game plan was geared to getting as many good shots for them as possible. As a result, only one team in the country took as many three-pointers as the Saints, and no team made more.

As Toby pointed out to Carlos and Denise, Brenner Turnbull gave the Saints an interior presence they lacked the year before. After spending a season guarding future pro David Buffington in practice, Brenner immediately began asserting himself as a shot blocker and rebounder. The big sophomore wasn't much of an offensive threat--he blocked more opposing shots than he made himself--but he stopped teams from attacking the Saints rim with impunity.

Once Toby and his staff settled on the team's optimal starting five, the team took off. Rainer Neubauer got the first shot at the four spot, but he struggled to defend bigger post players and provided very little offensive impact in return.

Freshman Joe Greeley had been playing very well in a reserve role, so he got the next chance to start. Joe fared a bit better, but good teams capitalized on the fact that the Saints had, at best, two-and-a-half scoring threats. Alan Gurrola, who had provided some sneaky scoring while running the offense from the point last year, struggled with his shooting all season this time around. It became too easy for teams to throw double teams at Bergman and Bruenig and force the Saints to play to their weaknesses instead.

Matt Caruso proved to be the missing piece. Matt was badly miscast as a "power forward," with his lean 6'7" frame. He was, however, an eager defender, who used his quickness to frustrate slower big men. And Matt turned out to be an even better shooter than Toby thought he would be. If opposing defenses focused too sharply on George and Newton, Matt made them pay; he shot 47% from behind the arc on fairly high volume.

The rest, as they say, was history. The Saints entered the tournament as its #1 seed, and rolled through three opponents to win the Centennial Conference tournament. They would almost certainly have made the NCAA tournament field without this victory; their RPI stayed in the 20s all season, and they were #36 on the S-Curve. But it was much more rewarding to cap off a regular season championship year with a matching tournament victory.

[MoonlightGraham]

March 20, 2009
NCAA Midwest Region, First Round

(9) #22 St. Michael's 71, (8) #21 Duquesne 60

---------------------------------------------------------
St. Michael's (28-6, 13-1):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brenner Turnbull C 33 1-2 0-0 3 12 1 1 2
Matt Caruso PF 28 2-9 7-7 3 8 0 0 12
George Bergman SF 30 5-19 4-4 2 6 5 1 16
Newton Breunig SG 30 5-11 3-4 1 2 2 1 18
Alan Gurrola PG 20 2-4 0-0 1 4 1 0 4
Charles Clemmons PG 15 2-3 0-1 0 0 2 1 5
Joe Greeley PF 26 3-10 0-0 3 6 1 2 8
Rainer Neubauer C 6 0-1 0-1 0 4 0 1 0
Arthur Huntley SF 10 3-9 0-0 1 2 1 2 6

Turnovers: 10 (G.Bergman 3, N.Breunig 2, C.Clemmons 2,
J.Greeley 2, A.Huntley 1)
Blocked Shots: 5 (B.Turnbull 2, N.Breunig 1, J.Greeley
2)
Steals: 2 (G.Bergman 2)
3P FGs: 11-39 (M.Caruso 1-5, G.Bergman 2-14, N.Breunig
5-8, A.Gurrola 0-2, C.Clemmons 1-2, J.Greeley 2-8)

Duquesne (22-11, 10-6):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Thomas Bartlett C 31 3-8 0-0 3 11 2 1 6
Bertram Hambrick PF 28 2-6 1-1 0 10 0 2 5
Gary Lesher SF 24 1-6 0-0 0 3 2 4 2
Matthew Dent SG 18 2-4 0-2 0 2 2 5 4
Wiley Reed PG 24 5-13 1-2 4 4 4 3 13
Bryce Meadows SG 20 5-14 2-2 2 3 1 1 13
Andrew Hamilton PF 20 1-3 1-2 0 5 4 1 3
Malcom Calvillo SF 15 1-4 0-0 2 4 0 2 2
Brendon Rodriguez SG 15 5-8 0-0 1 4 1 1 10
Henry Dooley PF 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
David Aparicio PG 3 1-1 0-0 0 0 0 0 2

Turnovers: 12 (T.Bartlett 1, B.Hambrick 2, G.Lesher 1,
M.Dent 2, W.Reed 2, M.Calvillo 3, B.Rodriguez 1)
Blocked Shots: 4 (T.Bartlett 3, A.Hamilton 1)
Steals: 6 (G.Lesher 1, M.Dent 3, B.Meadows 1,
B.Rodriguez 1)
3P FGs: 3-19 (M.Dent 0-1, W.Reed 2-6, B.Meadows 1-6,
A.Hamilton 0-1, M.Calvillo 0-2, B.Rodriguez 0-3)

Player of Game: SG Newton Breunig (STMIC)

The Saints accepted the #9 seed in the NCAA Midwest Region. Their first game was an intriguing contest between two evenly matched teams from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The computers said eight-seed Duquesne was almost exactly as good as the Saints.

The Dukes frustrated George Bergman more thoroughly than almost any team had done all season long. But Newton Bruenig dropped in five triples, and the Saints went 14-for-17 at the line. Meanwhile, they forced Duquesne into one bad shot after another, and the Saints pulled away during the second half to earn Toby Whittaker the first NCAA tournament victory of his career.


March 22, 2009
NCAA Midwest Region, Second Round
(1) #1 Purdue 80, (9) #22 St. Michael's 72

---------------------------------------------------------
St. Michael's (28-7, 13-1):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brenner Turnbull C 34 1-5 0-1 1 8 1 1 2
Matt Caruso PF 26 7-10 0-0 1 2 1 2 18
George Bergman SF 29 6-15 1-2 1 3 3 4 16
Newton Breunig SG 28 5-13 1-1 0 2 2 4 14
Alan Gurrola PG 23 3-10 1-1 3 6 6 2 8
Charles Clemmons PG 17 0-1 0-0 0 0 5 0 0
Joe Greeley PF 20 1-6 0-0 0 3 0 2 3
Rainer Neubauer PF 10 0-1 0-0 1 2 0 0 0
Arthur Huntley SF 6 2-3 2-2 1 3 0 0 6
Victor Stango SG 2 1-1 0-0 0 0 0 0 2
Randolph Querry SF 6 1-1 0-0 1 1 0 2 3

Turnovers: 10 (M.Caruso 1, G.Bergman 2, N.Breunig 4,
C.Clemmons 3)
Blocked Shots: 1 (A.Gurrola 1)
Steals: 2 (B.Turnbull 1, M.Caruso 1)
3P FGs: 13-33 (B.Turnbull 0-1, M.Caruso 4-6, G.Bergman
3-9, N.Breunig 3-7, A.Gurrola 1-4, C.Clemmons 0-1,
J.Greeley 1-4, R.Querry 1-1)

Purdue (33-1, 17-1):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Daniel Bogart C 29 1-1 0-0 1 7 0 2 2
Claud Dillingham PF 27 4-4 3-4 2 7 1 1 13
Jason Flores SF 27 4-12 3-4 0 3 2 3 12
Frances Simpson SG 26 5-14 5-7 2 5 6 2 15
Albert Conroy SF 23 3-8 0-0 3 6 6 2 8
Kurt West PG 26 10-12 0-1 2 6 6 1 20
Modya Kovalchuk PF 19 1-2 0-0 0 7 0 2 2
Marin Duvillers SG 10 2-4 0-0 1 1 3 0 6
Willy Hines PF 5 1-2 0-0 0 0 0 0 2
Jason Connor SG 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 1 0 0
Richard Carman PG 7 0-1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 11 (D.Bogart 3, C.Dillingham 1, J.Flores 2,
F.Simpson 2, A.Conroy 1, M.Kovalchuk 2)
Blocked Shots: 5 (C.Dillingham 2, M.Kovalchuk 2,
W.Hines 1)
Steals: 5 (F.Simpson 1, A.Conroy 1, K.West 2, R.Carman
1)
3P FGs: 7-17 (C.Dillingham 2-2, J.Flores 1-1, F.Simpson
0-5, A.Conroy 2-4, M.Duvillers 2-4, R.Carman 0-1)

Player of Game: PG Kurt West (PRDUE)

The Saints' reward was a date with the #1 team in the nation. The Boilermakers were the reigning national champion. Their lineup was filled with Mr. Basketball winners and high school All Americans. Their coach, Peter Luna, was regarded as one of the best younger coaches in the game. The stage was set for a Hollywood-caliber upset, but this wasn't a movie.


[Locker room, after the final horn. The Saints sit in silence, sweat still on their brows, the roar of Purdue’s crowd muffled by cinderblock walls. Toby stands in front of them, voice low at first but steady.]

Toby:
“Fellas… look at that scoreboard. 80–72. Against the number one team in the country. Against a team that’s thirty-three and one. We went toe to toe with them. Don’t hang your heads. Not for a second.”

(He lets his eyes sweep across the room—Brenner Turnbull with a towel over his head, Matt Caruso staring at his shoes, Newton Bruenig and George Bergman slumped side by side.)

Toby:
“You fought like hell. We played our game. We knocked down threes, we moved the ball, we battled on the boards. Matt, you gave us eighteen on the biggest stage there is. Brenner, you gave Bogart, who was a five-star recruit--in your class--more than he could handle. Alan, Charles—you never stopped pushing the pace. Every single one of you had a hand in this.”

(He pauses, voice catching just a little, then turns toward the seniors.)

Toby:
“Now… I want to talk about three guys who won’t be putting on a Saints jersey again."

(He nods at Victor Stango first.)
“Victor—you might not have played heavy minutes, but you’ve been the soul of this locker room for five years. You kept us loose, you kept us together. There’s no stat for that, but everybody here knows what you mean to this program.”

(Then to Arthur Huntley.)
“Arthur—six minutes tonight, six points. That’s who you are. Always ready, no matter the situation. You gave your best every single practice, every single game, and you showed these younger guys what professionalism looks like.”

(And finally to Newton Bruenig.)
“Newton—you’ve been the heartbeat of this team. Every big shot, every huddle when things looked shaky—you were steady. You gave us belief when we didn’t have it ourselves.”


(He takes a breath, looking at the whole group again.)

Toby:
“Seniors, you leave here with twenty-eight wins, a conference championship, and the respect of every man in this room. You’ve raised the bar for St. Michael’s. And the rest of you—you carry it forward. This isn’t the end of something. This is the start of what we can be.”

(He steps closer, softer now.)

Toby:
“Take tonight and remember how it feels. Remember the sting, the pride, all of it. Because we’re coming back. And next time, we’re the ones moving on.”

[The room stays quiet for a beat—then Caruso claps, slowly. Others join in, until the sound fills the space. The seniors lift their heads.]

[MoonlightGraham]

#22 ST. MICHAEL'S TEAM INFO

Current Performance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Team Prestige: 58 Record Vs 1-50: 1-3 Poll Rank: #22
Season Record: 28-7 Record Vs 51-100: 2-1 RPI Rank: #24
Conference Record: 13-1 Record Vs 101-200: 9-2
Home Record: 13-0 Record Vs 200+: 16-1


Team Stats CR NR Opp. Stats CR NR Margin CR NR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points 75.5 1 50 Points 64.9 3 51 Points 10.6 1 13
O.Reb 9.1 8 334 O.Reb 13.6 8 351 O.Reb -4.5 8 361
D.Reb 24.4 6 253 D.Reb 23.2 2 38 D.Reb 1.2 3 100
Rebounds 33.5 7 323 Rebounds 36.8 7 216 Rebounds -3.3 8 306
Assists 14.6 1 94 Assists 12.7 4 99 Assists 1.8 1 49
Steals 5.6 5 193 Steals 5.6 3 131 Steals 0.0 4 173
Blocks 4.5 1 70 Blocks 2.9 2 70 Blocks 1.7 2 46
Turnovers 13.0 2 69 Turnovers 14.6 3 110 Turnovers -1.6 1 69
Fouls 17.1 1 19 Fouls 17.6 8 351 Fouls -0.5 3 137
FG% .459 1 27 FG% .406 2 38 FG% .054 1 8
FT% .748 1 6 FT% .676 6 170 FT% .072 1 9
3P% .392 2 14 3P% .325 2 78 3P% .067 1 14
PPS 1.37 1 2 PPS 1.12 1 18 PPS .253 1 2
Adj. FG% .570 1 1 Adj. FG% .457 2 29 Adj. FG% .113 1 2

Toby Whittaker’s Analysis of #22 St. Michael’s (2008–09)

Looking back at this team’s profile, a few things jumped out immediately. It was a well-rounded, disciplined unit that knew how to play inside-out and maximize its efficiency. They averaged 75.5 points per game, which was not just high for the Centennial Conference—it was elite nationally. And the margin of +10.6 points showed they didn’t just win—they controlled games.

Offense:
They were efficient at every level. Field goal percentage (.459) and adjusted FG% (.570) both ranked at the very top, showing that they took smart shots, valued spacing, and executed well against defensive pressure. Their three-point shooting (.392) and free throw percentage (.748) also indicated confidence from distance and the line, which was critical in tight games. Their assists per game (14.6) led the conference and reflected strong ball movement and unselfishness—it wasn’t a one-man show.

Defense & Rebounding:
Defensively, they were strong in team concepts. Defensive rebounds per game (24.4) ranked sixth nationally, and combined with 4.5 blocks per game, they protected the rim effectively. The challenge had been on the offensive glass—they were slightly out-rebounded at 9.1 offensive boards vs. opponents’ 13.6—but they made up for it with perimeter pressure and forcing turnovers. Their steals (5.6 per game) indicated active hands and good anticipation.

Ball Control & Discipline:
Turnovers were low at 13.0 per game, the best in the conference. That, along with fouls per game (17.1) being among the lowest, suggested a disciplined, fundamentally sound team. They didn’t give opponents extra possessions.

Overall Assessment:
This team had balance, spacing, and efficiency. The stats confirmed what was seen on the floor: they moved the ball well, hit shots at a high rate, crashed the defensive boards, and protected the rim. Their record against different tiers (1–50: 1–3, 51–100: 2–1, 101–200: 9–2, 200+: 16–1) showed they handled weaker competition dominantly and kept pace against top-level programs.

In short: St. Michael’s wasn’t flashy, but we were fundamentally elite. Any opponent had to deal with shooters, smart ball movement, and a big man protecting the paint. Teams couldn’t rely on just one or two scorers—they would be challenged across the board. If he had to prepare a team to play them, Toby would have emphasized forcing contested shots, hitting the glass, and keeping their big men from dominating inside. Missed assignments were punished quickly. No wonder this team set a new school record for victories and made it out of the first round of the NCAA tournament.

[MoonlightGraham]

#22 ST. MICHAEL'S Averages

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newton Breunig SG 35 34 31.5 19.5 1.1 2.8 2.3 1.0 0.2 2.6 2.3 8.8
George Bergman SF 35 34 30.5 20.3 1.4 4.1 2.1 0.9 0.1 2.6 2.7 9.9
Brenner Turnbull C 35 35 30.1 4.9 1.7 8.1 1.5 0.7 2.6 0.9 1.9 9.6
Matt Caruso PF 35 28 24.1 8.1 1.1 4.0 1.3 0.6 0.3 1.3 2.3 7.4
Joe Greeley PF 35 2 23.3 5.5 1.3 5.2 0.9 0.5 0.5 1.3 2.3 3.9
Alan Gurrola PG 35 35 23.1 6.9 0.8 3.2 3.5 0.5 0.1 1.5 2.1 7.4
Charles Clemmons PG 35 0 13.3 2.4 0.2 0.7 1.8 0.4 0.0 1.1 1.2 1.7
Rainer Neubauer C 35 5 10.8 2.1 0.7 2.6 0.4 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 3.6
Arthur Huntley SF 22 1 7.0 4.2 0.6 1.6 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.5 0.6 2.6
Randolph Querry SF 30 0 5.2 1.3 0.3 1.2 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.4 0.5 -0.3
Victor Stango SG 29 1 4.4 2.2 0.2 0.6 0.1 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.4 0.0
Sandy Fancher C 15 0 2.3 0.3 0.3 0.9 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.1 -0.1
Ernie Elsam C 1 0 1.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

#22 ST. MICHAEL'S Totals

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newton Breunig SG 35 34 1103 683 39 97 81 36 6 90 82 307
George Bergman SF 35 34 1067 710 48 144 74 33 5 90 96 348
Brenner Turnbull C 35 35 1052 173 59 284 51 24 91 31 68 335
Matt Caruso PF 35 28 844 282 37 141 46 20 9 45 82 260
Joe Greeley PF 35 2 817 192 46 181 33 16 18 44 81 136
Alan Gurrola PG 35 35 810 242 28 111 121 16 3 52 73 260
Charles Clemmons PG 35 0 467 85 7 24 64 13 1 38 41 60
Rainer Neubauer C 35 5 379 73 25 90 14 13 21 28 34 125
Arthur Huntley SF 22 1 155 93 14 35 12 11 0 12 13 58
Randolph Querry SF 30 0 155 38 8 36 10 6 2 12 15 -8
Victor Stango SG 29 1 129 64 5 16 4 8 0 10 12 0
Sandy Fancher C 15 0 35 4 4 14 0 1 3 4 2 -1
Ernie Elsam C 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

#22 ST. MICHAEL'S Shooting

Player Pos Fgm Fga Fg% Ftm Fta Ft% 3pm 3pa 3p% PPS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newton Breunig SG 215 462 .465 122 136 .897 131 316 .415 1.48
George Bergman SF 230 498 .462 93 136 .684 157 364 .431 1.43
Brenner Turnbull C 62 121 .512 39 53 .736 10 38 .263 1.43
Matt Caruso PF 99 192 .516 39 57 .684 45 95 .474 1.47
Joe Greeley PF 67 163 .411 44 61 .721 14 59 .237 1.18
Alan Gurrola PG 79 210 .376 40 49 .816 44 144 .306 1.15
Charles Clemmons PG 29 63 .460 17 27 .630 10 32 .313 1.35
Rainer Neubauer C 29 69 .420 14 26 .538 1 1 1.000 1.06
Arthur Huntley SF 35 70 .500 20 25 .800 3 6 .500 1.33
Randolph Querry SF 12 29 .414 9 14 .643 5 15 .333 1.31
Victor Stango SG 23 40 .575 11 14 .786 7 18 .389 1.60
Sandy Fancher C 2 4 .500 0 1 .000 0 2 .000 1.00
Ernie Elsam C 1 1 1.000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 2.00

Here's what Toby had to say about each of his 2008/09 players:

Newton Breunig (SG): “Newton carried the scoring load night in and night out, hitting nearly 42% of his threes and finishing almost 90% from the line, a true senior leader on and off the court.”

George Bergman (SF): “George was our versatile wing, mixing high-volume shooting with solid rebounding and defensive effort, always ready to take the big shot when we needed it.”

Brenner Turnbull (C): “Brenner anchored us inside, protecting the rim, cleaning up the boards, and doing the dirty work that doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet.”

Matt Caruso (PF/SF): “Matt gave us efficient scoring and floor spacing, hitting nearly half his threes and providing reliable minutes both inside and out.”

Joe Greeley (PF): “Joe was steady in a supporting role, contributing on the boards and hitting timely shots when the matchup suited him.”

Alan Gurrola (PG): “Alan ran our offense with poise, creating opportunities for others while keeping his own shooting percentage respectable from distance and the line.”

Charles Clemmons (PG): “Charles gave us solid backup minutes, moving the ball well and providing occasional scoring bursts in limited time.”

Rainer Neubauer (PF/C): “Rainer provided spot minutes in the post, grabbing rebounds and giving Brenner brief relief without letting our defense drop off.”

Arthur Huntley (SF): “Arthur made the most of limited minutes, hitting efficiently and contributing quietly on both ends, a dependable bench presence.”

Randolph Querry (SF): “Randolph played sparingly but could knock down a three or grab a rebound when called upon, adding depth to our wing rotation.”

Victor Stango (SG): “Victor brought energy and efficiency in short stints, hitting over 57% from the floor and giving us a spark off the bench.”

Sandy Fancher (PF/C): “Sandy’s role was extremely limited, but he showed steady fundamentals and effort in brief appearances.”

Ernie Elsam (C): “Ernie had just a cameo, but he made it count with a perfect field goal in his single appearance.”

[MoonlightGraham]

2008 CENTENNIAL AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

JR SF George Bergman St. Michael's 20.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.1 APG 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR PF Owen Merritt Muhlenberg 10.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.3 APG 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Toby Whittaker St. Michael's 28 - 7 (13 - 1)

All-league 1st Team:
C SO Brenner Turnbull St. Michael's 4.9 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.6 BPG
PF JR Grover Chauvin Swarthmore 17.6 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG
SF JR George Bergman St. Michael's 20.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SG SR Newton Breunig St. Michael's 19.5 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG JR John Geiger Muhlenberg 10.7 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C SR Leigh Hampson Johns Hopkins 9.2 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.1 BPG
PF FR Owen Merritt Muhlenberg 10.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SF SO James Bisson Ursinus 11.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.6 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SG SR Charles Quintana Franklin & Marshall 13.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.0 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG JR Brian Wong Muhlenberg 9.0 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, 2.2 SPG, 0.0 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C
PF FR Owen Merritt Muhlenberg 10.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SF FR Joshua Logsdon Franklin & Marshall 6.8 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SG FR Gayle Sullivan Haverford 6.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG FR Josef Schardein Swarthmore 1.7 PPG, 0.8 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.0 BPG

Three Saints players richly deserved their postseason honors.

Brenner was second in the conference in rebounds and blocks per game, and would have placed second in field goal percentage if he'd taken enough shots to qualify.

George and Newton finished 1-2 in the league in scoring. Newton's career total of 2051 points ranks second in school history, 24 points shy of the record William Cecil established in 2005. Barring injury, catastrophic meltdown, or a surprise decision to turn pro this spring, George will surely break this record next season.

Only two players averaged more three-point baskets per game than George did, and Newton placed 13th.

And Toby won his first conference Coach of the Year award. :)


None of the Saints' three seniors were selected in the pro draft.

2008 Recruiting Rankings

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
94. St. Michael's Centennial SF Malik Jefferson *** 0 0 2 0 1
139. Swarthmore Centennial PF Donald Harbison *** 0 0 1 0 0
186. Johns Hopkins Centennial PG Stuart Drennen *** 0 0 1 0 1
206. Ursinus Centennial SF Owen Ramsdell *** 0 0 1 0 1
302. Muhlenberg Centennial PG Joe Holloman * 0 0 0 0 4
321. Franklin & Marshall Centennial PF Columbus Lynch * 0 0 0 0 3
343. Dickinson Centennial PG Ryan Mckay * 0 0 0 0 1
345. Haverford Centennial PF Thanh Williams * 0 0 0 0 2

The only program to land two three-star prospects, St. Michael's pulled in the Centennial Conference's top recruiting class. Donald Harbison was the league's most highly-touted newcomer, with Malik Jefferson right behind him. However, Jalen Wilson and Stuart Drennen look like they could prove the so-called experts wrong.

[MoonlightGraham]

November 8, 2009

Player # Pos Yr Ht Wt Sch Acd Status Hometown
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt Caruso 3 SG So 6-8 213 Yes 88 OK Rutherford, NJ
Roy Ross 4 SG Fr 6-3 196 No 57 OK Elderton, PA
Charles Clemmons 10 PG Sr 6-0 195 Yes 53 OK Bethesda, MD
John Markel 11 PF Jr* 6-5 250 Yes 72 Unhappy Nelson House, Canada
Alan Gurrola 12 PG Sr 6-0 178 Yes 42 OK Brooklyn, NY
Jalen Wilson 13 PG Fr 6-0 185 Yes 95 OK Elmridge, PA
Evan Carlucci 14 SG Fr 6-5 211 Yes 92 OK Center Valley, PA
George Bergman 22 SF Sr 6-4 182 Yes 52 OK Pennsauken, NJ
Malik Jefferson 23 SF Fr 6-6 209 Yes 72 OK Springfield, PA
Brenner Turnbull 33 C Jr* 7-0 293 Yes 88 OK Germantown, TN
Ernie Elsam 34 C Jr* 6-6 243 No 37 Unhappy Gosforth, UK
Joe Greeley 35 PF So 6-7 227 Yes 81 OK Georgetown, DE
Sandy Fancher 40 C So 6-10 256 Yes 77 OK Ridgely, MD
Randolph Querry 41 SF Jr 6-8 229 Yes 54 Unhappy Neath, UK
Rainer Neubauer 53 C Sr* 6-7 207 No 67 OK Freiberg, Germany

Toby Whittaker knew his 2008/09 team would be an exceptionally hard act to follow. No Saints team had ever won as many games, overall or in conference play. And now, two of the three luminous stars he'd inherited when he came back to Elmridge were gone.

George Bergman, the reigning Centennial Conference Player of the Year, remained. George was a senior now. It was very possible that he would become the program's all-time leading scorer before conference play began. The Saints' offense was tailored to George's shooting ability, especially from three-point range.

George was able to move to shooting guard, his natural position, this season. Beside him in the Saints' backcourt would be his classmate, Alan Gurrola. A steady, dependable playmaker, Alan would probably finish the season in second place on the Saints' list of assist leaders. Along the way, he'd pass his head coach; Toby handed out 392 helpers in his career, and Alan had 340 as the season began.

The team's other senior was also a point guard. Charles Clemmons had played the role of loyal understudy for three seasons, and he played it very well. "We don't miss a beat when Charles enters the game," Toby pointed out.

Junior Brenner Turnbull returned to his role as the team's defensive anchor. Seven feet tall and nearly 300 pounds of muscle, Brenner worked relentlessly in fall training and emerged as an even more formidable shot blocker, interior defender, and rebounder. Any points Brenner contributed were a bonus, because he kept so many opponents' points off the board.

Sophomores Joe Greeley and Matt Caruso would start at forward. Matt's ability to stretch the floor and relieve the defensive pressure faced by George and departed senior Newton Bruenig was an essential element of last year's success. Matt was developing into a classic "three-and-D" wing. Joe, fresh off a season in which he played a productive 24 minutes per game, mostly off the bench, would enter this year as an unquestioned member of the starting five. Toby counted on him to guard opposing big men and grab some rebounds.

As expected, Jalen Wilson was ready for reserve duty behind the senior guards. Jalen, the son of Saints assistant Carl Wilson, was the best defender among the group.

The top frontcourt reserves would be senior walk-on Rainer Neubauer and sophomore Sandy Fancher. Understandably, Toby hoped Sandy would prove himself ready for heavier minutes, but if he wasn't, Rainer could be counted on to keep things from falling apart.

Likewise, the staff hoped freshman Malik Jefferson could handle some real minutes at forward. Junior Randolph Querry was also available, but Malik's upside made him a more attractive option.

Toby was cautiously optimistic about his team's chances. "We have three senior guards who have seen it all," he pointed out. "I've always thought a team with that kind of leadership has the potential to win a lot of close games. Brenner is the kind of big man who forces other coaches to change their game plans, because he won't let you do what you want on the low block. Matt Caruso came out of camp looking like a veteran.

"If we play the way we're capable of playing, March will be fun again this year."

[MoonlightGraham]

On game nights at St. Michael’s, there was no moment more anticipated than the Saints Walk.

The tradition began in 1948, when the Saints' legendary coach, Fr. James Reilly, gathered his players on the steps of Callahan Hall before a crucial late-season game against Muhlenberg. Coach Reilly spoke to them briefly, urging them to win the game "for St. Michael's...for each other." Then, the coach led them on a walk through the campus, reminding them of what, exactly, they were playing for.

The Saints Walk was already a time-honored tradition when Toby Whittaker first walked with his teammates on a chilly November night in 1992. The ritual he followed was the one Father Reilly and his players began, and the one he shared with his own players, some sixty years later.

Just before tipoff, the players and coaches gathered on the steps of Callahan Hall, the college’s stately main building. Each man was dressed in a blazer and a tie, just as Coach Reilly and his lads had been. From there, the team began its slow, deliberate walk toward The Pavilion. Toby and his assistants led the way, with the team's seniors immediately behind them.

The path wound its way through the heart of campus, steeped in both history and ritual. First came the turn past O’Leary Library, its tall windows glowing with the lamps of diligent students who pressed against the glass to catch a glimpse of the players filing by before they closed their books and made their own way to The Pavilion. Then, the team passed the College Chapel, bells sometimes tolling in salute, the sound carrying across the quad.

From there, they entered the Cloister Walk, the stone arcade where the players' footsteps were the only sound they heard. At some point in the early 1950s--nobody remembered exactly when--the students began lighting candles and placing them along the path as it wound through the Cloister. This portion of the Walk was a time of quiet contemplation.

The procession continued past the Refectory, the dining hall, where staff sometimes stepped outside in their aprons to clap and wave. By this point, the crowd had grown. Students and townspeople lined the walkway, shouting encouragement to their favorite players.

"Get it done, George."
"You got this, Alan."
"I see you, Brenner."
The reception for first-year guard Jalen Wilson, who grew up in Elmridge, was especially warm.

Onward they walked, past Reilly Commons, the student union. By this point, The crowd stood shoulder to shoulder, and chants of “S-A-I! N-T-S!” filled the cool evening air. Here, many alumni, those who still lived in or near Elmridge and those who were visiting from farther away, joined in. Undoubtedly they remembered similar moments from their own undergraduate days.

Here, too, is where Claire and the kids always took their places. She could point to the very spot where Claire Dempsey stood before her first Saints home game, watching the freshman guard who had just become her boyfriend. Whenever she could, Claire Dempsey Whittaker stood in exactly that spot.

At the end of the path stood The Pavilion. The arena was still empty. The lights from inside shone through the clerestory windows as the players walked to the west entrance. Above the doorway was a bronze plaque, engraved with Coach Reilly's words:

“For St. Michael’s. For Each Other.”

Each coach and player reached up and touched the plaque. Only then did they enter.

https://i.imgur.com/Bf8I2qp.jpeg

The Saints Walk was more than a team entrance. It was a ritual of belonging, a visible link between the school’s past and its present, and a reminder that every victory carried the weight of tradition.

[MoonlightGraham]

2009 Centennial Conference Standings

TEAM CW CL Pct W L Pct RPI Prestige
-------------------------------------------------------------------
St. Michael's 0 0 .000 13 2 .867 18 61
Haverford 0 0 .000 9 5 .643 340 41
Johns Hopkins 0 0 .000 8 5 .615 215 39
Muhlenberg 0 0 .000 8 6 .571 273 41
Franklin & Marshall 0 0 .000 7 6 .538 328 50
Ursinus 0 0 .000 6 6 .500 336 38
Swarthmore 0 0 .000 4 8 .333 350 43
Dickinson 0 0 .000 2 12 .143 360 32

The St. Michael’s Sentinel
Q&A with Coach Toby Whittaker after the Nonconference Season
January 5, 2010

Sentinel Sports: Coach, 13–2 and sitting at No. 13 in the S-Curve. How would you grade the nonconference season?

Whittaker: I’d give us a solid “B-plus.” The record looks great — you can’t argue with 13–2 — but I still see room for growth. We shot the ball really well, defended at a high level, and proved we can win in different styles of games. At the same time, we’ve had stretches where we lost focus, especially in rebounding and turnovers. Conference play will punish that if we don’t clean it up.

Sentinel Sports: George Bergman’s numbers jump off the page — almost 28 points per game. What makes him so tough?

Whittaker: George is just wired to score. He doesn’t need much space, and he’s shooting the three at an incredible clip. What people don’t always notice is that he’s stronger this year — he’s getting to the rim, getting fouled, finishing through contact. But the best thing is his unselfishness. He draws attention and still finds teammates. He’s a star who doesn’t act like one.

Sentinel Sports: Matt Caruso has been a steady No. 2 option. How important has his development been?

Whittaker: Vital. Matt gives us balance. When defenses load up on George, Matt makes them pay. He’s shooting over 46% from three, and he’s also our best wing rebounder. I trust him to guard tough matchups, and he’s become a secondary playmaker. For a sophomore, he has a remarkable ability to settle us down.

Sentinel Sports: Your frontcourt has been more defense-first. Brenner Turnbull is blocking four shots a game.

Whittaker: Brenner changes everything at the rim. Opponents think twice before attacking us. His offense is still coming along, but he spaces the floor just enough and he’s been reliable at the free-throw line. What he really gives us is an anchor — our guys can pressure on the perimeter knowing he’s behind them.

Sentinel Sports: How do you evaluate the point guard spot? Alan Gurrola’s numbers are strong, and Charles Clemmons has been efficient in fewer minutes.

Whittaker: I like where we’re at. Alan has been steady — he pushes pace, makes shots, and sets the table for George and Matt. Charles has given us a lift, especially with his shooting. I like that we can change the rhythm of the game by rotating them. And I’ll say this: Jalen Wilson, as a freshman, has been terrific in his role. He’s defending, he’s making smart passes, he’s 16-for-16 at the line. That kind of maturity from a first-year is huge.

Sentinel Sports: At 13–2, fans are starting to whisper about March. How do you keep the group grounded?

Whittaker: By reminding them we haven’t won a single conference game yet. The Centennial grind is different — the gyms are packed, the rivalries are heated, the scouting is sharp. Our margin for error shrinks. So we celebrate the nonconference success, but now it’s about starting 0–0 again and proving ourselves in league play.

Sentinel Sports: What excites you most as you enter conference play?

Whittaker: The togetherness of this group. You see it on the Saints Walk before every game — they’re connected to each other and to this campus. When you have talent plus that kind of bond, you’ve got a chance to do something special.

[MoonlightGraham]

February 1, 2010

A busy recruiting season for Toby Whittaker and the Saints ended with four signings, including a seven-foot center and three guards.

The four newcomers were slated to replace the team's three scholarship seniors and outgoing transfer Frank Bookout, whose combination of academic indifference and a nonchalance about improving his game kept him from being more than a practice player at St. Michael's.

The first to commit was point guard Caleb Lear. Toby had this to say about Caleb:

“Caleb Lear is a point guard who really understands the game. At 6-3 and 199 pounds, he’s got the size to see over defenses and the strength to finish through contact. He averaged 7.4 assists a game at Oyster Bay [New York] and that’s the number that jumps out — he makes the players around him better, which is exactly what we want from a floor general.

He’s not going to overwhelm you with scoring — his jump shot is a work in progress — but he can manage a game, push the tempo, and control the flow, which is critical in close contests. Caleb also defends with intelligence; he’s active, he gets steals, and he reads passing lanes well. Academics? He’s qualified and focused, but what matters most is his leadership and court awareness. We think Caleb can compete for a spot in our backcourt rotation right away, especially against opponents who have big, physical guards."


The same day, Toby was excited to secure the commitment of New Jersey shooting guard Desmond Lee.

“Desmond Lee is exactly the kind of player we were looking for at the two-guard spot," Toby said. "At 6-3 and 194 pounds, he’s long, athletic, and can shoot it from anywhere on the floor. He averaged 18.4 points a game at Ocean City, showing he can score in multiple ways — off the bounce, off screens, and in transition. He’s a smart player, too: he sees the floor well, moves without the ball, and makes the right reads in pressure situations.

He’s got a smooth shot, a quick first step, and the kind of instincts that make defenses work overtime. He rebounds and defends at a high level for a wing, and his versatility allows us to put him in multiple spots without losing spacing or rhythm. He works hard in the classroom, too. Desmond has a well-rounded game; he’s the kind of player who can come in, contribute right away, and grow into a difference-maker for us at St. Michael’s.”


A month later, the Saints added more depth to their backcourt with the signing of Sean O'Reilly.

Toby remarked: “Sean O’Reilly is a Philly kid through and through, and he brings a lot of toughness and smarts to the point guard position. At 5-11 and 165 pounds, he’s not going to blow you away physically, but he’s quick, fundamentally sound, and makes the right decisions under pressure. He averaged 6.4 assists per game at Roman Catholic High, and that ability to run an offense and control tempo is exactly what we look for in a floor general.

He’s also a pest on defense — active hands, good anticipation, and solid in one-on-one situations. Shooting is a work in progress, but he’s efficient around the basket and has the kind of touch that will improve in a college system. Academics? Sean’s a solid student with a 3.25 GPA, but it’s really his basketball IQ, leadership, and competitiveness that make him a perfect fit for St. Michael’s.”


Toby and his lead recruiter, Charles Campbell, knew they needed to add one more big man to their roster. They identified Trevor McMillan as their man, but they couldn't seem to persuade Trevor and his parents to sign. Finally, Coach Campbell delivered a persuasive enough case to get the Delaware product to sign.

Here's what Toby said about Trevor: “Trevor McMillan is a rare combination of size, skill, and mobility. At seven feet tall, he’s already a matchup nightmare, with instincts and a touch around the basket that really stand out. At Sanford School, he averaged 18.5 points and nearly nine rebounds per game, showing he can score inside, run the floor, and clean the glass on both ends.

He protects the rim and alters shots, but he’s also got a very impressive shooting stroke for a big man his size. His passing and court vision are solid for a post player, and he has the potential to stretch the floor like few bigs can if he continues to develop his outside shot. Trevor's length, athleticism, and instincts that make him a player who can impact games from day one at St. Michael’s. He'll get to learn from Brenner Turnbull for a season, too.


Desmond Lee seemed like the most likely of the four to make an immediate contribution at the collegiate level. Caleb Lear and Sean O'Reilly would likely compete for playing time behind Jalen Wilson; Lear, especially, would make sure Jalen stayed on his toes. Trevor McMillan could add a new dimension to the Saints offense: a stretch big who could score at all three levels.

Next season would be the first in which Toby wouldn't be able to rely heavily on players who were already part of the St. Michael's program when he arrived. Almost all the most important minutes would be covered by players he had recruited. How successful would Toby be, now that the stars his predecessor recruited were gone?

[MoonlightGraham]

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11/13/09 Elon 17-14 115 W 88-51 1-0
11/16/09 vs. St. Peter's 18-14 107 W 79-56 2-0
11/18/09 vs. Duquesne 23-11 108 W 75-67 3-0
11/23/09 vs. Georgia 17-14 84 W 81-67 4-0
11/25/09 Albany 15-17 96 W 58-35 5-0
11/28/09 at #5 Connecticut 30-8 5 W 89-82 6-0
12/02/09 Williams 17-15 214 W 82-64 7-0
12/05/09 Gonzaga 19-12 73 W 73-63 8-0
12/08/09 at Wesleyan 9-21 349 W 87-52 9-0
12/12/09 at Cleveland State 22-12 68 L 89-82 9-1
12/16/09 Davidson 20-13 109 L 75-73 9-2
12/19/09 Tufts 8-25 356 W 64-47 10-2
12/22/09 at Amherst 15-16 239 W 77-52 11-2
12/30/09 at Duke 14-18 142 W 76-62 12-2
01/02/10 Maryland-East Shore 14-18 157 W 82-65 13-2
01/07/10 at Franklin & Marshall 14-15 245 W 66-61 14-2 (1-0)
01/09/10 at Ursinus 14-16 230 W 70-67 15-2 (2-0)
01/14/10 Muhlenberg 14-17 232 L 54-49 15-3 (2-1)
01/16/10 Dickinson 6-24 312 W 78-58 16-3 (3-1)
01/21/10 Johns Hopkins 22-12 126 W 68-53 17-3 (4-1)
01/28/10 at Swarthmore 15-16 177 W 78-67 18-3 (5-1)
01/30/10 at Haverford 16-15 250 W 62-53 19-3 (6-1)
02/04/10 Ursinus 14-16 230 W 74-66 20-3 (7-1)
02/06/10 Franklin & Marshall 14-15 245 W 82-76 21-3 (8-1)
02/11/10 at Muhlenberg 14-17 232 W 68-59 22-3 (9-1)
02/13/10 at Dickinson 6-24 312 W 81-53 23-3 (10-1)
02/18/10 at Johns Hopkins 22-12 126 W 66-44 24-3 (11-1)
02/21/10 Lafayette 15-18 271 W 79-56 25-3
02/25/10 Swarthmore 15-16 177 L 82-61 25-4 (11-2)
02/27/10 Haverford 16-15 250 W 74-51 26-4 (12-2)

03/05/10 vs. Dickinson 6-24 312 W 69-61 27-4
03/06/10 vs. Haverford 16-15 250 W 64-46 28-4
03/07/10 vs. Swarthmore 15-16 177 W 93-92 29-4

Emily Navarro '12 was impossible to impossible to miss at a St. Michael’s basketball game. A communications major from Allentown, she became the student section's unofficial leader, rallying them with signs, chants, and relentless energy.

She organized Facebook groups for theme nights, convinced classmates to pile into cars for road trips, and once printed 200 “Beat Swarthmore” flyers on the library printer. On game nights, her routine was simple: a Diet Coke, a Saints hoodie, and a spot in the front row.

Emily’s presence helped transform The Pavilion into the most energy-filled arena in the Centennial Conference.

Emily looked back at the 2009/10 season with pride and delight.

"We came into that season buzzing, and right away it felt different. We went out to Las Vegas and won the Challenge. Three good wins in three nights, on a national stage. But the night that changed everything was November 28th at UConn. No one believed we could do it, not in Gampel, not against the #5 team in the country. But we shocked them, 89–82. I wasn't there, but I screamed so much watching on TV that I didn’t even have a voice for a week after that game. That’s when the buzz around campus exploded.

"The run through December was like living in a dream. Gonzaga at home felt like a heavyweight fight, and when we took them down, people started whispering 'Top 25.' I’ll never forget the bus ride we organized for Duke. We were so lucky to get some of the tickets they allocate to visiting fans. We expected to just soak in the atmosphere—but we walked out of Cameron with a 76–62 win. Everyone on that bus came back believing we could play with anybody.

"Of course, it wasn’t perfect. Cleveland State tripped us up, then Davidson snatched one late. Those two losses felt like a reality check, but they didn’t crush the vibe. By New Year’s, we were 12–2, and suddenly national writers were actually saying 'St. Michael’s' out loud.

"Conference play was a grind. Franklin & Marshall, Ursinus, Muhlenberg—those gyms were never easy. The loss at Muhlenberg stung, and late February at Swarthmore was even worse. I can still picture their students rushing the court after they handed us our second league loss. That was the only time I walked back to my dorm in silence.

"But the guys bounced back like they always did. Wins over Hopkins, Haverford, Ursinus—it felt like we were carrying the weight of something bigger than just one season.

"This season has been magic. St. Michael’s went from 'cute little underdog' to a program that made people nervous to play. For me, a sophomore who lived and breathed this team, it was the most unforgettable ride of my college years...so far!

"I can't wait for the conference tournament. None of us can."

[MoonlightGraham]

March 7, 2010
Centennial Conference Tournament Final

(1) #13 St. Michael's 93, (3) Swarthmore 92 (OT)

--------------------------------------------------------
Swarthmore (15-16, 8-6):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Royce Brack C 36 3-6 0-0 5 6 3 4 6
Grover Chauvin PF 41 10-22 8-12 8 18 1 2 28
Sidney Zorn SF 40 4-15 1-1 2 3 3 2 9
Stanley Brown SG 40 9-18 3-6 0 2 1 1 27
Silas Szymanski PG 31 2-6 6-9 1 5 2 0 10
Daniel Rhone PG 17 1-1 3-4 0 0 1 1 5
C. Johnson SF 6 1-3 2-3 0 0 1 3 4
Josef Schardein PG 2 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
Alphonso McCreary C 8 0-1 0-0 0 1 1 0 0
C. Wadsworth C 5 1-1 0-0 1 1 0 0 3

Turnovers: 6 (G.Chauvin 3, S.Zorn 1, S.Szymanski 2)
Blocked Shots: 3 (R.Brack 1, G.Chauvin 1, S.Zorn 1)
Steals: 11 (R.Brack 1, S.Zorn 1, S.Brown 3, S.Szymanski
4, D.Rhone 2)
3P FGs: 7-18 (S.Zorn 0-6, S.Brown 6-9, S.Szymanski 0-2,
C.Wadsworth 1-1)

St. Michael's (29-4, 12-2):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brenner Turnbull C 38 3-6 2-3 2 13 1 3 9
Joe Greeley PF 14 1-4 1-2 1 1 0 5 3
Matt Caruso SF 41 11-17 2-2 6 11 5 2 30
George Bergman SG 30 7-13 0-0 0 2 4 5 21
Alan Gurrola PG 32 5-10 4-4 2 2 5 2 17
Charles Clemmons PG 15 1-4 0-0 1 3 2 5 2
Jalen Wilson SG 12 1-2 0-0 0 1 1 1 2
Rainer Neubauer PF 18 2-3 1-2 0 2 1 5 5
Sandy Fancher PF 17 1-2 1-2 1 4 1 0 4
Malik Jefferson SF 2 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 0 0
Evan Carlucci SG 2 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
Ernie Elsam C 3 0-0 0-0 0 2 0 0 0

Turnovers: 23 (B.Turnbull 2, J.Greeley 1, M.Caruso 4,
G.Bergman 4, A.Gurrola 3, C.Clemmons 2, J.Wilson 2,
R.Neubauer 3, S.Fancher 2)
Blocked Shots: 12 (B.Turnbull 4, J.Greeley 1, M.Caruso
2, A.Gurrola 1, R.Neubauer 4)
Steals: 0
3P FGs: 18-31 (B.Turnbull 1-2, J.Greeley 0-1, M.Caruso
6-8, G.Bergman 7-10, A.Gurrola 3-7, C.Clemmons 0-1,
J.Wilson 0-1, S.Fancher 1-1)

Player of Game: SF Matt Caruso (STMIC)


Dan Kessler – Radio Voice of the Saints

For more than two decades, Dan Kessler had been the unmistakable sound of St. Michael’s basketball. His booming baritone and gift for pacing made him a trusted companion for Saints fans from The Pavilion to living rooms across the Delaware Valley.

Kessler grew up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where he fell in love with Big 5 basketball listening to games on the radio late at night. After studying communications at Temple, he cut his teeth doing high school football and basketball before breaking into minor-league baseball. In 1996, he got the call from the Saints' broadcast partner — and he’s been courtside ever since.

What made Kessler special wasn’t just his voice but his feel for the moment. When a big moment happened, Dan had a knack for letting the roar of The Pavilion wash over the airwaves before he picked up the mic again.

Beloved by alumni and students alike, Kessler blended sharp play-by-play detail with genuine affection for the program. He was quick to share a tidbit about a player’s family in the stands, or recall a classic game from years past, giving his broadcasts both warmth and depth. Off the air, he was known as approachable and funny — a guy who might be found swapping stories with fans at the Cloister Café or O'Malley's after a game.

Kessler lived in nearby Haddonfield with his wife, Angela, and their two kids. Despite being a fixture at St. Michael’s, he still joked that his dream is to one day call a Phillies playoff run — but until then, the Saints remained his true home.

Kessler's color commentator was Ray DiPietro. Ray grew up in Scranton, and his delivery retained some of that Northeast grit. He played for St. Michael's in the late 1980s and for two seasons in Italy before beginning his broadcasting career. Humble about his own basketball accomplishments, he avoided the bragging some former players can't resist.

Ray always emphasized effort, toughness, and playing smart basketball.


Here's how Dan and Ray called the championship final on WELR (880 AM), the flagship station of St. Michael's small radio network.

Dan Kessler, at halftime:
“And that’s the horn here at The Pavilion, and Saints fans — it has not been the kind of half we’ve come to expect from St. Michael’s this season. Swarthmore heads to the locker room with a 49–39 lead over the Saints, the three-seed dictating the tempo from the jump.

The big story? Turnovers. Thirteen of them for St. Michael’s in that first half. That’s nearly a game’s worth in twenty minutes, and Swarthmore has cashed in just about every one. The Garnet are getting hands in passing lanes, doubling hard in the post, and they’ve frustrated the Saints’ ballhandlers.

Matt Caruso has done his part — 14 points on a couple of deep threes to keep the Saints in shouting distance — but George Bergman’s been bottled up, and Alan Gurrola hasn’t been able to settle the offense into its usual rhythm. On the other side, Swarthmore’s guards are playing with confidence, knocking down open looks and feeding off the Saints’ mistakes.

Now, it’s a ten-point hole, but remember — this is a veteran St. Michael’s group. They’ve been in tough spots before. The key in the second half will be valuing every possession, slowing things down, and letting their defense create opportunities. If they can string together stops and take care of the basketball, this game can swing in a hurry.

Again, your halftime score: Swarthmore 49, St. Michael’s 39. We’ll take a break here on Saints Radio, brought to you by Callahan Hall Coffee — fueling St. Michael’s since 1923. Back in a few with halftime stats and a look at what's happening in tonight's other action.”

***

Midway through the second half...Swarthmore 57, St. Michael's 52

Dan Kessler
“Chauvin at the elbow … pulls up for the short jumper — rejected! Brenner Turnbull gets all of it, a clean swat! But the ball caroms right back to Brack underneath … he powers up — and Neubauer erases it! Back-to-back blocks for the Saints!

The Pavilion is rocking now, listen to this place! Neubauer rips it down, outlets to Gurrola — Saints on the run, down five with 10:20 to play! Momentum turning here in the semifinal!

“Gurrola streaking up the floor … hits Bergman on the wing … George to the rim — TWO-HANDED JAM! Oh, my! George Bergman with the exclamation point, and the Saints are back within three!

What a turnaround — two blocks on one possession, and Bergman punctuates it at the other end! The Pavilion is on its feet — and suddenly this semifinal feels very different!”

Ray DiPietro:
“That’s the Saints at their best — defense fueling the break. Turnbull and Neubauer erased shots on one end, and Bergman knows exactly how to finish. That’s a four-point swing and a whole lot of momentum.”

***

Late in the second half...Swarthmore 85, St. Michael's 82.

Dan Kessler:
“Gurrola pulls it back out. Shot clock is off, there are 12 seconds on the game clock … Alan surveys the defense … swings it left to Caruso … five on the clock … Caruso steps back behind the arc … puts it up — IT’S GOOD! Oh, baby! Matt Caruso buries the three with three seconds left, and we are tied at 85! That's 28 points for Caruso. Looks like we're headed to overtime in the Centennial Conference final!

Ray DiPietro:
“That’s exactly why you never leave him open at the perimeter! Caruso knew the clock, knew his spacing — and he calmly delivered when it mattered most. That’s Saint basketball, Dan!”

Dan Kessler:
“You could hear the roar from The Pavilion all the way across the campus, Ray! Incredible composure under pressure. Three seconds left, and anything can happen in overtime!”

***

Dan Kessler:
“And we’re back underway in overtime! Saints and Garnet tied at 85. Gurrola brings it up for St. Michael’s … looking to set up the first possession … Turnbull posting up on Chauvin … good screen from Caruso … Gurrola swings it right to Bergman … he fakes, drives … tough shot — no good! But Turnbull cleans it up inside! Back out to Alan, and the Saints will set it up again.”

Ray DiPietro:
“That’s why you can’t underestimate Brenner’s presence in the paint. He erases a miss, and suddenly the Saints have momentum swinging their way already. This is a battle of wills now, Dan.”

Dan Kessler:
“Absolutely, Ray — a fresh five minutes to decide it, and the Saints have the crowd buzzing. Every possession counts!”

***

Dan Kessler:
“Brown brings it up for Swarthmore, Szymanski on the wing … 2:25 to go in overtime, game tied at 87 … Brown tries to thread it into Szymanski inside … and Clemmons deflects it! The ball is loose — Saints scrambling … oh, a Swarthmore player knocked it out of bounds. Saints ball!”

Ray DiPietro:
“That’s textbook St. Michael’s defense! Clemmons reading the play perfectly, timing the deflection, and forcing the turnover. That’s exactly the kind of heads-up play you need in the final minutes of overtime.”

Dan Kessler:
“Crowd is going nuts here at The Pavilion, Razor! Saints get the stop, get the possession, and they can’t ask for a better setup with just over two minutes left! But, wait a moment...Clemmons is limping. He's going to have to come out of the game. Such a tough break for a classy senior who's played so well tonight. Jalen Wilson will check in to replace Charles."

Dan Kessler:
“Gurrola brings it up for St. Michael’s, 2:15 on the clock … swings left to Bergman … resets … back to Gurrola at the top … drives, pulls up from ten feet — GOOD! Alan Gurrola knocks it down! Saints take the lead, 89–87, their first lead since the opening minutes of the game!”

Ray DiPietro:
“That’s a huge shot, Dan! Gurrola stays composed under pressure, hits the jumper, and now the Saints have the momentum swinging back their way. That defensive stop by Clemmons set this up perfectly.”

Dan Kessler:
“The Pavilion has erupted! The Saints lead for the first time since the very beginning, and every possession is going to be critical from here on out!”

***

Dan Kessler:
All right, Saints have the ball with 21 seconds to go, down 92–91. Normally Charles Clemmons would be out here for St. Michael’s, but he’s on the bench nursing that rolled ankle — so Coach Whittaker's going with Brenner Turnbull, Matt Caruso, George Bergman, Alan Gurrola, and Jalen Wilson.

Here we go. Alan brings it across midcourt … quickly surveys … swings right to Bergman … George dribbles, now kicks back to Gurrola … 10 seconds on the clock … Saints resetting … Brenner screens for Wilson at the top of the key … Gurrola drives … draws the defender … kick out to Wilson!

Wilson rises — shoots from the wing … GOOD! IT'S GOOD! Jalen Wilson buries the jumper with two seconds left, and the Saints lead 93–92! Incredible composure from the freshman, and his first basket of the game! What a moment!”

Ray DiPietro:
“Unbelievable, Dan! And with Clemmons sidelined, Toby had to rely on Wilson to handle the pressure — and he delivered perfectly. That’s poise and confidence in a freshman. Exactly why you have shooters and ballhandlers in those final possessions.”

Dan Kessler:
“The Pavilion has erupted! Fans on their feet, players swarming Jalen — what a finish in the Centennial Conference championship game! From 21 seconds out, that possession was pure precision. Will a freshman from right here in Elmridge become a hero tonight?

There are still 2.8 seconds on the clock. Coach Strathan called time out, so Swarthmore has time for a little more than a catch-and-shoot."

Ray DiPietro:
"You have to think they're going to get the ball into Stanley Brown's hands here. They don't need a three-pointer. Toby has to be telling them not to foul anyone, under any circumstances."

Dan Kessler:
"This is it. Swarthmore to inbound. Brenner's annoying the passer. He gets it in play, and Brown has it. He lets go from 40 feet...it HITS THE RIM and bounces away!

They've done it! The final score in the Centennial Conference championship game: in overtime--St. Michael's 93, Swarthmore 92!"

[MoonlightGraham]

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
03/18/10 vs. Princeton 23-8 60 W 81-71 30-4
03/20/10 vs. #14 Florida 27-7 11 L 77-74 30-5

After the drama of the Centennial Conference tournament, the Saints' experience at the Big Dance was, understandably, an anticlimax.

As the #6 seed in the East Regional, St. Michael's drew an intriguing matchup with a similar program: Ivy League champion Princeton. The two programs were attractive underdogs from schools that valued academics, and their campuses were located only 50 miles or so apart.

Six-eleven matchups are often close and invite upsets, and for about thirty minutes of game time, that looked likely to happen. Once again, the Saints started slowly and had to claw their way back into the contest. This time, they made their move more quickly and more decisively, and rode 25 points from George Bergman and 6 blocks from Brenner Turnbull to a ten-point victory that was closer than the score indicated.

The victory was the Saints' 30th of the season, and it earned them an appointment with the tough Florida Gators. Florida coach James Hartle pointed out to his team that the Saints were actually the higher-ranked team, despite having a poorer tournament seed. "Show them how wrong the poll voters are," he challenged his players.

It was a bit of a cheap trick. Florida was one of the sport's elite, a 100 Prestige program that had been to the Sweet Sixteen 22 times and made it to the Final Four three times. St. Michael's, Prestige 61, had made it out of the first weekend only twice.

The game was competitive. St. Michael's twice opened up six-point leads, one in each half. But the Gators' superior depth enabled them to pull away in the game's final ten minutes. Toby couldn't ask much of Charles Clemmons, whose painfully twisted ankle had him playing at perhaps three-fourths of his usual capability. Meanwhile, Florida could bring a former five-star recruit, senior Darrick Gold, off the bench. Gold, a grown man at 6'4", 212 pounds, was too much for Jalen Wilson to handle, and even a veteran like Alan Gurrola struggled against him.

Florida led by nine points with three minutes left. Triples from George Bergman--the 537th and last of his unforgettable career--and Matt Caruso made the final score more respectable, but Toby and his players all knew they'd been outplayed.

It was time to return home, finish the semester, and begin the preparations for the next season...or for the seniors, whatever came next.

[MoonlightGraham]

#12 ST. MICHAEL'S TEAM INFO

Current Performance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Team Prestige: 61 Record Vs 1-50: 1-1 Poll Rank: #12
Season Record: 30-5 Record Vs 51-100: 4-1 RPI Rank: #13
Conference Record: 12-2 Record Vs 101-200: 9-2
Home Record: 12-3 Record Vs 200+: 16-1


Team Stats CR NR Opp. Stats CR NR Margin CR NR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points 74.4 1 62 Points 62.1 2 21 Points 12.3 1 10
O.Reb 10.5 7 218 O.Reb 13.7 8 359 O.Reb -3.2 8 344
D.Reb 26.8 1 76 D.Reb 21.6 1 4 D.Reb 5.2 1 4
Rebounds 37.3 1 130 Rebounds 35.3 4 117 Rebounds 2.0 2 92
Assists 15.6 1 40 Assists 12.4 4 55 Assists 3.2 1 18
Steals 3.9 8 347 Steals 5.5 4 130 Steals -1.5 8 316
Blocks 6.5 1 10 Blocks 2.5 1 10 Blocks 4.0 1 2
Turnovers 13.3 3 100 Turnovers 11.8 7 339 Turnovers 1.5 7 294
Fouls 16.7 1 10 Fouls 18.7 6 269 Fouls -2.0 1 42
FG% .464 1 12 FG% .379 1 5 FG% .085 1 2
FT% .719 2 39 FT% .624 1 2 FT% .095 1 1
3P% .393 1 11 3P% .355 7 276 3P% .038 3 51
PPS 1.40 1 1 PPS 1.04 1 4 PPS .356 1 1
Adj. FG% .571 1 1 Adj. FG% .437 1 6 Adj. FG% .134 1 1

How did Toby and each of his three assistants view the 2009/10 season?

First, from assistant Ari Goldberg, the most data-oriented member of the staff:

“If you strip away the record and rankings, the efficiency numbers tell the real story. We were one of the most complete two-way teams in the country. Our adjusted field goal percentage margin (+13.4%) was No. 1 nationally, and our points-per-shot differential (+0.356) was also No. 1. That’s dominance rooted in shot quality and shot defense, not pace.

Strengths:

Defense at the rim and perimeter: Opponents shot just 37.9% overall and 35.5% from three. Combine that with 6.5 blocks per game (top 10 nationally), and you see why teams struggled to score efficiently.

Rebounding split: Our defensive rebounding margin (+5.2, 4th nationally) covered up for below-average offensive glass work. That’s a tradeoff you’ll take if your eFG% is elite.

Ball movement vs. opponents: We assisted on 15.6 baskets per game versus holding opponents to 12.4. That +3.2 assist margin (18th nationally) shows consistent offensive execution.

Free throws: Quietly a top-40 free throw team at 71.9%. And we held opponents to 62.4% at the line, which is almost as impactful as blocks in certain games.

Weaknesses:

Turnovers: 13.3 per game, only an average margin (+1.5). Against better defensive units, this kept opponents in games.

Offensive rebounding: Bottom half nationally (ranked 218th). When we missed, we didn’t extend possessions.

Steals: Only 3.9 per game (ranked 347th). This team guarded well in the halfcourt but didn’t generate much in transition through takeaways.

Overall:
We finished top 15 in RPI and efficiency margins across nearly every critical category. But the profile is clear: we won by execution, efficiency, and halfcourt defense rather than raw athletic pressure. Our ceiling against elite competition depended on hitting threes (39.3%) and avoiding turnover spikes.

If you project forward, sustaining this model means two things: (1) we need at least one high-level shot creator to reduce reliance on pure system execution, and (2) we should target a frontcourt player who can add second-chance points without compromising our defensive rebounding edge.

Bottom line: This was not a fluke 30-win season. The underlying data supports a top-15 national profile.”


Associate head coach Carl Wilson was Toby's right-hand man on the bench.

“When I look back at this year, I don’t just see thirty wins — I see the structure that held us together. We weren’t the biggest team, and we weren’t the most athletic in every matchup, but we played disciplined basketball on both ends. That’s what kept us consistent.

Defensively, our numbers tell the story. Opponents shot under 38% against us, and just 35% from three. That’s not an accident. We emphasized closeouts, help-side rotations, and keeping teams to one shot. Our defensive rebounding edge was critical — we gave ourselves extra possessions while limiting theirs.

Offensively, our spacing and ball movement were as good as I’ve seen since I’ve been here. We finished top 15 nationally in field goal percentage and three-point percentage, and that comes down to execution: guards reading screens correctly, wings lifting or drifting at the right times, bigs sealing inside to open up driving lanes. We had stretches where the ball barely touched the floor before we got a clean look.

That said, there are areas I’ll be dwelling on all offseason. Our turnover margin hurt us in certain games — when we got sloppy with our passes or rushed against pressure, that’s when we lost. And I’ll be the first to say: our offensive rebounding needs work. Too often, we were sending three back in transition instead of putting pressure on the rim.

But overall, this team bought into detail. When we beat Connecticut, it wasn’t just hot shooting — it was sticking to the plan, communicating through switches, and executing late in possessions. You don’t get wins like that without sharp X’s and O’s married to players who are willing to follow through.

For me, that’s the success of the season: the schemes worked, and the players executed them at a high level. And that’s something we can build on.”


Charles Campbell was the staff's ace recruiter. How did he view the season, through that lens?

“You want to know what makes this place special? Look at the year we just had. We didn’t just win thirty games — we did it while playing a brand of basketball every high school kid in America wants to be part of.

We played fast. We played free. Everybody had a role. Six, seven guys had games where they carried us, and nobody cared who got the credit. That’s why our shooting numbers were so good — kids weren’t out there forcing shots, they were playing in rhythm. If you can shoot it, if you can pass it, you can succeed here.

Look at who we beat. We went up to Connecticut and knocked off the No. 5 team in the country in their own gym. We won at Duke. That’s not luck — that’s proof that our guys could walk into the toughest places in college basketball and come out winners. You don’t think recruits notice that? You don’t think they want to be the next name people talk about after a game like that?

And we did it together. That’s the selling point. You come to St. Michael’s, you’re not sitting in the shadows. We develop everybody who wants to work for it. We give guys chances to grow, and if you’re ready, you’ll have a chance to shine in big moments.

So yeah, I’m proud of the 30–5 record. But what I really see is a story we can tell every kid we talk to: come here, and you’ll be part of a program that wins, that develops you, and that gives you a stage. That’s how you build a legacy.”


And, finally, Toby Whittaker's words, reflecting the team's culture, identity, and pride.

“You don’t need a degree in statistics to see what kind of team we had this year. We won thirty games because we did the little things right — night after night.

On defense, we were as solid as anybody. We contested every shot, we protected the rim, and we made teams work for everything. You hold opponents under 38% shooting over a season, that’s toughness. That’s commitment.

On offense, we shared the ball. Fifteen, sixteen assists a game — that’s guys trusting each other, moving without the ball, and making the extra pass. And when it came down to knocking down shots, we hit them. Almost 40% from three, over 70% at the line. Those numbers aren’t just stats, they’re proof of preparation.

Now, we weren’t perfect. We gave a few too many possessions away with turnovers, and we didn’t always get that second shot on the glass. That’s an area where we’ve got to grow. Against the best, every rebound, every possession matters.

But the identity of this group was clear. We were efficient, we were disciplined, and we played together. That’s how you go 30–5. That’s why we earned respect across the country. And that’s why I believe this is just the beginning for St. Michael’s.”

[MoonlightGraham]

#12 ST. MICHAEL'S Averages

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
George Bergman SG 35 35 32.2 25.3 1.9 4.9 1.9 0.6 0.1 3.0 2.5 10.5
Brenner Turnbull C 35 35 32.2 5.3 2.6 9.2 1.5 0.6 3.8 1.1 2.1 10.2
Matt Caruso SF 35 34 29.2 12.5 1.3 5.0 2.5 0.7 0.3 2.5 3.0 11.1
Alan Gurrola PG 35 34 26.1 11.2 1.2 3.9 4.4 0.5 0.0 2.1 2.1 9.7
Joe Greeley PF 35 34 25.7 6.9 1.5 5.5 1.2 0.3 0.7 0.8 2.7 9.4
Charles Clemmons PG 35 2 14.2 3.7 0.2 1.1 1.8 0.2 0.2 1.1 1.3 2.9
Rainer Neubauer PF 35 1 12.8 2.6 0.9 2.9 0.5 0.4 0.7 0.7 1.1 3.2
Jalen Wilson SG 35 0 12.7 2.8 0.2 1.1 1.0 0.5 0.1 1.0 0.8 1.6
Sandy Fancher C 35 0 7.8 1.2 0.5 2.2 0.4 0.1 0.5 0.5 0.7 1.2
Malik Jefferson SF 35 0 5.0 1.9 0.2 0.9 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.3 1.5
Ernie Elsam C 20 0 2.8 1.1 0.1 0.8 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.3 1.1
John Markel PF 3 0 2.3 0.7 0.7 1.3 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.3
Evan Carlucci SG 13 0 2.3 0.5 0.0 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 -0.5
Randolph Querry SF 2 0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

#12 ST. MICHAEL'S Totals

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
George Bergman SG 35 35 1128 886 67 173 68 22 2 104 87 369
Brenner Turnbull C 35 35 1127 186 90 321 51 21 132 40 72 356
Matt Caruso SF 35 34 1022 436 45 174 87 24 12 88 106 388
Alan Gurrola PG 35 34 912 393 42 135 154 17 1 75 74 339
Joe Greeley PF 35 34 898 243 53 194 43 11 26 29 93 330
Charles Clemmons PG 35 2 496 131 8 38 63 8 6 39 46 100
Rainer Neubauer PF 35 1 448 92 31 103 16 13 26 26 39 111
Jalen Wilson SG 35 0 443 97 7 37 36 17 3 34 27 57
Sandy Fancher C 35 0 273 42 17 76 14 2 16 19 24 43
Malik Jefferson SF 35 0 174 67 6 33 10 1 1 12 10 53
Ernie Elsam C 20 0 55 22 1 16 2 2 2 0 6 22
John Markel PF 3 0 7 2 2 4 1 0 0 0 0 4
Evan Carlucci SG 13 0 30 6 0 2 2 0 0 1 1 -7
Randolph Querry SF 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

#12 ST. MICHAEL'S Shooting

Player Pos Fgm Fga Fg% Ftm Fta Ft% 3pm 3pa 3p% PPS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
George Bergman SG 295 616 .479 101 143 .706 195 457 .427 1.44
Brenner Turnbull C 55 124 .444 60 81 .741 16 53 .302 1.50
Matt Caruso SF 149 298 .500 68 84 .810 70 165 .424 1.46
Alan Gurrola PG 122 272 .449 83 104 .798 66 174 .379 1.44
Joe Greeley PF 79 186 .425 65 87 .747 20 61 .328 1.31
Charles Clemmons PG 43 98 .439 29 45 .644 16 49 .327 1.34
Rainer Neubauer PF 38 85 .447 15 38 .395 1 1 1.000 1.08
Jalen Wilson SG 33 66 .500 22 28 .786 9 24 .375 1.47
Sandy Fancher C 11 31 .355 18 30 .600 2 15 .133 1.35
Malik Jefferson SF 28 59 .475 9 14 .643 2 7 .286 1.14
Ernie Elsam C 9 16 .563 4 5 .800 0 2 .000 1.38
John Markel PF 1 5 .200 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0.40
Evan Carlucci SG 2 6 .333 0 0 .000 2 5 .400 1.00
Randolph Querry SF 0 1 .000 0 0 .000 0 1 .000 0.00


Here's how the Saints broadcast team, Dan Kessler and Ray DiPietro, described each of the Saints at some point during the wonderful 2009/10 season.

George Bergman (SG): “And there’s Bergman — the flamethrower — 25 points a night, deadly from deep, and the heartbeat of this St. Michael’s offense.”

Brenner Turnbull (C): “Turnbull in the middle, the big man who makes life miserable at the rim with nearly four blocks a game.”

Matt Caruso (SF): “Here’s Caruso, smooth operator on the wing, fifty percent shooter, and a steadying presence the Saints lean on.”

Alan Gurrola (PG): “Gurrola, the floor general — top-notch distributor, sneaky good shooter, and the guy who keeps everyone organized.”

Joe Greeley (PF): “And don’t forget Greeley — not flashy, but the grinder who rebounds, defends, and does all the dirty work.”

Charles Clemmons (PG): “Senior Clemmons off the bench, a change-of-pace guard who brings speed, energy, and just enough outside punch.”

Rainer Neubauer (PF): “Neubauer checking in — rugged, physical forward, always ready to defend and bang down low.”

Jalen Wilson (SG): “And here’s the coach’s son, Jalen Wilson — earned every minute with efficient shooting and a smart, team-first game.”

Sandy Fancher (C): “Fancher in the paint, still raw, but gives them size, hustle, and some boards when they need a breather for Turnbull.”

Malik Jefferson (SF): “Jefferson, the young spark — instant offense in short bursts and a glimpse of future firepower.”

Ernie Elsam (C): “Elsam, the reserve big, brings a body inside and can finish around the rim in spot minutes.”

John Markel (PF): “Markel, not a regular in the rotation, but a tough kid who’ll scrap for rebounds when called upon.”

Evan Carlucci (SG): “Carlucci, deep bench guard, a shooter who can step in and knock one down if left open.”

Randolph Querry (SF): “And there’s Querry — the junior with little run this year, but a guy who's always worn the Navy and Gold well.”

[MoonlightGraham]

2009 CENTENNIAL AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

SR SG George Bergman St. Michael's 25.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.9 APG 0.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR PG Stuart Drennen Johns Hopkins 15.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.9 APG 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Toby Whittaker St. Michael's 30 - 5 (12 - 2)

All-league 1st Team:
C JR Brenner Turnbull St. Michael's 5.3 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, 3.8 BPG
PF SR Grover Chauvin Swarthmore 18.1 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.9 BPG
SF SO Matt Caruso St. Michael's 12.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SG SR George Bergman St. Michael's 25.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG SR Alan Gurrola St. Michael's 11.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 4.4 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.0 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C SR David Gartner Dickinson 13.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.9 BPG
PF SO Jaime Ruiz Haverford 7.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 2.3 BPG
SF SO Owen Merritt Muhlenberg 14.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG
SG SR Stanley Brown Swarthmore 15.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG FR Stuart Drennen Johns Hopkins 15.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Horace Gibson Franklin & Marshall 5.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.3 SPG, 1.0 BPG
PF
SF FR Kory Holly Dickinson 7.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.0 BPG
SG FR Jalen Wilson St. Michael's 2.8 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG FR Stuart Drennen Johns Hopkins 15.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG


George Bergman shattered several of St. Michael's most important individual records on the way to his second straight Centennial Conference Player of the Year award and his third selection to the All-Conference first team.

George finished his career with 2601 points and 537 made three-pointers. The second man on each of those lists in Centennial Conference history had 2214 and 431, respectively. Only one player in NCAA history, Lenny Arzola of Kentucky, had made more threes; Arzola sunk 566 in a career that ended in 1990. George's points total ranked 14th all-time.

No player in NCAA history made more threes in a single season than George did in his senior season. He also attempted more threes than any player did in a single season, but he still hit nearly 44 percent of those shots.

If George Bergman wasn't the best player in Saints history, I'm not sure who was.

Brenner Turnbull, Matt Caruso, and Alan Gurrola each earned their second All-Conference first team nomination.

And Toby Whittaker brought home his second conference Coach of the Year prize.


Surprisingly, no professional team thought a shooter who ranked among the best in college basketball history was worth a draft pick. Sorry, George.


2009 Recruiting Rankings

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
79. St. Michael's Centennial C Trevor McMillan *** 0 0 3 1 0
83. Franklin & Marshall Centennial SF Wilbur Kocher *** 0 0 3 0 0
133. Ursinus Centennial PG Renato Dunning *** 0 0 1 0 0
137. Dickinson Centennial SG Brian Young *** 0 0 1 4 0
180. Johns Hopkins Centennial SF Cleveland McElroy *** 0 0 1 3 0
236. Swarthmore Centennial PF Mathew Brockington *** 0 0 1 0 3
292. Muhlenberg Centennial PG Matthew Jackson * 0 0 0 0 5
322. Haverford Centennial PG Robert Appleby * 0 0 0 0 2

St. Michael's trio of three-stars, plus a bonus two-star signee, gave them the Centennial Conference's top recruiting class once again. Big man Trevor McMillan was the experts' pick as the Saints' prize recruit, although guard Caleb Lear looked like he was more ready for college hoops on the day he accepted his high school diploma.

F&M's Wilbur Kocher arrived with the most glowing accolades as a high schooler (he was almost a Top 100 player), but he didn't stand out among the Red/Green players who would join the Centennial Conference in the fall of 2010.

[MoonlightGraham]

April 10, 2010

A peek under the hood of the game reveals that Toby Whittaker has leveled up in time for his fourth season at St. Michael's.

Now, Toby is a Level 7 coach, and his ratings look like this:

Recruiting: 70
Scouting: 50
Coaching Offense: 60
Coaching Defense: 60

Toby's assistants, with their specialty ratings, are:

Head Recruiter: Charles Campbell (65)
Lead Scout: Ari Goldberg (60)
Coaching Assistant: Carl Wilson (Offense 15, Defense 100)

Obviously, Toby takes the lead when it comes to coaching offense, while Carl works his magic on the defensive side of the ball.

Swarthmore's Ambrose Strachan and Dickinson's Jack Amerson are the two other Level 7 coaches in the Centennial Conference. Both are in their fifties; Coach Strachan spent over 20 years as an assistant in marquee programs like Georgetown and Indiana before finally getting the big whistle at Swarthmore last season. Coach Amerson was an assistant at Houston before beginning a decade-long run in Carlisle. Both men have been part of coaching staffs that have led teams to two Final Fours.

Toby, on the other hand, will be 36 when the 2010/2011 season begins. It probably won't be long before some athletic director at a powerhouse program offers Toby a job. His 80-24 record is good for a .776 winning percentage; if he'd coached long enough to qualify, that mark would be among the top ten in NCAA history.

But Toby's not going anywhere.

Late last season, the Saints' all-time record edged above the .500 mark. St. Michael's now claims an 806-797 mark (.503), which is just a bit better than Franklin & Marshall's 794-791 slate (.501). Both programs have now won 10 Centennial Conference championships, but St. Michael's has been, by far, the best in tournament play. Their 14 titles are five more than any other team in their league.

[MoonlightGraham]

Late June, 2010

The sun had barely risen over the Jersey Shore boardwalk when Toby, Claire, Nora, Grace, and Eli tumbled out of the SUV. Toby stretched his arms. “Alright, team, today we make memories, not spreadsheets.”

“Does that mean no 'cruiting?” asked Eli, almost five, peering up at him with wide eyes.

“For at least five hours,” Toby said, grinning.

Breakfast came first, a greasy-diner feast of pancakes, bacon, and coffee. Eight-and-a-half-year-old Nora was already elbow-deep in a thick novel she’d insisted on bringing. “I cannot be disturbed,” she warned, peering over her glasses. Six-and-a-half-year-old Grace rolled her eyes. “Books over bacon? Seriously, Nora?” she said, swiping the last slice.

“Hey!” Eli squealed, grabbing it back. Claire sighed with laughter. “This is why I have my coffee,” she muttered, shaking her head at the chaos.

On the beach, the siblings’ personalities came alive. Toby crouched by the water, showing Eli how to skim a rock. “See? Flat side down, flick your wrist.” Eli’s rock splashed gloriously into the water. “I did it!” he yelled. Grace, meanwhile, was constructing a sand fortress with more towers than Toby could count. “It’s the Castle of Doom!” she declared.

Nora wandered along the edge of the waves, examining shells. “This one’s perfect,” she said, holding it to her ear. “I can hear the ocean whispering secrets.” Toby chuckled. “You’ve got a future in storytelling, kiddo.”

Lunch was on the boardwalk, hot dogs and fries eaten from paper plates while dodging cyclists and souvenir hawkers. Grace tried to haggle with a vendor over a seashell necklace. “I’ll give you three bucks!” she said confidently. “Two fifty!” the vendor countered. Claire shook her head. “Negotiating lessons from age six-and-a-half.”

Later, atop the Ferris wheel, Toby and Claire held hands while the kids squealed over the dizzying heights. “I can see my whole kingdom!” Grace shouted. Nora, clutching her book, waved to the distant horizon. “And my story is out there too,” she said softly.

Ice cream cones were the final stop. Eli managed to dump half his on the boardwalk, and Grace groaned at the sticky mess. “Well, I guess I’ll just eat yours, little brother,” she said with mock solemnity.

By the time they piled back into the car, the kids were sandy, sticky, and sun-kissed, and even Nora’s book had been forgotten for a while. Toby watched them dozing in the backseat, the smell of salt in the air. “All right,” he muttered to Claire, “today we really did make memories.”

Claire smiled. “Best kind of workday, isn’t it?”

[MoonlightGraham]

November 7, 2010

Player # Pos Yr Ht Wt Sch Acd Status Hometown
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Desmond Lee 2 SG Fr 6-3 200 Yes 69 OK Ocean City, NJ
Matt Caruso 3 SF Jr 6-8 223 Yes 88 OK Rutherford, NJ
Roy Ross 4 SG So 6-3 207 No 57 OK Elderton, PA
Caleb Lear 5 PG Fr 6-3 208 Yes 68 OK Oyster Bay, NY
Sean O'Reilly 10 PG Fr 5-11 170 Yes 80 OK Philadelphia, PA
John Markel 11 PF Sr* 6-5 251 Yes 72 OK Nelson House, Canada
Jalen Wilson 13 SG So 6-1 186 Yes 95 OK Elmridge, PA
Evan Carlucci 14 SG So 6-5 214 Yes 92 OK Center Valley, PA
Malik Jefferson 23 SF So 6-6 221 Yes 72 OK Springfield, PA
Brenner Turnbull 33 C Sr* 7-0 295 Yes 88 OK Germantown, TN
Ernie Elsam 34 C Sr* 6-6 244 No 37 OK Gosforth, UK
Joe Greeley 35 PF Jr 6-7 228 Yes 81 OK Georgetown, DE
Sandy Fancher 40 C Jr 6-10 260 Yes 77 OK Ridgely, MD
Randolph Querry 41 SF Sr 6-8 230 Yes 54 Unhappy Neath, UK
Trevor McMillan 54 C Fr 7-0 214 Yes 76 OK Hockessin, DE

Toby Whittaker knew the Saints wouldn't be able to sneak up on their opponents any longer. No more would they be considered "plucky little St. Michael's," a team that had stars in their eyes when they visited a major conference opponent.

But, at the same time, he and his staff sensed they weren't part of college basketball's elite. St. Michael's couldn't yet recruit on a national scale. Their facilities were superb by Centennial Conference standards, but most of the Philadelphia area schools were at least as well-appointed. Toby and his staff had not quite $13,000 to spend each month on recruiting. Villanova, Temple, and La Salle all had budgets twice as large. Toby still sensed the Saints needed to punch above their weight.

The young coach was aware that, for the first time, he would enter a season without the presence of at least one of the three stars his predecessor had recruited. David Buffington, Newton Bruenig, and George Bergman could make any coach look good. What would happen now that all the players upon whom Toby would rely were players he'd recruited?

Only on Toby's most melancholy nights would he fear the cupboard was bare. Bergman and his game-breaking scoring ability was gone, and so was Alan Gurrola, the league's leading playmaker. But the Saints still had two All-Centennial first team players: center Brenner Turnbull and wing Matt Caruso.

Brenner was the most fearsome big man in the Centennial Conference, a dominant rebounder and a tough post defender. But the seven-footer's trademark skill was rim protection. Last year, Brenner set a new St. Michael's record for blocked shots in a season, and he would almost certainly become the Saints' all-time blocks leader before Christmas.

Matt had made big strides in each of his first two collegiate seasons. Now, as a junior, he would be counted on to be the team's most productive scorer. He worked hard in camp, making his jumper more deadly and sharpening his defensive awareness.

The team's other returning starter was power forward Joe Greeley. The junior was a grinder, a hard-nosed defender and a tough rebounder. He had never been asked to do much scoring, but his post moves looked smoother and more decisive this fall.

Sophomores Malik Jefferson and Jalen Wilson would round out the starting five. Malik did almost everything fairly well, which made him very well-suited for a supporting role. After a year's apprenticeship under All-Conference point guard Alan Gurrola and third guard deluxe Charles Clemmons, Jalen was expected to take the controls this season. Like several of his teammates, Jalen improved the key aspects of his game quite a bit in camp.

The first big man off the bench would be junior Sandy Fancher, a traditional big man who could rebound, play defense, and block a few shots. Freshman guards Desmond Lee and Caleb Lear seemed ready for college ball, to the staff's delight, and fellow first-year Trevor McMillan "blew up in camp," in the words of assistant Charles Campbell. Those nine players looked like they would form the core of the Saints' rotation, with spot appearances by veteran Randolph Querry and youngsters Evan Carlucci and Sean O'Reilly. Carlucci, a pure shooter, could carve out more playing time if the team needed instant offense.

Toby spoke in measured terms about this year's team. “This isn’t a star-driven roster, it’s a depth and versatility roster. We’ve got size to guard the paint, a couple wings who can stretch it, and young guards learning how to steer the ship. If the backcourt matures quickly, and we defend the way I think we can, this could be a tournament team.”

And it would be a team Toby and his staff had assembled themselves.

[MoonlightGraham]

On the anniversary of their first date--eighteen years and half their lives ago--Toby slipped a folded piece of paper into Claire's purse, letting it stick out so she'd see it.


November 23, 1992
St. Michael’s College

Dear Toby,

I don’t usually write letters after a first date, but then again, I don’t usually go on dates that leave me smiling three days later. I just wanted to thank you for making Friday night feel so…easy. I was nervous (I’m sure you could tell—I talk too fast when I’m nervous), but you made me laugh, and I didn’t even notice the time passing until the Cloister Café lights flickered and they were hinting that we should leave.

What I keep replaying isn’t the movie or the cocoa, though—it’s how easy it was to talk to you. You ask questions in a way that makes me feel like you really want to know the answers. That’s rare. You have this way of listening that makes it feel like what I’m saying matters, even when it’s just something small. And it makes me want to tell you more.

I don’t know what comes next—exams, Christmas break, life in general—but I’d really like to see you again before we all scatter for the holidays. Maybe coffee at the little place near Church Street? The Elm & Ink, isn't it? I promise I won’t make you sit through another hour of me talking about books unless you want me to.

Anyway, I just wanted you to know I had a wonderful time, and that I hope Friday wasn’t the last.

Sincerely (and nervously),
Claire


It was the note she'd written him after that unforgettable evening. On the morning after one of the biggest victories of his coaching career, he thought about a moment he treasured even more.

[MoonlightGraham]

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11/11/10 vs. Providence 15-16 57 W 68-49 1-0
11/13/10 vs. #19 Tennessee 23-10 25 W 65-55 2-0
11/20/10 vs. #21 New Mexico State 25-9 18 W 79-66 3-0
11/22/10 vs. #1 North Carolina State 34-3 1 W 81-63 4-0
11/26/10 Penn State 12-19 117 W 73-61 5-0
11/30/10 William & Mary 12-19 266 W 81-55 6-0
12/04/10 at Vanderbilt 11-20 134 W 70-60 7-0
12/06/10 George Mason 16-15 195 W 78-53 8-0
12/11/10 at Williams 19-14 194 W 72-60 9-0
12/14/10 Sacred Heart 12-17 197 L 67-62 9-1
12/18/10 at Holy Cross 17-15 211 W 71-45 10-1
12/21/10 Creighton 15-16 96 W 74-59 11-1
12/24/10 at Pennsylvania 13-16 321 W 64-58 12-1
12/29/10 Virginia 10-21 205 L 68-62 12-2
01/01/11 at #5 Temple 27-7 2 L 74-65 12-3
01/05/11 Cornell 4-24 337 W 87-53 13-3



Elmridge Gazette — January 7, 2011

Saints at the Crossroads: A Town Weighs In on St. Michael’s Hot Start

The non-conference slate is in the books, and St. Michael’s basketball sits at 13–3. A program-record preseason run in the NIT, including a takedown of then–#1 North Carolina State, has Old Town buzzing — and debating.

Junior guard Matt Caruso has become the Saints’ steadying star, pouring in points from everywhere on the floor. Senior center Brenner Turnbull continues to assert himself as the league’s most physical presence, punishing opponents who dare to try to score inside. And the surprise of December? Junior Joe Greeley, emerging as a 15-point-a-game scorer while continuing to rebound and defend.

But with point guard Jalen Wilson sidelined until late January after breaking his foot in the Creighton game, fans are split between belief and worry. Walking down Main Street in Old Town, you hear both.

Caruso’s playing like an All-American, and Turnbull’s a man among boys,” said Jake Daniels, a sophomore at St. Mike’s. “Greeley’s emergence changes everything. If Jalen comes back healthy, we’re as good as anybody.”

Maryellen Duffy, who runs a gift shop in Old Town, offered a cautionary note: “I just hope folks keep their expectations in check. Everyone’s already talking Sweet Sixteen. One bad shooting night, one whistle-happy ref, and all that dreaming goes up in smoke.”

Anthony Reyes, a junior, pointed to the loss column: “Thirteen wins looks shiny, but that Temple game? That showed we’re not all the way there. Elite teams don’t fold when the pressure’s on.”

Bill Kramer, a longtime Philly hoops watcher, nodded at the box scores: “Swarthmore’s ranked ahead of us in the mid-major poll for a reason. They don’t beat themselves. We’ve still got turnovers to clean up.”

Still, Darren McCloskey, a delivery driver, sees the glass half-full: “Look, you go 4–0 in the NIT, you beat NC State by double digits — that’s no fluke. These kids can play. With Caruso, Turnbull, and now Greeley, they’ve got a core that can scare anyone.”

For now, St. Michael’s holds the top record in the Centennial, but with Ursinus and Swarthmore--12-2 and 11-2 respectively--lurking, the conference grind will test whether this Saints team is a contender or just another December darling.

[MoonlightGraham]

By the time the conference season got underway, Toby Whittaker and his staff had completed the Saints' incoming class of new recruits. Three high school seniors, all three-star players, would be joining the team in the fall of 2011.

Toby hoped to sign two big men and a wing. He and recruiter Charles Campbell took long looks at some four-star players from the Philadelphia area, players like Marcus Bradley, Jamal Robinson, and James Rawlins. None of them paid more than polite attention to the Saints' recruiting pitches. All three stayed close to home, but all three chose more prestigious programs. Bradley picked Temple; Robinson and Rawlins both selected St. Joseph's. Top 100 players like those weren't ready to pick a Centennial Conference school, not yet.

The Saints had much more luck with players in the next tier. The first to sign was Connor Del Vecchio, a 6'9" post player from La Salle College High School. Toby liked Connor's smooth lefty shooting stroke, his vision as a passer, and his basketball IQ. He wasn't a plus defender, but he wasn't negligent at that end of the floor, either.

The same day, Toby received a commitment from wing Chris Donnelly from Archbishop Carroll in nearby Radnor. Chris was 6'7", 210 pounds, with a college-ready frame. Campbell described him as "polished" and "versatile," a "high floor" prospect who could contribute in a variety of roles. Chris looked like he'd be a better shooter than Malik Jefferson, while Malik would be the more rugged defender.

In some ways, the most intriguing of the recruits was the last to sign. Isaiah Pritchard was, in assistant Ari Goldberg's words, "a real sleeper." Isaiah was tall (6'9") and lean (185 pounds). He was listed as a small forward, and he fit the "three-and-D" profile perfectly. However, Toby and his staff believed that, with work, Isaiah could learn to guard all five positions.

So, while the Saints' class lacked the star power a Top 100 player or two would have provided, Toby and his staff were very pleased with it. All three were from the area (Isaiah was a Main Line kid too, from Ardmore). All three were very good students who wouldn't need academic remediation (Connor was an especially fine student). All three could be projected as future starters (Chris would probably be the first to challenge for playing time).

And all three seemed like "St. Michael's men," the kind of student-athletes the College wanted to attract and nurture, on the court and off.

[MoonlightGraham]

January 23, 2011

Whittaker Hits Century Mark as Saints Top Dickinson, 63–52
By Tate Keating, Gazette Sports Editor

ELMRIDGE — The numbers add up neatly now: 100 wins in less than four seasons, two Centennial Conference titles, two NCAA Tournament victories, and a program transformed. On Saturday night at The Pavilion, St. Michael’s head coach — and former Saints star — Toby Whittaker reached his 100th career victory as St. Michael’s handled Dickinson, 63–52, to improve to 17–4.

For those who remember Whittaker as the smooth-shooting guard who earned Centennial Conference Player of the Year honors in 1996, the milestone felt like a full-circle moment. “It’s home,” Whittaker said, reflecting after the game. “This place gave me everything when I was 18. To be back here with my own players, watching them succeed, that’s as good as it gets.”

Junior forward Joe Greeley delivered a career night, scoring 18 points with eight rebounds and two blocks, earning Player of the Game honors. “Coach always talks about imposing our will,” Greeley said. “Tonight we wanted to do that for him.”

Matt Caruso paced the Saints with 21 points, drilling four threes and picking apart Dickinson’s zone. Malik Jefferson chipped in 10 points and eight boards, while Brenner Turnbull anchored the back line defensively with three blocks.

The Saints controlled most of the evening, forcing Dickinson guard Silas Streit into a 4-for-16 shooting night.

Whittaker took over the program in 2007 and immediately put his stamp on it.

2007-08: Centennial regular season champions, a CBI run that ended in the final.

2008-09: Back-to-back conference crowns, capped by the school’s first NCAA Tournament win in six years.

2009-10: Another NCAA victory, cementing the Saints as a rising mid-major powerhouse.

Now, in just his fourth season, Whittaker sits at 100 career wins — a pace that rivals the most successful coaches in the conference’s history.

The Pavilion crowd knew the weight of the night. As the final horn sounded, students unfurled a hand-painted banner — “100 FOR TOBY” — and the old building shook with chants of “Saints! Saints!”

Outside O'Malley's Tavern, longtime fan Rick Devlin put it simply: “I watched Toby when he was running the point here in the ’90s, and now he’s the one calling the plays. He’s brought St. Michael’s back where it belongs.”

The century mark is in the books. For Whittaker and the Saints, the road ahead is about chasing something even bigger.

Fans React in St. Michael’s Village

After the game, the energy spilled from campus into St. Michael’s Village, the college-town hub of coffee shops, pubs, and late-night eateries.

At Maggie’s Deli, senior Emily Crane clutched her to-go cup and grinned. “We were freshmen when Coach Whittaker got here. Now he’s at 100 wins and we’ve been dancing in March two years in a row. It feels like we grew up with this team.”

Down the block at The Cloister Café, barista James O’Neill was wiping down counters but still buzzing from the night. “You could feel it in the gym,” he said. “It’s not just basketball, it’s the whole town. People want to be part of something, and Toby gave us that.”

Even at Pete’s Newsstand, where regulars linger over box scores, the milestone was the topic of choice. Retired history teacher Joan Gallagher shook her head with a smile. “I remember when Toby was just a skinny freshman guard running the floor here. Now he’s the face of the program. The Village is proud tonight.”

St. Michael's 63, Dickinson 52

----------------------------------------------------------
Dickinson (7-11, 1-4):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Edward Everhart C 28 0-3 0-0 2 7 3 2 0
Richard Smith PF 26 3-4 0-0 2 6 1 1 6
Kory Holly SF 23 3-6 1-2 1 1 2 2 7
Dylan Schaaf SG 31 2-8 0-0 1 3 1 2 5
Silas Streit PG 28 4-16 0-0 0 3 1 1 9
Edmundo Robeson SF 16 2-6 0-0 1 1 2 2 5
Jerrod Paquette PF 23 3-7 0-0 1 2 0 2 6
Ryan Mckay PG 12 3-4 0-0 1 4 2 1 6
Daniel Fuhrman SF 10 1-2 0-0 0 2 0 1 3
Eldridge Harris PF 5 2-2 0-0 0 0 1 0 5

Turnovers: 13 (E.Everhart 1, R.Smith 2, D.Schaaf 3,
S.Streit 2, E.Robeson 1, J.Paquette 1, D.Fuhrman 3)
Blocked Shots: 1 (K.Holly 1)
Steals: 5 (R.Smith 1, D.Schaaf 2, J.Paquette 1, R.Mckay
1)
3P FGs: 5-21 (K.Holly 0-2, D.Schaaf 1-6, S.Streit 1-6,
E.Robeson 1-4, R.Mckay 0-1, D.Fuhrman 1-1, E.Harris
1-1)

St. Michael's (17-4, 4-1):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brenner Turnbull C 35 1-2 0-0 3 8 3 0 2
Joe Greeley PF 34 6-15 5-5 3 8 2 1 18
Malik Jefferson SF 34 4-13 2-2 3 8 5 2 10
Matt Caruso SG 37 8-17 1-1 3 7 5 3 21
Caleb Lear PG 36 2-3 1-2 0 2 3 1 6
Sandy Fancher PF 11 1-1 0-0 0 5 0 1 2
Desmond Lee PG 7 2-3 0-0 0 0 0 1 4
Evan Carlucci SG 6 0-2 0-0 1 1 0 0 0

Turnovers: 15 (B.Turnbull 2, J.Greeley 1, M.Jefferson
4, M.Caruso 4, C.Lear 3, E.Carlucci 1)
Blocked Shots: 5 (B.Turnbull 3, J.Greeley 2)
Steals: 6 (B.Turnbull 1, J.Greeley 1, M.Jefferson 2,
C.Lear 1, E.Carlucci 1)
3P FGs: 6-19 (J.Greeley 1-4, M.Caruso 4-10, C.Lear 1-2,
D.Lee 0-1, E.Carlucci 0-2)

Player of Game: PF Joe Greeley (STMIC)

[MoonlightGraham]

ST. MICHAEL'S Schedule

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
01/08/11 Haverford 11-20 250 W 62-48 14-3 (1-0)
01/13/11 at Muhlenberg 7-23 322 W 71-52 15-3 (2-0)
01/15/11 at Johns Hopkins 13-18 239 W 74-70 16-3 (3-0)
01/20/11 Ursinus 26-6 36 L 69-63 16-4 (3-1)
01/22/11 Dickinson 10-20 267 W 63-52 17-4 (4-1)
01/27/11 at Swarthmore 23-10 125 W 65-58 18-4 (5-1)
01/29/11 at Franklin & Marshall 9-21 271 W 50-39 19-4 (6-1)
02/03/11 at Haverford 11-20 250 W 72-68 20-4 (7-1)
02/06/11 Harvard 15-14 169 W 55-42 21-4
02/10/11 Muhlenberg 7-23 322 W 73-56 22-4 (8-1)


Scene: The Whittakers’ kitchen, February 10, 2011.

The house is quiet after dinner. The kids are in bed. The dishwasher hums softly, and Claire pours tea into two mugs while Toby leans against the counter, tie loosened from the postgame media session.

Claire: (handing him a mug) Another win. Twenty-two and four looks pretty nice, Coach.

Toby: (smiles, tired but proud) It does. But Ursinus losing tonight—that changes things. Franklin & Marshall did us a favor. We’re tied at the top again.

Claire: (raising her eyebrows) So it’s really a two-horse race now?

Toby: Exactly. Us and Ursinus. Both 8–1. They got us back in January--at The Pavilion, even--but we’re right there. If we keep defending the way we are, we’ll have a chance to control it.

Claire: (sipping tea) You mean that number four in the nation in scoring defense? I saw that note in the release.

Toby: (grinning) Not bad, huh? That’s the thing—I keep telling the guys: offense comes and goes, but if we make it ugly for people, we’ll always have a chance. We're playing defense the way I envisioned us doing now.

Claire: Jalen coming back really helped, didn’t it?

Toby: (nodding) Huge difference. You could feel the difference at Swarthmore the second he stepped on the floor. He steadies us. It's not Caleb's fault that we had to call on him before he was truly ready. Jalen knows when to push, when to pull back.

Claire: (softly teasing) Sounds like a coach’s son.

Toby: (laughs) Exactly. He’s not perfect—still figuring out how to score in this league, and he might never do that—but he's confident running our team.

Claire: And the guys trust him. You can see it.

Toby: They do. Matt and Joe, especially—they’ve been through enough battles to know how valuable that is. Brenner and Malik are getting looks, too. Jalen is keeping them all well-fed.

Claire: So… you’re not losing sleep over Ursinus?

Toby: (shakes his head, though his eyes betray the worry) I respect them. They’re tough, they’ve got depth. But I like where we are. The guys are buying in, we’re healthy again, and with our defense… we’re going to be in every game.

Claire: (smiles warmly, touching his hand) I know you, Toby. You’ll find something to lose sleep over.

Toby: (chuckling) Probably. But tonight? Tonight I’ll take the tie at the top of the standings, the win streak, and a cup of tea with my wife.

Claire leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder as the kitchen light glowed softly above them, the season’s tension hanging in the air but edged with hope.

[MoonlightGraham]

ST. MICHAEL'S Schedule

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
02/12/11 Johns Hopkins 13-18 239 W 88-77 23-4 (9-1)
02/17/11 at Dickinson 10-20 267 W 53-43 24-4 (10-1)
02/19/11 at Ursinus 26-6 36 W 80-74 25-4 (11-1)
02/24/11 Swarthmore 23-10 125 W 69-38 26-4 (12-1)
02/26/11 Franklin & Marshall 9-21 271 W 59-52 27-4 (13-1)

Toby didn’t usually second-guess his decisions regarding player usage, because he made them so thoughtfully. He might ponder a change to his starting five for days before he made it…or discarded it as not being the right move. He was similarly thoughtful when he considered how the Saints’ reserves were employed.

In his first four years as a head coach, there was one player with whom he wondered if he’d been fair, about whom he wondered if he’d been too quick to judge. That player was Randolph Querry.

Randolph was part of Christian Huckaby’s last recruiting class at St. Michael’s, so he was a freshman during Toby’s first year on the job. He was a 6’8” post player from Wales with a low two-star recruiting pedigree, and he was as raw as could be when he arrived on campus. Still, Randolph was one of the few players on Toby’s first roster who was willing and able to play stout defense, so he was a very useful part of the rotation. He appeared in all 37 of the Saints’ games, averaging about ten minutes per contest.

As Toby recruited more players who fit his style, players with more defensive nous and a bit more offensive flair, Randolph’s playing time diminished. He barely played at all as a junior. Understandably, he was unhappy about this, but he enjoyed the rest of his experience at St. Michael’s very much. A capable student, Randolph majored in History, and he planned to do graduate work in Sports Management. His teammates enjoyed his wry sense of humor and his attempts to introduce them to Welsh cooking and slang. Toby noticed how he refused to take his frustrations about his playing time out on his teammates, and he treated the staff with respect. “That said something about the kind of man Randolph was,” Toby recalled.

Although the Saints had not yet clinched the Centennial Conference championship, Toby didn’t hesitate to promote Randolph to the starting lineup for his Senior Night game against Franklin & Marshall. The Welshman responded with a career game: 12 points, 7 rebounds, and a blocked shot. He nailed two of the three triples he attempted, and played defense like his jersey was on fire. The Saints won a rock fight, 59-52.

This got Toby thinking. Was it time to make amends?

[MoonlightGraham]

[Scene: Late afternoon in the St. Michael’s basketball offices. The team has just finished practice. Toby, Carl Wilson (associate head coach), Charles Campbell (assistant), and Ari Goldberg (assistant) sit around the table with scouting reports, laptops, and notes.]

Toby: (leaning back in his chair) Alright, fellas. Let’s talk about Randolph. He gave us a great Senior Night — 12 and 7, plus that block, and his defense was rock solid. The question is, do we keep him in the starting five for the tournament, or go back to Malik?

Carl: (rubbing his chin) Malik’s been consistent. Athleticism, lots of length for a 6'6" guy, ability to run the floor — he’s a problem for teams that want to go small. But Randolph’s a grown man, and he’s not rattled in tight spots. You saw how steady he was against F&M.

Charles: (nodding) Yeah, RQ knows where to be. He might not fill up the box score every night, but he doesn’t hurt you. Screens, rebounds, being in the right spot defensively — that’s valuable. In tournament play, sometimes you need the guy who won’t flinch.

Ari: True, but we can’t ignore Malik’s ceiling. He’s given us some big minutes in tough games. He has the ability to break open a game in a way I’m not sure RQ can.

Toby: (sighing) Right, so it’s balance. Randolph’s steadiness versus Malik’s spark. One’s a senior who’s earned his shot, the other’s a sophomore who’s been a big part of why we’re here.

Carl: We could split the difference. Start Randolph — reward him, lean on his composure early — then bring Malik in quick, let him change the tempo. It doesn’t have to be either/or.

Charles: (grinning) Randolph’s not the kind of kid who’s going to pout if Malik closes. He just wants to fight with his teammates. And Malik’s got a good head on his shoulders. He’ll understand.

Ari: That might be the cleanest solution. Randolph sets the tone, Malik brings the punch. Keeps both engaged, and it honors what Randolph gave us on Senior Night.

Toby: (nodding slowly) I like that. Randolph in the starting five for the tournament. We keep Malik’s minutes strong, maybe even finish with him depending on the flow. That way we’ve got both ends covered — stability and energy.

Carl: Sounds right to me.

Charles: Same here.

Ari: Yeah. I’m on board.

Toby: (smiles, tapping the table) Good. Then that’s what we’ll do. Randolph starts. Malik plays big minutes. We’ll need both of them if we’re going to cut down nets.

[The coaches exchange nods, the decision made. The conversation shifts back to scouting Muhlenberg.]

[MoonlightGraham]

[Scene: Coaches’ office, after the next evening’s practice. The gym is mostly quiet. Malik Jefferson knocks lightly on the open door. Toby smiles as Malik enters.]

Toby: Hey, Malik. C’mon in.

Malik: (sits down, relaxed but thoughtful) Hello, Coach. You asked to see me?

Toby: (leans back, studying him) I appreciate you coming by. I wanted to tell you something that’s not easy to say. I’ve decided to have Randolph start our first tournament game. It was a tough decision, because you’ve earned that starting spot this year. And you haven’t done anything wrong.

Malik: (shrugs) RQ’s a senior. He’s been here four years, put in the work. And honestly, he played his butt off on Senior Night. If starting him gives us the edge in the tournament, I’m all for it.

Toby: (smiles a little) You’ve got a good head on your shoulders. Not every underclassman would take it that way.

Malik: I just… I know my time’s coming. I’ll get my minutes. Maybe even close some games. And if this is what helps us win now? That’s what matters.

Toby: (nodding) You’re right about that. You’re still going to be a huge part of what we do — your energy, your versatility, the way you defend wings and guards. Randolph gives us size and steadiness at the start. You bring the punch.

Malik: (grins) Tag team. Old bull, young bull.
[They both laugh.]

Toby: Exactly. And Malik — the way you’ve handled this? That’s leadership. You might not wear the captain’s title yet, but this is how you build trust in a locker room.

Malik: (quietly proud) Thanks, Coach. I just want to win.

Toby: Then we’re on the same page.

[Both men stand, and Malik offers Toby a quick handshake. They clasp firmly — coach to player, but with mutual respect.]



[Scene: St. Michael’s locker room after practice, the night before the first game of the conference tournament. The players are toweling off, chatting. Toby calls out to the team.]

Toby: Fellas,listen up real quick.

[The chatter quiets. The players look up attentively. Randolph Querry sits on the bench, untying his sneakers. Malik Jefferson straightens up from leaning against his locker.]

Toby: First off, I want to say how proud I am of this group. You’ve played your tails off all season, and we’ve got ourselves a shot at something special. But tournaments are about details, about chemistry, about every man knowing his role.

[He pauses, looks at Randolph.]

Toby: Randolph, you’ve been steady for us. Senior Night, you came up big — 12 points, 7 boards, and you held down the paint. More than that, you’ve given us leadership, toughness, and a calm presence we’ll need in tournament play. You’re starting tomorrow.

[The locker room reacts with a couple of fist pumps and nods. Randolph blinks, taken aback, then straightens up.]

Randolph: (quiet, with a Welsh lilt) Coach… thank you. Means a lot. I’ll give you everything I’ve got.

[The players nearest him clap him on the back. Malik is the first to step forward.]

Malik: (grinning) Let’s go, big fella. We got your back. Doesn’t matter who starts — we’re in this together.

Randolph: (smiles, pats Malik’s shoulder) Appreciate that, mate. You’ll be flying in soon enough.

Toby: That’s exactly the spirit I want. Malik, you’re still going to play a huge role — maybe even close games depending on matchups. We’ll need your energy and versatility. Randolph gives us that steady start, and you bring the punch.

[The team nods in agreement. Toby looks around the room.]

Toby: This is what it’s about. No egos, just Saints basketball.

Brenner Turnbull: (nods, smiling softly) Everybody up.

[The players and coaches meet in the center of the locker room, forming a huddle.]

Brenner: Saints on three. One. Two. Three.

Team: (shouting) Saints!

[They break the huddle, clapping and cheering. Randolph steps back, soaking it in, a proud, almost humbled smile on his face.]

[MoonlightGraham]

March 6, 2011

ST. MICHAEL'S Schedule

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
03/04/11 vs. Muhlenberg 7-23 322 W 57-40 28-4
03/05/11 vs. Haverford 11-20 250 W 94-83 29-4
03/06/11 vs. Swarthmore 23-10 125 W 74-67 30-4

The Saints responded well to the challenges of the Centennial Conference tournament. Their first opponent, #8 seed Muhlenberg, slowed the pace down to a crawl, hoping to frustrate the more talented Saints. But Toby Whittaker's team had demonstrated on several occasions their ability to win those kinds of games: against Harvard, against Franklin & Marshall, twice against Dickinson.

The semifinal resembled a different sport. Matt Caruso lit up Haverford for 43 points, breaking a Saints single game scoring record that had been on the books for 36 years. Matt went 10-for-17 from behind the three-point arc.

The final was a rematch of 2010s instant classic: St. Michael's vs. Swarthmore. Once again, the Maroon fought the Saints hard for 40 minutes in the championship game. In fact, they led Toby's team by four points on three separate occasions, the last time with only seven minutes to play. But, in the end, players like Caruso, Joe Greeley, and Jalen Wilson were more than the Maroon could contain, and Brenner Turnbull and Greeley controlled the paint at both ends. Brenner blocked four shots and Greeley three, and the Saints lifted the trophy on the strength of a 74-67 win.

For Coach Whittaker and his team, it was the third straight tournament championship. Juniors Caruso, Greeley, and Sandy Fancher had never failed to win the tourney; neither had Turnbull, who redshirted during Toby's first season.

And the victory was especially sweet for Randolph Querry. He started all three games, playing a total of 77 minutes. In that time, he scored 30 points, including 12 in the semifinal, and he grabbed 20 rebounds. Malik Jefferson adjusted to his new role as sixth man like a pro; the sophomore scored 23 points and pulled in 14 rebounds himself.

The Saints didn't need to win the tournament to earn an NCAA berth, but as Brenner put it, "We wanted to enter the NCAAs as our league champion. We know we'll face tough games and tough opponents, and winning creates a mindset that will sustain us."

[MoonlightGraham]

Elmridge Gazette
March 19, 2011

Caruso, Wilson Lead Saints Past San Jose State in NCAA Opener

By Daniel Harkins, Gazette Sports Desk

TAMPA, Fla. — March Madness has a way of testing the nerves of even the most seasoned teams. On Friday night in Florida, the St. Michael’s Saints passed that test.

With junior guard Matt Caruso drilling four three-pointers on his way to 21 points, and sophomore point guard Jalen Wilson playing with poise well beyond his years, the No. 5-seed Saints defeated No. 12–seed San Jose State, 70–62, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

The win gives St. Michael’s (31–4) a first-round victory in each of the last three seasons--a landmark for a team that is steadily building its reputation as one of the nation’s best mid-major programs. Next up: a second-round showdown with Cinderella candidate Mercer.

“This is what you dream about as a player,” Caruso said, grinning at the postgame podium. “March, the big stage, and your team counting on you. We weren’t perfect tonight, but we stuck together.”

Caruso was far from alone. Wilson, the coach’s son who grew up here in Elmridge, added 17 points and handled San Jose State’s full-court pressure with calm precision. His driving layup with 1:46 to go pushed the Saints’ lead to 65–59, effectively sealing the game.

Head coach Toby Whittaker, himself a former St. Michael’s star and the 1996 Centennial Conference Player of the Year, praised his team’s defensive effort. “We’re fourth in the nation in scoring defense for a reason,” Whittaker said. “Even when shots weren’t falling, our guys dug in and got stops.”

That defense held the Spartans (19–15) to 36 percent shooting from the floor. St. Michael’s also forced 16 turnovers, with senior forward Randolph Querry swiping three steals to go along with his 10 rebounds.

San Jose State was led by shooting guard William Cline, who poured in 22 points, but the Spartans never found consistent scoring outside of him.

Inside, Brenner Turnbull battled through double-teams to grab eight rebounds and block a shot, while Joe Greeley and reserve Sandy Fancher chipped in valuable minutes and combined for 14 points and 12 rebounds.

It was, fittingly, Caruso’s night. The junior captain hit two threes in the opening five minutes and closed the game at the line. When the horn sounded, he turned toward the large contingent of Saints fans who had made the trip from Pennsylvania, raising his arms in triumph.

“It feels like half of Elmridge is here,” Caruso said with a laugh. “We heard them the whole way.”


Fans React in St. Michael’s Village

Back home in St. Michael’s Village, the college-town neighborhood was buzzing. At The Cloister Café, students in Saints jerseys cheered each of Caruso’s buckets as the game aired on big screens.

“He’s been here three years, and he’s always come through for us,” said senior Emily DeAngelis. “Matt deserves this moment.”

At O’Malley’s Tavern, locals spoke with pride about Wilson’s clutch play. “That’s Carl’s boy,” said longtime resident Al Sanders. “You watch him out there, and you just know he’s the future of this program.”

The win keeps the Saints dancing, and for one more night at least, March Madness runs through Elmridge.

(5) #10 St. Michael's 70, (12) San Jose State 62

----------------------------------------------------------
San Jose State (19-15, 10-6):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Dan Worley C 34 6-8 0-1 5 13 1 3 12
Walter Stamps PF 31 1-5 0-0 1 7 1 4 2
Stewart Deel SF 31 1-9 0-0 2 2 1 5 2
William Cline SG 34 7-16 4-5 1 9 2 4 22
Freeman Clyde PG 25 3-6 2-4 3 5 2 3 10
James Jolly C 13 2-6 0-0 2 4 2 3 4
John Boney PG 21 0-4 5-7 1 1 2 2 5
Merlin Kunz PF 2 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
Peter Reeves SF 8 2-3 0-0 0 0 2 0 5

Turnovers: 16 (D.Worley 3, W.Stamps 1, S.Deel 2,
W.Cline 3, F.Clyde 2, J.Boney 5)
Blocked Shots: 4 (W.Stamps 1, S.Deel 1, J.Jolly 2)
Steals: 3 (S.Deel 1, W.Cline 2)
3P FGs: 7-20 (W.Stamps 0-1, S.Deel 0-3, W.Cline 4-9,
F.Clyde 2-5, J.Boney 0-1, P.Reeves 1-1)

St. Michael's (31-4, 13-1):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brenner Turnbull C 32 1-5 4-5 4 8 0 0 6
Joe Greeley PF 33 3-6 3-4 2 2 2 2 10
Randolph Querry SF 24 1-7 3-6 3 10 2 2 6
Matt Caruso SG 31 8-16 1-2 1 3 2 5 21
Jalen Wilson PG 34 7-12 2-4 0 1 1 1 17
Malik Jefferson SF 16 1-4 2-2 2 5 0 2 4
Sandy Fancher PF 11 2-2 0-1 2 5 3 0 4
Desmond Lee SG 8 1-4 0-1 0 2 1 0 2
Caleb Lear PG 5 0-1 0-0 0 0 1 0 0
Trevor McMillan C 3 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
Evan Carlucci SG 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 1 0

Turnovers: 7 (J.Greeley 2, R.Querry 2, M.Caruso 1,
M.Jefferson 2)
Blocked Shots: 5 (B.Turnbull 1, J.Greeley 3, T.McMillan
1)
Steals: 8 (B.Turnbull 1, R.Querry 3, M.Caruso 2,
J.Wilson 1, C.Lear 1)
3P FGs: 7-25 (B.Turnbull 0-1, J.Greeley 1-2, R.Querry
1-4, M.Caruso 4-10, J.Wilson 1-4, D.Lee 0-3, C.Lear
0-1)

Player of Game: SG Matt Caruso (STMIC)

[MoonlightGraham]

Elmridge Gazette
March 20, 2011

Caruso, Wilson Push Saints into Sweet 16

By Daniel Harkins, Gazette Sports Desk

TAMPA, Fla. — For only the second time in program history, St. Michael’s is headed to the Sweet 16.

Behind a clutch performance from junior guard Matt Caruso and the steady floor leadership of sophomore Jalen Wilson, the fifth-seeded Saints outlasted No. 13 Mercer, 79–65, in the NCAA South Regional on Sunday night.

Caruso poured in 20 points, knocking down four threes and going a perfect 4-for-4 at the line in the closing minutes. Wilson added 16 points and five assists, attacking the lane and keeping the Saints’ offense humming against Mercer’s swarming pressure.

“Matt and Jalen were terrific,” said head coach Toby Whittaker. “They made big shots, but more importantly, they made the right plays. That’s what you need in March.”

The Saints (32–4) built a nine-point halftime lead, but Mercer (22–12) refused to go away. Wing Donald Barboza was nearly unstoppable, scoring 23 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. When guard Jon Griffis buried a corner three to make it 60–56 with 7:08 left, the Bears’ fans roared and momentum seemed to tilt.

But St. Michael’s responded like the veteran team it has become. Caruso sank a three from the top of the arc, Wilson followed with a driving layup, and senior forward Randolph Querry added his third three of the night from the wing. In the span of 90 seconds, the Saints’ lead ballooned back to double digits.

“That’s who we are,” Caruso said afterward. “We don’t panic. We trust each other.”

Inside, Brenner Turnbull battled relentlessly, finishing with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and an emphatic four blocked shots. Fellow big man Joe Greeley matched him with 12 points of his own, while Querry contributed 11 to help extend his Saints career. Sophomore sixth man Malik Jefferson chipped in 8 points in 18 key minutes.

St. Michael’s shot 10-of-19 from behind the arc, their balance proving too much for a Mercer team that hit 11 threes of its own but couldn’t keep pace defensively.

That matchup comes with extra intrigue: back in November, St. Michael’s stunned the college basketball world by defeating the then-third ranked Wolfpack, 81–63, in the finals of the Preseason NIT at Madison Square Garden.

“That was a long time ago,” Whittaker said, careful not to let his players rest on past laurels. “They’ve gotten better, and so have we. March is a whole different season. But our guys know they can play with anybody.”

For St. Michael’s, it will be only their second appearance in the Sweet Sixteen — the first coming back in 2002.


Fans in Elmridge React

On College Street, the streets outside The Cloister Café and O’Malley’s Tavern filled quickly as word spread of the victory. Students and alumni spilled out in Saints jerseys, chanting “Sweet Sixteen” into the night.

“It feels like a dream,” said sophomore Hannah Morales. “We’ve always believed in this team, but to see them do it — it’s incredible.”

At Angelo's Pizza, the Wilson family’s regular postgame spot, the televisions replayed Jalen’s layup that pushed the Saints’ lead late. “That kid’s going to be a legend here,” said owner Tony DeLuca. “And he’s just getting started.”

----------------------------------------------------------
St. Michael's (32-4, 13-1):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brenner Turnbull C 34 5-8 2-4 4 11 0 0 12
Joe Greeley PF 33 5-12 1-4 0 6 2 2 12
Randolph Querry SF 22 4-8 0-0 0 4 1 1 11
Matt Caruso SG 36 6-11 4-4 0 5 4 2 20
Jalen Wilson PG 34 4-6 6-7 0 0 5 0 16
Malik Jefferson SF 18 3-4 2-3 1 2 0 0 8
Sandy Fancher PF 9 0-0 0-0 0 2 2 0 0
Desmond Lee PG 10 0-2 0-0 0 2 1 2 0
Trevor McMillan C 4 0-0 0-0 1 2 0 0 0

Turnovers: 13 (B.Turnbull 1, J.Greeley 1, M.Caruso 2,
J.Wilson 4, M.Jefferson 1, S.Fancher 1, D.Lee 3)
Blocked Shots: 4 (B.Turnbull 4)
Steals: 2 (J.Greeley 1, M.Caruso 1)
3P FGs: 10-19 (B.Turnbull 0-1, J.Greeley 1-3, R.Querry
3-5, M.Caruso 4-6, J.Wilson 2-2, D.Lee 0-2)

Mercer (22-12, 12-8):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brian Howells C 35 2-13 0-0 0 7 3 1 4
Aron Ault PF 16 0-3 1-2 0 1 0 1 1
Donald Barboza SF 31 10-20 0-0 6 11 0 2 23
Jon Griffis SG 35 6-10 0-0 3 6 0 3 16
Darnell Saul PG 28 5-11 0-0 3 5 2 5 13
Donny Davis PG 15 3-6 1-2 0 0 1 2 8
Scott Gerena PF 20 0-0 0-0 0 2 2 2 0
Jefferson Harlan SF 8 0-2 0-0 0 2 1 2 0
Conrad Vierra PF 6 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 0 0
Sherman Walsh C 5 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 13 (B.Howells 2, A.Ault 1, D.Barboza 3,
J.Griffis 3, D.Davis 1, S.Gerena 1, J.Harlan 2)
Blocked Shots: 4 (B.Howells 3, D.Barboza 1)
Steals: 5 (D.Saul 3, D.Davis 2)
3P FGs: 11-25 (B.Howells 0-2, A.Ault 0-1, D.Barboza
3-7, J.Griffis 4-5, D.Saul 3-7, D.Davis 1-2, J.Harlan
0-1)

Player of Game: SG Matt Caruso (STMIC)

[MoonlightGraham]

Philadelphia Inquirer
March 26, 2011

St. Michael’s Stuns No. 1 NC State, Marches Into Elite Eight

By Mike Jensen, Inquirer Staff Writer

NEW ORLEANS — The little Catholic college from the Main Line just knocked out the nation’s No. 1 team.

St. Michael’s 66, North Carolina State 55.

It wasn’t a fluke, either. For the second time this season, the Saints handled the Wolfpack — just as they did in November at Madison Square Garden. Only this time, the stakes were infinitely higher: a spot in the Elite Eight, the deepest NCAA Tournament run in school history.

“We weren’t intimidated then, and we weren’t intimidated tonight,” said head coach Toby Whittaker, his voice hoarse but steady. “Our guys have believed all year that they could play with anybody. They proved it again.”

The Saints (33–4) dictated tempo from the start, defending with discipline and pounding the ball inside. Junior forward Joe Greeley was the difference-maker, scoring 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting and grabbing four rebounds. He bullied NC State’s front line, earning Player of the Game honors.

“We wanted to attack their bigs,” Greeley said. “I knew if I kept working, the openings would come.”

Senior center Brenner Turnbull controlled the glass, pulling down 13 rebounds and swatting three shots. “That’s Brenner,” Whittaker said. “He’s been our anchor all year. No, fix that. All three years he's been here."

On the perimeter, Matt Caruso shook off a cold start to score 16 points, hitting four three-pointers, while sophomore point guard Jalen Wilson orchestrated the offense with poise, finishing with eight points and six assists.

Defensively, St. Michael’s smothered the Wolfpack (34–3). Sharpshooter Thomas Henry managed just three points on 1-for-7 shooting. Star forward Normand Branch, a likely professional lottery pick, went scoreless in 30 minutes, neutralized by a rotating cast of Greeley, Turnbull, senior Randolph Querry, and sophomore Malik Jefferson.

“They pushed us out of what we like to do,” NC State coach Mark Guerin admitted. “We didn’t get clean looks, and when we did, we didn’t hit them.”

The Wolfpack’s frustration showed: they committed nine turnovers, missed ten of their thirteen three-point attempts, and shot just 35 percent from the field.

By contrast, the Saints, while not flawless, executed when it mattered. A Wilson free throw gave them a double-digit lead with 4:12 to play. Caruso’s dagger three from the right wing made it 61–49 with 2:38 left, and the New Orleans crowd — with plenty of Saints fans who had made the trip south — erupted.

From there, it was a countdown to history.

“We talked in the huddle about leaving it all on the floor,” Caruso said. “Nobody wanted to go home.”
St. John's vs. Kentucky. For a program that only once before (2002) reached the Sweet Sixteen, the significance is hard to overstate.

Back on campus in Elmridge, students flooded St. Michael’s Village, chanting “S-A-I-N-T-S!” and waving flags down College Avenue. Local taverns and coffee shops were packed with alumni and townspeople who lingered long into the night.

“We’ve all been waiting for this,” said Saints freshman guard Desmond Lee, who chipped in four points off the bench. “But we’re not done yet.”

For now, though, St. Michael’s has authored the upset of March. The tiny school that few outside the region knew three years ago has just beaten the No. 1 team in America. Again.

And this time, the whole country noticed.

St. Michael's 66, North Carolina State 55

---------------------------------------------------------
St. Michael's (33-4, 13-1):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brenner Turnbull C 35 3-3 0-0 4 13 2 2 6
Joe Greeley PF 33 7-10 3-3 2 4 2 1 17
Randolph Querry SF 20 1-3 2-2 0 1 0 1 4
Matt Caruso SG 35 5-15 2-2 1 3 4 4 16
Jalen Wilson PG 36 1-3 5-6 1 3 6 1 8
Malik Jefferson SF 20 2-7 2-2 1 6 2 3 6
Sandy Fancher PF 9 0-0 1-2 0 3 0 2 1
Desmond Lee PG 5 2-2 0-0 0 1 0 2 4
Caleb Lear PG 2 0-1 0-0 0 0 1 0 0
Trevor McMillan C 3 1-2 0-0 0 0 0 1 2
Evan Carlucci SG 2 0-0 2-2 0 0 0 0 2

Turnovers: 12 (B.Turnbull 1, J.Greeley 3, M.Caruso 3,
J.Wilson 3, S.Fancher 1, D.Lee 1)
Blocked Shots: 7 (B.Turnbull 3, J.Greeley 2, M.Caruso
1, S.Fancher 1)
Steals: 2 (B.Turnbull 1, M.Jefferson 1)
3P FGs: 5-17 (M.Caruso 4-13, J.Wilson 1-2, M.Jefferson
0-1, C.Lear 0-1)

North Carolina State (34-3, 16-0):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Caleb Loftin C 37 3-7 4-5 3 6 2 1 10
Normand Branch PF 30 0-5 0-0 2 5 0 3 0
Franklyn Spinelli SF 33 7-15 1-1 2 2 0 0 16
Garry Plourde SG 18 2-5 1-2 2 6 0 4 5
Thomas Henry PG 37 1-7 0-0 1 1 5 3 3
Adrian Gerald SF 21 6-14 2-3 2 4 2 2 14
Paris Bushnell SF 7 2-2 0-0 0 2 0 1 5
David Cooks SF 3 0-0 0-0 0 0 1 1 0
Robert Baker PG 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
Joseph Dingess PF 10 0-0 2-2 0 1 0 0 2
Andrew Ready PF 2 0-1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 9 (C.Loftin 1, F.Spinelli 1, G.Plourde 4,
T.Henry 2, A.Gerald 1)
Blocked Shots: 3 (C.Loftin 2, N.Branch 1)
Steals: 5 (C.Loftin 1, N.Branch 2, F.Spinelli 1,
T.Henry 1)
3P FGs: 3-13 (F.Spinelli 1-5, G.Plourde 0-1, T.Henry
1-5, A.Gerald 0-1, P.Bushnell 1-1)

Player of Game: PF Joe Greeley (STMIC)

[MoonlightGraham]

Philadelphia Inquirer – March 28, 2011

St. Michael’s stuns St. John’s, reaches first Final Four

By Kevin Tatum | Inquirer Staff Writer

NEW ORLEANS – When St. Michael’s head coach Toby Whittaker gave senior forward Randolph Querry a ceremonial start on his Senior Night earlier this month, no one imagined it would turn into one of the defining lineup decisions of the Saints’ historic season.

Querry, a 6-foot-8 Welshman whose four years in navy and gold have been defined by grit more than glamour, has started every game since, and he rewarded his coach's faith again on Sunday. Querry poured in 13 points, hit three three-pointers, and set the defensive tone as St. Michael’s toppled second-seeded St. John’s, 59–46, in the NCAA South Regional final.

With the win, the Saints (34–4) earned their first trip to the Final Four, adding to a run that already includes November’s rout of then-No. 1 NC State and a string of tournament upsets.

“This is a dream I never thought I’d see through,” Querry said, his voice breaking as he stood amid a jubilant huddle of teammates. “Four years ago, I was just hoping to fit in. Now we’re headed to Houston.”

A defensive masterpiece

The Saints locked down the Red Storm (29–6), holding them to 34 percent shooting and just 18 second-half points. Senior forward Joe Greeley posted 12 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks, earning Player of the Game honors. Junior Matt Caruso matched Querry with 13 points, including a late three that iced the game, while sophomore point guard Jalen Wilson contributed 10 points and six clutch free throws.

“Every possession was a battle,” Whittaker said. “But Randolph gave us a spark, Joe anchored us inside, and our guards finished it off. That’s our formula.”

Storm silenced, Pickel bows out

For St. John’s, the loss marked a bitter end to a banner season and the closing chapter of David Pickel’s long coaching career. Pickel, who announced in February that he would retire at season’s end, watched his team turn it over 15 times and struggle to find rhythm against the Saints’ physical defense.

“We just couldn’t break them down,” Pickel said. “That group deserves everything they’re getting. They’re tough, disciplined, and they believe in each other. It’s hard for me to go out like this, but I tip my cap.”

Leading scorer Arthur Pitzer managed 11 points, while forward David Wimer was limited to just two.

Philly school, national stage

As the final buzzer sounded, Saints fans in navy and gold stormed the lower bowl of the Superdome, chanting “Final Four” as players embraced on the court. For a small Catholic school from the Philadelphia suburbs, it was the culmination of decades of striving for legitimacy on the national stage.

“This is for everybody back home,” Greeley said, clutching the South Regional trophy. “We’ve been building toward this. Now the whole country knows who St. Michael’s is.”

The Saints will face Maryland, the winner of the West Regional final, in Houston.

For Querry and his classmates, there’s one more week to stretch the dream.


----------------------------------------------------------
St. John's (29-6, 15-3):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Joey Francois C 34 3-9 1-1 5 10 2 2 7
David Wimer PF 35 1-2 0-0 2 7 1 3 2
Normand Calvo SF 14 2-3 2-2 0 0 2 5 8
Arthur Pitzer SG 27 4-10 0-0 1 4 2 0 11
Steven Limon PG 26 1-6 0-0 0 3 4 1 2
Gerard Norwood SF 23 4-10 0-0 1 8 0 2 8
Ken Weldon PG 21 2-7 1-2 0 2 0 2 6
Winston McAfee PF 6 0-2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
Larry Brunet SG 8 0-2 0-0 1 1 2 2 0
Alfred Hooten PG 5 1-4 0-0 0 0 0 0 2

Turnovers: 15 (J.Francois 3, D.Wimer 3, N.Calvo 1,
S.Limon 3, G.Norwood 2, K.Weldon 2, A.Hooten 1)
Blocked Shots: 8 (J.Francois 1, D.Wimer 6, S.Limon 1)
Steals: 6 (J.Francois 1, D.Wimer 1, S.Limon 1,
G.Norwood 1, L.Brunet 1, A.Hooten 1)
3P FGs: 6-15 (N.Calvo 2-2, A.Pitzer 3-7, S.Limon 0-2,
K.Weldon 1-2, L.Brunet 0-1, A.Hooten 0-1)

St. Michael's (34-4, 13-1):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brenner Turnbull C 35 0-3 2-2 1 7 2 2 2
Joe Greeley PF 32 5-13 0-0 3 11 1 2 12
Randolph Querry SF 22 3-8 4-4 2 2 0 0 13
Matt Caruso SG 34 5-13 1-3 1 3 2 2 13
Jalen Wilson PG 33 2-7 6-6 2 5 3 3 10
Malik Jefferson SF 18 2-5 2-2 1 4 1 1 6
Sandy Fancher PF 9 0-3 0-0 0 4 0 0 0
Desmond Lee PG 9 0-0 0-0 0 0 1 1 0
Caleb Lear PG 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
Trevor McMillan C 4 0-0 0-0 1 3 0 0 0
Evan Carlucci SG 4 1-1 0-0 0 0 0 0 3

Turnovers: 12 (J.Greeley 1, R.Querry 2, M.Caruso 2,
J.Wilson 4, M.Jefferson 1, S.Fancher 1, T.McMillan 1)
Blocked Shots: 9 (B.Turnbull 5, J.Greeley 2, J.Wilson
1, S.Fancher 1)
Steals: 5 (J.Wilson 3, M.Jefferson 1, S.Fancher 1)
3P FGs: 8-18 (J.Greeley 2-2, R.Querry 3-6, M.Caruso
2-7, J.Wilson 0-2, E.Carlucci 1-1)

Player of Game: PF Joe Greeley (STMIC)

[MoonlightGraham]

CollegeHoopsNow.com feature

St. Michael’s Cruises Past Maryland, 73-58, Into First National Championship Game

Houston, TX — April 2, 2011

St. Michael’s has officially arrived on college basketball’s biggest stage. In a commanding display of poise and teamwork, Saints toppled Maryland, 73-58, in the South Regional semifinal at the Toyota Center on Saturday, punching their ticket to the program’s second-ever Final Four.

The Saints, wearing their home white uniforms, imposed their tempo early, using stifling defense and smart ball movement to keep the more traditional powerhouse Maryland off balance. St. Michael’s, which entered the NCAA Tournament as a 5 seed, showcased why they’ve been a respected Division I program for years, blending experience, youth, and a fearless mentality.

“We knew Maryland had talent and history, but our guys played with confidence and discipline,” said coach Toby Whittaker, a former Saints star who played in a single NCAA tournament game in 1995. “Every player contributed. That’s what great teams do in March.”


Jalen Wilson Shines

Point guard Jalen Wilson, a sophomore, led the way with 20 points and seven assists, controlling the tempo and hitting three clutch three-pointers. Wilson’s leadership and composure under pressure earned him the game’s Player of the Game honors.

“Jalen was fantastic,” Whittaker said. “He made the right reads, knocked down shots when we needed them, and set the tone defensively. That’s what a true floor general does.”


Balanced Attack

Junior Matt Caruso added 16 points, with four rebounds and five assists, while sixth man Malik Jefferson chipped in 15 points, hitting key perimeter shots. Joe Greeley scored 9 points while grabbing 10 rebounds. Even role players like Desmond Lee and Sandy Fancher provided timely contributions, keeping Maryland from gaining any momentum.

Maryland kept pace through the first half thanks to Arden Bauman’s 25 points, but St. Michael’s tightened its defense after the break, holding the Terrapins to just 25 second-half points and forcing turnovers at critical moments. Bauman was the only Maryland player to score in double figures.


Maryland Coach Reacts

Gale Chitwood, coaching Maryland in what he called “a tough matchup against a hot, disciplined team,” praised the Saints. “St. Michael’s played with intelligence and confidence. They executed their game plan perfectly. We had chances, but they made the plays when it mattered.”


Fans React in Old Town Elmridge

Back home in Elmridge, fans celebrated the Saints’ triumph.

“They’ve been building this program for years, and you can see it on the court,” said Phoebe McAlister, owner of a coffee shop in Old Town. “The teamwork, the defense, the composure—it’s inspiring.”

High school math teacher and longtime Elmridge resident Tony Greco added, “I’ve watched these kids grow up, and to see them take down a program like Maryland? It’s unbelievable. They’re making history.”

College student and Saints supporter Mariah Benton said, “I’ve never been more proud. Brenner [Turnbull] and Jalen and Matt and the whole team—they just don’t quit. You can feel the energy in the city already.”

Looking Ahead

With the victory, the Saints earn the chance to play Connecticut for the national championship. For a program long respected in Division I circles but rarely spotlighted nationally, the win over Maryland cements their reputation as a legitimate contender for the national title.

“Our guys have dreamed about this since the first day of practice,” Whittaker said. “We’re going to enjoy tonight, but we know there’s more basketball to be played. We’re not done yet.”


St. Michael's 73, Maryland 58

----------------------------------------------------------
St. Michael's (35-4, 13-1):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brenner Turnbull C 32 1-1 0-0 3 4 0 1 2
Joe Greeley PF 30 3-11 2-4 3 10 4 3 9
Randolph Querry SF 18 1-6 0-0 1 2 1 0 3
Matt Caruso SG 35 6-12 0-0 4 9 5 2 16
Jalen Wilson PG 33 5-7 7-9 0 2 2 2 20
Malik Jefferson SF 21 5-12 4-4 0 2 2 4 15
Sandy Fancher PF 14 0-1 3-5 1 4 0 1 3
Desmond Lee SG 7 1-3 2-2 0 2 0 1 5
Caleb Lear PG 4 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 1 0
Trevor McMillan C 3 0-0 0-0 2 2 0 0 0
Evan Carlucci SG 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 14 (B.Turnbull 2, J.Greeley 2, R.Querry 2,
M.Caruso 3, J.Wilson 1, M.Jefferson 2, D.Lee 1,
T.McMillan 1)
Blocked Shots: 4 (B.Turnbull 1, J.Greeley 1,
M.Jefferson 1, S.Fancher 1)
Steals: 7 (B.Turnbull 2, J.Greeley 1, M.Caruso 3,
J.Wilson 1)
3P FGs: 11-22 (J.Greeley 1-4, R.Querry 1-4, M.Caruso
4-6, J.Wilson 3-4, M.Jefferson 1-1, D.Lee 1-3)

Maryland (26-12, 11-5):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Ahmed Thornton C 32 4-9 0-0 4 7 0 4 8
Leland Lebel PF 21 2-4 2-3 1 4 1 4 6
Edwin Muniz SF 29 1-5 1-1 2 9 4 3 3
Arden Bauman SG 32 9-14 2-3 3 3 2 4 25
Paul Bennett PG 30 3-10 2-2 2 5 1 3 8
Irvin Cavender PG 21 3-8 0-0 0 2 3 3 8
Brendan Meunier C 19 0-4 0-2 0 3 0 0 0
Charles Neale SG 5 0-0 0-0 0 0 1 2 0
Ronnie Ross C 8 0-2 0-0 1 1 1 0 0
Tyrese Goddard SF 2 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 15 (A.Thornton 2, L.Lebel 1, E.Muniz 2,
A.Bauman 3, P.Bennett 6, R.Ross 1)
Blocked Shots: 3 (A.Thornton 2, E.Muniz 1)
Steals: 5 (L.Lebel 1, A.Bauman 2, I.Cavender 1,
T.Goddard 1)
3P FGs: 7-20 (L.Lebel 0-1, A.Bauman 5-9, P.Bennett 0-3,
I.Cavender 2-5, B.Meunier 0-1, R.Ross 0-1)

Player of Game: PG Jalen Wilson (STMIC)

[MoonlightGraham]

April 4, 2011

Toby Whittaker had spent the morning in meetings, pacing between film sessions and a light shootaround. By early afternoon, he ducked back into the Saints’ team hotel in Houston, carrying his worn leather notebook, still muttering about Connecticut’s ball screens. The lobby buzzed with fans in navy and gold, a small pocket of Elmridge having traveled south to witness history.

He barely noticed the family standing by the fountain at first. A woman’s voice called softly:

“Toby.”

He turned—and froze. Claire was there, smiling, her hair pulled back, travel-tired but radiant. Beside her stood Nora, taller than he’d last held in his mind, and Grace, clutching a Saints pennant she must have bought at the arena store. Eli hung on to his mother’s hand, eyes wide at the hotel’s chandeliers.

For a beat, Toby didn’t move. He just stared, notebook still in his grip, as if his family had stepped right out of a dream.

Then the notebook fell to his side. He quickly picked it up, and he crossed the lobby in three long strides. Claire laughed as he pulled her into his arms, then stooped to wrap the kids in, too.

“What—what are you all doing here?” Toby’s voice cracked as he looked from one to the next.

Claire gave him that knowing look. “Did you really think we’d let you coach for a national championship without us?”

Nora grinned. “Surprise, Dad. We got in this morning.”

Grace waved the pennant. “We’re gonna cheer so loud you’ll hear us from the bench.”

Eli piped up shyly, “I wore a Saints shirt.” He pulled open his jacket to show the navy and gold.

Toby blinked hard and pressed a hand over his face, trying not to let the lobby see him tear up. “You don’t know what this means,” he said, finally finding his voice. “Having you here. Today of all days.”

Claire touched his arm gently. “We know exactly what it means.”

For the first time in weeks, the tightness in Toby’s chest eased. Surrounded by Claire and the kids, the game ahead suddenly felt less daunting. He wasn’t just a coach walking into the biggest night of his career. He was a husband and a father, grounded by the people who knew him best.

They lingered in the lobby, fans and players stealing glances, until Toby finally laughed and said, “All right, I’ve got to get upstairs before the staff thinks I’ve vanished. But tonight—you’ll be right there with me.”

Nora nudged him with a smile. “We wouldn’t miss it.”

[MoonlightGraham]

April 4, 2011, not long before tipoff


The Saints’ locker room in Houston hummed with nervous energy. Sneakers squeaked against tile, tape crinkled, and the air carried the faint tang of sweat and Gatorade. Players laced, stretched, bounced on their toes, waiting for Toby Whittaker’s words.

He stood in the center, hands in his pockets for a moment, looking around at his team. Matt Caruso was rolling his shoulders, headphones pulled down around his neck. Jalen Wilson dribbled an invisible ball in rhythm, eyes locked on some faraway rim. Brenner Turnbull leaned against his locker, calm but taut like a spring.

“Fellas,” Toby began, voice steady, “you’ve heard me talk about family all year. About how this thing we’ve built isn’t just a team, it’s a brotherhood. Something bigger than us.”

He paused, scanning the room. “But today… I got a reminder of what that really means.”

The players stilled, eyes on him.

“This afternoon, when I walked into the hotel lobby, my wife and kids were waiting for me. They came down here, surprised me, just to be with us for this moment. I can’t tell you how much that hit me. Because it reminded me—this game, this stage, it isn’t about pressure. It isn’t about fear. It’s about the people you do it for.”

Toby’s voice grew firmer. “You all have those people—your families, your friends, this school, this town back in Elmridge. And tonight, you’re playing for them. You’re playing for each other. That’s what will carry us through.”

He stepped closer to the players, lowering his tone. “Connecticut? They’re good. They’re tough. But do they have this? Do they have the bond in this room, or the fight we’ve shown since November? Remember who we are. Remember what we’ve done to get here.”

Then he raised his hand, signaling for the team to come together. “One last thing. My little girl Grace said she was gonna cheer so loud I’d hear her from the bench. So let’s make sure she—and everybody else who came here for us—gets a reason to cheer.”

The players surged in, hands stacked, eyes blazing.

Randolph Querry's voice rose. “Family on three,” he called out.

“ONE, TWO, THREE—FAMILY!”

The locker room shook with the roar, and Toby felt his chest swell. For the first time all tournament, he wasn’t just coaching with X’s and O’s—he was coaching with his heart, fueled by the family that had found him when he needed it most.

[MoonlightGraham]

April 4, 2011

If this were a Hollywood movie, the gritty, likeable underdogs from St. Michael's would complete their magical season with an upset of the mighty Connecticut Huskies in the national championship game. The Saints nearly wrote a storybook ending for themselves; it took 45 minutes of basketball for the Huskies to prevail, but prevail they did, by an 83-79 score.

The game was rugged and edgy. Both teams defended stoutly, forcing their opponents to take shots they didn't want to take. UConn's Tory Islas, who led all scorers with 26 points and was named Player of the Game, made only one of his three-point tries. St. Michael's leading scorer, Joe Greeley, scored almost half his 18 points from the line.

Both teams led by as many as six points. UConn was ahead 28-22 in the first half, and St. Michael's took a 60-54 lead on a Matt Caruso three-ball with 6:08 remaining. The Huskies fought back, and tied the score, 70-70, on a pair of free throws by David Dillman with 2:08 remaining in regulation. Nobody knew it then, but those would be the final points of the second half. St. Michael's last chance to win the game passed them by when they turned the ball over, and UConn's Islas misfired on a long three as time ran out.

Malik Jefferson, who had played his sixth man role so well all evening long, fouled out early in the extra period. Greeley had also been disqualified by then, so Toby Whittaker called on freshman Trevor McMillan, who had played only two minutes all night, pairing him with Brenner Turnbull to form a Twin Towers package. Trevor scored five of the Saints' nine points in overtime, including an old-fashioned three-point play.

"We had a few chances to keep the game alive," remembered assistant Carl Wilson. "But there was no single moment that won the game for them, or lost it for us. We proved we belonged on that stage tonight. That's what we're going to take away from this."

At the final buzzer, Toby Whittaker looked behind the Saints bench, spotting his wife and children. Tears glistened in his eyes, and he managed a smile that Claire mirrored, as she held the hands of her daughters. Nora had her arm around her younger brother. Years later, that would be the moment Toby would remember most from that night.

Toby sipped from a water bottle as he talked with the media after the game. His hair was tousled, and his face wore the marks of a long game and a long season. Here's what he said to the press:


On the game itself:
“That was forty-five minutes of basketball at the highest level. It was rugged, it was ugly at times, and it was beautiful at times. Our kids never flinched. They went toe-to-toe with Connecticut and put themselves in position to win a national championship. We just came up one or two possessions short.”

On UConn’s performance:
“Credit to them — they made the plays in overtime. Tory Islas is as good as advertised. You hold him to one three-pointer and he still finds a way to score 26. That’s what great players do.”

On his team’s effort:
“We talk about toughness and family. You saw both of those tonight. Joe [Greeley] playing through foul trouble, Matt [Caruso] hitting big shots, Malik [Jefferson] coming in and changing the game before he fouled out. And then a freshman like Trevor [McMillan], who hadn’t been in that spot all year, comes in and gives us a spark in the national title game. That tells you everything about the heart in that locker room.”

On the pain of the loss:
“This hurts. It’s supposed to hurt. You don’t pour yourself into something for five months, get to this stage, and lose in overtime without feeling it. But I told the guys — don’t let that scoreboard define what we accomplished. St. Michael’s was on the last Monday night of the season. That’s forever.”

On his seniors:
“I wish I’d had a chance to get John [Markel] out there one more time, but just having him with us through this run mattered. He's in that walking boot, and he simply couldn't move well enough to play. Randolph [Querry], Brenner [Turnbull], Ernie [Elsam] — they’ll be Saints forever. They leave a legacy. They showed that our little school can play with anybody.”

On what this run means for the program:
“The thing about tonight is, I don’t think it’s the end of a story. I think it’s the beginning. This program isn’t going away. We’ll be back on this stage. And when we are, maybe we’ll finish the job.”


Three Saints players also took time to talk with the media.

Matt Caruso, junior guard

On what he’ll remember most:
“That moment when I hit the three to put us up six — I thought we had it. You could feel the energy shift. But the thing I’ll never forget isn’t the shot, it’s looking around the huddle in overtime and realizing how much I trusted every guy in there. We weren’t supposed to be here, and we were four minutes from winning it all. That’s something I’ll carry with me.”

On UConn’s defense:
“They made everything tough. Every cut, every catch, there was a body on you. But that’s the kind of game we like too. It was a fight, and we gave them everything.”


Joe Greeley, junior forward

On fouling out late:
“That’s the worst feeling in the world — sitting there helpless in overtime. I wanted one more chance to make a play. But that’s basketball. I’m proud of how Trevor stepped in, and how everyone kept battling. This group never quits.”

On the pain of the loss:
“It hurts. We were right there. But this isn’t the end of the story. We’ve got a lot of guys coming back, including me, and we’re going to build on this. Next year starts tomorrow.”


Jalen Wilson, sophomore point guard

On playing on the biggest stage:
“It felt huge during warmups and pregame. But once the ball went up, it was just basketball. I had nerves before tip, but Coach always says trust the work, and I did. We didn’t win, but we showed we belong here.”

On looking ahead:
“This isn’t the last time St. Michael’s is going to be in this game. That’s what I believe. We’ve got something special building. I want to help finish what we started tonight.”


Fan reactions back in Elmridge:


At O'Malley's Tavern, where a crowd of nearly 200 had gathered around every TV in sight, the final horn brought a hush — and then a long, loud ovation.

“They didn’t lose. They just ran out of time,” said Maureen Kelly, a retired teacher who taught Jalen Wilson pre-algebra in seventh grade. “Those boys gave us a season we’ll never forget.”

Darryl Jackson, a local barber, shook his head but smiled. “Four points in overtime against UConn? That's strong. They played their hearts out. Nobody in this town’s hanging their head.”

At Del Vecchio's, 12-year-old Liam O’Shea still had his face painted navy and gold. “I thought Trevor’s three-point play was gonna win it,” he said, his voice breaking a little. “I just… I just wanted them to get the trophy.”

Ellen Ramirez, whose family has had Saints season tickets for three generations, summed it up with tears in her eyes: “We all wanted the fairytale ending. But you know what? This story is even better. Because it’s real. Because it’s ours.”

[B][COLOR="Navy"]Connecticut 83, St. Michael's 79 (OT)[/COLOR][/B]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connecticut (30-9, 11-7):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Dante Timmons C 27 1-3 4-4 1 1 3 4 6
Richard Gelinas PF 25 1-1 0-0 1 8 1 4 2
George Bennett SF 15 6-9 0-1 0 2 0 5 14
Tory Islas SG 41 9-22 7-8 4 7 2 1 26
Zane O'Connell PG 42 5-10 1-2 0 4 5 3 13
David Dillman SF 30 1-4 9-12 2 3 0 4 11
Danny Shick PF 23 2-6 0-0 3 6 2 4 4
Julien Ghesquier SG 2 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
Corey Bucher PG 4 1-1 0-0 0 0 0 1 2
Armand Bonte SF 2 1-1 1-1 0 0 0 0 3
Mitch Minter C 14 0-0 2-2 0 1 1 1 2

Turnovers: 14 (D.Timmons 1, R.Gelinas 2, G.Bennett 1,
Z.O'Connell 5, D.Dillman 3, D.Shick 1, C.Bucher 1)
Blocked Shots: 3 (Z.O'Connell 1, D.Shick 1, M.Minter 1)
Steals: 8 (T.Islas 4, Z.O'Connell 1, D.Dillman 2,
D.Shick 1)
3P FGs: 5-15 (G.Bennett 2-3, T.Islas 1-8, Z.O'Connell
2-4)

St. Michael's (35-5, 13-1):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brenner Turnbull C 34 2-4 0-0 2 9 1 4 4
Joe Greeley PF 34 5-13 8-13 4 8 0 5 18
Randolph Querry SF 26 2-11 0-0 4 6 0 2 5
Matt Caruso SG 42 6-12 1-2 0 3 5 3 17
Jalen Wilson PG 39 4-5 2-2 0 1 5 3 11
Malik Jefferson SF 19 4-5 5-6 0 2 1 5 13
Sandy Fancher PF 14 1-1 0-0 0 1 1 1 2
Desmond Lee PG 9 0-0 2-2 0 2 2 2 2
Trevor McMillan C 6 2-3 3-3 0 1 0 0 7
Evan Carlucci SG 1 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 0 0
Ernie Elsam C 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 16 (B.Turnbull 1, J.Greeley 2, R.Querry 4,
M.Caruso 5, J.Wilson 2, S.Fancher 1, D.Lee 1)
Blocked Shots: 1 (B.Turnbull 1)
Steals: 5 (J.Wilson 4, S.Fancher 1)
3P FGs: 6-16 (B.Turnbull 0-1, J.Greeley 0-1, R.Querry
1-5, M.Caruso 4-7, J.Wilson 1-2)

[B][COLOR="Navy"]Player of Game: SG Tory Islas (UCONN)[/COLOR][/B]

[MoonlightGraham]

#10 ST. MICHAEL'S TEAM INFO

Current Performance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Team Prestige: 63 Record Vs 1-50: 8-3 Poll Rank: #10
Season Record: 35-5 Record Vs 51-100: 2-0 RPI Rank: #8
Conference Record: 13-1 Record Vs 101-200: 9-1
Home Record: 12-3 Record Vs 200+: 16-1


Team Stats CR NR Opp. Stats CR NR Margin CR NR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points 70.0 3 147 Points 58.6 1 4 Points 11.4 1 12
O.Reb 10.0 6 277 O.Reb 9.9 3 75 O.Reb 0.1 3 172
D.Reb 26.8 1 75 D.Reb 21.3 1 3 D.Reb 5.5 1 2
Rebounds 36.9 5 157 Rebounds 31.2 1 5 Rebounds 5.6 1 12
Assists 13.9 2 117 Assists 11.6 1 17 Assists 2.2 1 37
Steals 5.6 4 173 Steals 5.7 4 181 Steals -0.1 4 167
Blocks 6.4 1 15 Blocks 3.1 2 101 Blocks 3.3 1 9
Turnovers 13.9 5 204 Turnovers 13.7 3 179 Turnovers 0.2 4 194
Fouls 15.6 1 5 Fouls 19.6 2 163 Fouls -4.0 1 3
FG% .455 2 27 FG% .384 1 6 FG% .070 1 7
FT% .746 1 10 FT% .704 7 327 FT% .042 1 48
3P% .368 2 54 3P% .339 6 185 3P% .030 2 68
PPS 1.36 1 2 PPS 1.05 1 4 PPS .314 1 1
Adj. FG% .524 2 20 Adj. FG% .443 1 8 Adj. FG% .081 2 9


Assistant Coach Ari Goldberg’s Analysis of St. Michael’s Stat Report

“Here’s what the numbers told me. We weren’t smoke and mirrors anymore. We were a top-10 team because we guarded like maniacs and made people miserable.

Defensively, it was off the charts. Opponents scored 58.6 points a night, third-best in the country, and shot 38%. That wasn’t an accident—that was discipline, toughness, and five guys moving on a string. Add in the rebounding margin—we grabbed over five more boards a night—and nobody got comfortable against us.

Offensively, we weren’t a fireworks show, but we were efficient. Nearly 46% from the floor, almost 37% from three, and 75% at the line. That adjusted field goal percentage—top-20 nationally—that was how we won games in March. We stretched defenses, we made free throws, and when teams slipped, we buried them.

Our shot-blocking? Best in the country at 6.4 a game. That was intimidation. Brenner, Joe, the bigs—they made guys rethink driving into the paint. And that foul margin—plus-4 per game. We were disciplined, the other team wasn’t so much. Simple math.

Now, what drove me nuts: turnovers and offensive boards. We gave it away 14 times a night. Fourteen. That was basically a box of free donuts for the other guy every game. We also didn’t crash the offensive glass hard enough. We were elite everywhere else, but there was room to squeeze two or three more possessions a night. That was the difference between cutting down nets and watching someone else do it.

Bottom line? We weren’t Cinderella. We weren’t underdogs. The numbers said we belonged. The only thing we had to fear was ourselves—mainly our butterfingers.”

#10 ST. MICHAEL'S Averages

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt Caruso SG 40 40 33.5 19.2 1.2 4.7 3.4 1.0 0.3 3.7 2.5 10.0
Brenner Turnbull C 40 40 32.5 5.8 2.6 9.3 1.7 0.7 3.3 1.6 2.0 9.2
Jalen Wilson PG 31 31 31.2 9.0 0.6 2.0 3.2 1.5 0.1 2.0 2.6 11.4
Joe Greeley PF 40 40 30.7 14.2 2.1 6.5 1.3 0.4 1.5 1.6 2.4 9.3
Malik Jefferson SF 40 30 25.8 9.0 1.1 5.2 1.9 0.7 0.2 1.7 2.6 9.5
Sandy Fancher PF 40 0 12.6 3.0 1.1 4.2 0.6 0.3 0.5 0.7 1.2 3.0
Desmond Lee SG 40 0 11.9 3.7 0.2 1.3 0.9 0.4 0.1 0.9 1.0 1.7
Caleb Lear PG 34 9 11.4 1.9 0.1 0.9 0.9 0.4 0.0 0.7 0.8 1.2
Randolph Querry SF 31 10 9.1 2.9 0.6 1.7 0.3 0.5 0.1 0.7 0.5 1.0
Evan Carlucci SG 38 0 7.6 3.1 0.3 0.8 0.5 0.1 0.1 0.7 0.5 2.3
Sean O'Reilly PG 8 0 5.1 0.9 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.0 0.8 0.6 1.1
Trevor McMillan C 38 0 4.3 1.1 0.5 1.4 0.3 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.2 1.5
Ernie Elsam C 3 0 1.7 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.3 -1.0
Roy Ross SG 2 0 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0
John Markel PF 3 0 1.3 0.0 0.3 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.7

#10 ST. MICHAEL'S Totals

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt Caruso SG 40 40 1340 767 49 189 137 38 11 148 101 399
Brenner Turnbull C 40 40 1298 233 102 370 66 26 133 64 78 367
Jalen Wilson PG 31 31 967 278 20 61 99 47 3 61 80 352
Joe Greeley PF 40 40 1228 566 84 258 51 16 60 62 95 370
Malik Jefferson SF 40 30 1032 361 42 207 75 29 7 69 103 379
Sandy Fancher PF 40 0 503 121 43 167 22 11 21 27 47 118
Desmond Lee SG 40 0 474 147 7 52 34 14 2 37 41 66
Caleb Lear PG 34 9 386 65 4 29 31 15 1 25 26 40
Randolph Querry SF 31 10 283 91 20 54 9 14 2 23 17 32
Evan Carlucci SG 38 0 288 118 10 29 18 5 2 26 20 88
Sean O'Reilly PG 8 0 41 7 0 1 1 2 0 6 5 9
Trevor McMillan C 38 0 164 42 19 54 11 7 14 7 8 56
Ernie Elsam C 3 0 5 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 -3
Roy Ross SG 2 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0
John Markel PF 3 0 4 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 2

#10 ST. MICHAEL'S Shooting

Player Pos Fgm Fga Fg% Ftm Fta Ft% 3pm 3pa 3p% PPS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt Caruso SG 263 546 .482 108 138 .783 133 307 .433 1.40
Brenner Turnbull C 84 171 .491 53 72 .736 12 50 .240 1.36
Jalen Wilson PG 81 177 .458 85 101 .842 31 90 .344 1.57
Joe Greeley PF 184 417 .441 173 251 .689 25 82 .305 1.36
Malik Jefferson SF 134 303 .442 87 106 .821 6 24 .250 1.19
Sandy Fancher PF 44 97 .454 24 34 .706 9 29 .310 1.25
Desmond Lee SG 46 107 .430 32 47 .681 23 59 .390 1.37
Caleb Lear PG 21 51 .412 14 28 .500 9 29 .310 1.27
Randolph Querry SF 28 81 .346 22 32 .688 13 39 .333 1.12
Evan Carlucci SG 32 74 .432 32 37 .865 22 58 .379 1.59
Sean O'Reilly PG 3 6 .500 0 0 .000 1 3 .333 1.17
Trevor McMillan C 14 27 .519 13 16 .813 1 4 .250 1.56
Ernie Elsam C 2 2 1.000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 2.00
Roy Ross SG 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0.00
John Markel PF 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0.00

[MoonlightGraham]

2010 CENTENNIAL AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

SR SF James Bisson Ursinus 14.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.9 APG 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR PG Renato Dunning Ursinus 12.3 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.5 APG 1.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Coach of the Year:
James Reinhart Ursinus 26 - 6 (12 - 2)

All-league 1st Team:
C SR Brenner Turnbull St. Michael's 5.8 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 3.3 BPG
PF JR Justin Favela Ursinus 11.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 2.2 BPG
SF SR James Bisson Ursinus 14.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SG JR Matt Caruso St. Michael's 19.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PG SO Stuart Drennen Johns Hopkins 15.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C SR Donnell Lunt Johns Hopkins 5.6 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.2 BPG
PF JR Joe Greeley St. Michael's 14.2 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.4 SPG, 1.5 BPG
SF JR Sidney Zorn Swarthmore 14.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SG JR Dave Knorr Ursinus 16.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG SR Silas Szymanski Swarthmore 8.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Trevor McMillan St. Michael's 1.1 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG
PF FR Jimmie Kim Muhlenberg 6.6 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG
SF FR Cleveland McElroy Johns Hopkins 7.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SG FR Dylan Schaaf Dickinson 7.9 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG FR Renato Dunning Ursinus 12.3 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG

The vote for PotY had to have been close. James Bisson and Matt Caruso were both versatile wings who impacted the game in many ways. It's hard to argue against the eventual winner.

Brenner Turnbull's career deserves a closer look. He was a three-time All-Centennial Conference first team selection; Toby Whittaker earned this honor, but I'm not sure how many others did so. It's not a long list.

Brenner was a god-tier classic big man. His 356 career blocked shots is not only over 100 more than anyone else in St. Michael's history; it's the career record for the Centennial Conference. And Brenner did this in three years, not four. Each of those three seasons ranks among the top four in school history. Had the big man from Tennessee played another season, he almost certainly would have broken the St. Michael's and Centennial Conference career records for rebounding, too. I thought Brenner might get good news on Draft Night, but his name wasn't called.

I hope we see another like him, but I'm not counting on it.

James Reinhart's guidance of Ursinus to a spectacular season and an NCAA at-large tournament berth was a big deal. He thereby took the Coach of the Year award from a man who led his team to the national final. :)


2010 Recruiting Rankings

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
77. St. Michael's Centennial PF Connor Del Vecchio *** 0 0 3 0 0
89. Haverford Centennial SG Evan Gerena *** 0 0 3 0 1
130. Ursinus Centennial SG Ira Hailey *** 0 0 2 0 0
217. Swarthmore Centennial PG Alex Avent *** 0 0 1 2 0
273. Johns Hopkins Centennial PF Malcolm Swink *** 0 0 1 1 0
296. Franklin & Marshall Centennial SG Jerry Safford ** 0 0 0 1 1
351. Dickinson Centennial C Bernard Valero * 0 0 0 0 1
364. Muhlenberg Centennial 0 0 0 0 0

A slew of three-star players were poised to make their Centennial Conference debuts in the fall of 2011. St. Michael's haul of three such players ranked them ahead of Haverford's, with Connor Del Vecchio predicted to be the most impactful.

[MoonlightGraham]

May 2011

The coaches of successful mid-major programs often get chances to prove they have what it takes at the next level. Such was the case in the spring of 2011, when Toby and a member of his staff received intriguing job offers.

North Carolina State coach Mark Guerin announced his retirement at the end of the season. Coach Guerin was a titan of the coaching world, with a total of 763 career victories that ranked second only to the legendary Gale Lines' 1052. The Wolfpack came calling for the young coach who had beaten them twice. Toby's reply was polite, but decisive. He was staying right where he was. That's also what he told St. John's, when they offered him the opportunity to succeed David Pickel.

And then, associate head coach Carl Wilson received some news.


Scene: Toby Whittaker’s office, The Pavilion, May 2011. The season is long over, the gym is quiet, and the late afternoon sun filters through the blinds. A half-finished cup of coffee sits on the table between them.

Toby: (leaning back, smiling faintly) So. Hartford, huh? They really came calling.

Carl: (nodding, almost sheepish) Yeah. Official offer this morning. Head coach. Division I, America East. It’s the kind of chance you work for your whole career. But leaving here? Leaving what we’ve built? That’s not an easy call.

Toby: (leans forward) You know as well as I do — this is already a good program. We’ve been dancing in March, we’ve got kids lined up who want to wear this jersey. You’re a huge part of that. Hartford knows it. That’s why they want you.

Carl: (half-smiles) And that’s why it’s hard. I’m not just leaving a job. I’d be leaving a contender. You’ve got us knocking on the door of something special here, Tob.

Toby: (quiet for a moment) I’ll be honest. I don’t want you to go. Not because I’m worried about us — we’ll be fine — but because you’re my friend. We started this thing together, and we’ve made it work.

Carl: (softly) I couldn’t ask for a better partner in this. You took a chance on me, and it changed everything.

Toby: (grins) If you stay, we keep building something big right here. If you go, you finally get the chair you’ve earned. Either way, you win. And I’ll back you a hundred percent.

Carl: (voice catches a little) My kids feel at home here. Jalen especially. He’s been running around this gym for years.

Toby: (laughs) He’s still got a locker here if he wants it. And if you’re in Hartford when he’s ready, you know we’ll play fair. But Carl — don’t let him be the reason you say no. This is your call, not his.

Carl: (nodding, thoughtful) Yeah. You’re right. It just means a lot, hearing you say that.

Toby: (reaches out, pulls Carl into a hug) Whatever you decide — you’re family. And if you’re wearing Hartford blue next fall, I’ll still be checking the box scores every night.

Carl: (manages a smile) Guess I can’t lose, huh?

Toby: Not a chance.

[MoonlightGraham]

Later that evening, 55 Orchard Street

Claire: (setting two mugs of tea on the table) You look like you’ve been carrying a weight around all day.

Toby: (sighs, rubbing his forehead) Carl got the offer. Head job at Hartford.

Claire: (sits down, surprised but not shocked) Oh. Wow. That’s… that’s a big deal for him.

Toby: It is. He deserves it. He’s put in the work, he’s brilliant with the game. But selfishly? I don’t want him to go.

Claire: (tilts her head, gentle) Because he’s your assistant, or because he’s your friend?

Toby: Both. We’ve built this thing together. He’s the X-and-O brain that keeps us sharp. And—he’s Carl. He’s been with me through every step of this run. You don’t just replace that.

Claire: (nods slowly) You knew this might happen, though. With the success the program’s had, people notice.

Toby: (half-smiles) Yeah, I did. Doesn’t make it easier. I tried to tell him he should do what’s best for him, but part of me wanted to say, “Stay. Stay and let’s see how far we can take this.”

Claire: (reaches across the table, touches his hand) You’ve always said you wanted to build a program that lifted people up, not held them back. If Carl’s ready, then that’s the next step for him.

Toby: (quietly) I know. I just hate the thought of losing that connection. The way he sees the game—he’s two steps ahead, always. And Jalen… he’s practically grown up in our gym.

Claire: (smiling softly) Jalen might want to stay where he's played for two years. And Carl isn’t disappearing off the face of the earth. Hartford isn’t that far.

Toby: (chuckles, finally taking a sip of tea) True. We’ll probably end up playing them in a non-conference game sooner or later.

Claire: (teasing) And you’d want to beat him, wouldn’t you?

Toby: (grinning now) Absolutely. But only because I respect him.

Claire: (squeezes his hand) Then tell him that. Tell him you want him here, but if he goes, you’ll still be proud. That’s what he needs to hear.

Toby: (softly, after a pause) You always know how to put things in perspective.

Claire: (smiling warmly) That’s my job. Yours is to coach basketball.

[MoonlightGraham]

Toby Whittaker's office, The Pavilion

(The office door creaks open. Jalen Wilson leans in, wearing a St. Michael's Basketball quarter-zip and khakis.

Jalen: Coach, you got a minute?

Toby: (looks up from a stack of papers, smiles) Always. Come in, Jalen. Please sit down.

(Jalen sits across from him, a little restless, tapping his fingers against his knee.)

Jalen: I just wanted to… clear something up. I know with my dad getting that Hartford offer, people probably figure I’m gone too. But I’m not. I’m staying.

Toby: (raises his eyebrows, surprised but steady) You’ve thought this through?

Jalen: Yeah. And it’s not just about Dad. Look, I love him, and I’m proud he’s got this shot. But St. Michael’s—it feels like home. I grew up in these gyms, around this program. It’s not just a place, it’s family.

Toby: (leans forward, voice softer) That means a lot to hear, Jalen.

Jalen: Plus… I believe in what we’re building here. We’ve already made noise in the tournament, and we’re not done yet. I want to be part of that. I want to help take this team even further. If I leave now, it feels like running away from something we started.

Toby: (nodding slowly, absorbing it) And you’ve talked about this with your dad?

Jalen: Yeah. He told me he’d support me no matter what. Honestly, I think he’s proud I’m making my own call. He knows this is where I want to be.

Toby: (smiles, a little moved) That’s a sign of maturity, Jalen. Most players your age, they follow the easier path. You’re choosing your own.

Jalen: (shrugs, but grins) Guess I learned from watching you two. You and Dad both—loyalty matters. And so does finishing what you start.

(A pause. Toby leans back in his chair, letting out a long breath, then stands and pats Jalen on the shoulder.)

Toby: Then I’m glad you’re with us. And I promise, whatever happens with your dad, this program will always have your back.

Jalen: (smiles, relieved) Thanks, Coach. That’s what I needed to know.

[MoonlightGraham]

The Wilson home, later that evening


(Carl sits at the kitchen table, Hartford paperwork spread out. Jalen walks in after a late workout, towel around his neck.)

Jalen: You’re still at it?

Carl (half-smile): Hard to turn the coach’s brain off. Hartford’s not a small move.

Jalen (sits across from him): I know. That’s why I wanted to tell you something. Coach Whittaker already knows, but I wanted to say it to you myself, too. I’m staying at St. Michael’s.

Carl (raises eyebrows): You sure about that? You’d have every reason to follow me if I left.

Jalen (shakes head): I’ve thought a lot about it. Brenner’s graduating, and that changes things. Next year, it’s on guys like me and Matt and Greeley to set the tone. If I left now, it’d feel like walking away from everything we’ve been building.

Carl (leaning in, listening closely): Go on.

Jalen: I want to win here. With Caruso, with Greeley, with Malik. This is our shot to prove we can carry it forward. And honestly, I need to prove—to myself and everyone else—that I’m more than the coach’s kid. Staying here, stepping into that role… that’s mine.

(Carl sits back, eyes softening. He nods slowly.)

Carl: You’re not just making a basketball decision. That’s leadership.

Jalen (quiet smile): Maybe. But it feels right.

(Carl reaches across the table, rests a hand on Jalen’s shoulder.)

Carl: No matter what happens with me, Hartford or St. Michael’s, you’ve already made the right call. You’re ready for that responsibility.

Jalen (softly): Thanks, Dad.

(Carl glances at the Hartford paperwork, then back at his son, pride flickering behind the weariness in his eyes. For once, the decision in front of him doesn’t feel so heavy.)

[MoonlightGraham]

Elmridge Gazette
June 10, 2011

Wilson Named Head Coach at Hartford; Son Jalen Stays True to Saints

By Mark Hanley, Gazette Staff Writer

ELMRIDGE — For Carl Wilson, the longtime St. Michael’s assistant, the dream has arrived. On Friday, the University of Hartford introduced Wilson as its new head men’s basketball coach.

For his son Jalen, the Saints’ starting point guard, the news changes little.

“I love my dad, and I’m proud of him,” Jalen said in a statement. “But my place is here. I came to St. Michael’s to play for this school, for this town, and for my teammates. That hasn’t changed. I’m excited to keep building on what we’ve started.”

Wilson’s move to Hartford marks the end of a six-year tenure at St. Michael’s in which he was credited as a steady hand on the bench and a key force in shaping the Saints’ Final Four roster. Hartford officials praised his reputation for player development and toughness in announcing the hire.

But in Elmridge, most talk centered on Jalen, who will be a junior in the fall. His decision to stay brought relief but not surprise.

“Jalen’s a Saint through and through,” said Pat Connolly, who runs a barber shop on Main Street. “He grew up in these gyms. We figured he’d stick, but it’s good to hear him say it out loud.”

St. Michael’s head coach Toby Whittaker struck a balance of pride and poignancy.

“I couldn’t be happier for Carl — he’s earned the right to run his own program,” Whittaker said. “And I couldn’t be prouder of Jalen. He’s not just a coach’s kid; he’s a leader. He’ll be a huge part of what we’re building here.”

Carl Wilson called the transition “bittersweet but right.”

“This is Jalen’s journey,” he said. “I’ll always be his dad, no matter what colors I’m wearing. I’ll be cheering for him every step of the way — except maybe once a year if we’re across from each other.”

After a March run that nearly ended in a national championship, the Saints will enter next season ranked in the national polls and eager to prove last year was no fluke.

And in Elmridge, there’s a sense of double pride — one Wilson leading his own program in Connecticut, another steering the Saints from the point.

[MoonlightGraham]

November 13, 2012

ST. MICHAEL'S General

Player # Pos Yr Ht Wt Sch Acd Status Hometown
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Desmond Lee 2 SG So 6-3 206 Yes 69 OK Ocean City, NJ
Matt Caruso 3 SF Sr 6-8 223 Yes 88 OK Rutherford, NJ
Roy Ross 4 SG Jr 6-3 208 No 57 Injured Elderton, PA
Caleb Lear 5 PG So 6-4 210 Yes 68 OK Oyster Bay, NY
Sean O'Reilly 10 PG So 5-11 181 Yes 80 OK Philadelphia, PA
Chris Donnelly 12 SF Fr 6-7 223 Yes 91 Redshirt Radnor, PA
Jalen Wilson 13 PG Jr 6-1 194 Yes 95 OK Elmridge, PA
Evan Carlucci 14 SG Jr 6-5 215 Yes 92 OK Center Valley, PA
Isaiah Pritchard 15 SF Fr 6-9 214 Yes 76 OK Ardmore, PA
Malik Jefferson 23 SF Jr 6-6 223 Yes 72 OK Springfield, PA
Joe Greeley 35 PF Sr 6-7 228 Yes 81 OK Georgetown, DE
Sandy Fancher 40 C Sr 6-10 260 Yes 77 OK Ridgely, MD
Connor Del Vecchio 44 PF Fr 6-9 252 Yes 98 OK Wyndmoor, PA
Charles Laird 50 C Fr 6-10 212 No 28 OK Omaha, NE
Trevor McMillan 54 C So 7-0 223 Yes 76 OK Hockessin, DE

Toby Whittaker was cautiously optimistic about the Saints' chances in 2011/12. "You don't replace a player like Brenner Turnbull," he said. "It's going to take a village. But, at the same time, we have a core of veteran players who have seen almost everything college basketball can send their way. They've won a lot of games and made deep tournament runs."

Seniors Matt Caruso and Joe Greeley certainly fit that description. Both were returning from breakout seasons; Joe, in particular, had been a wonderful surprise the season before. Both Matt and Joe could score, rebound, defend, and pass; Matt was an especially dangerous three-level scorer, while Joe was a stout post defender and a very good shot blocker for a 6'7" player.

A third senior, big man Sandy Fancher, was also slated to start. Sandy had paid his dues, backing up Brenner Turnbull and gradually earning more playing time. Now he was a versatile big, willing to do the tough jobs under both baskets.

The strongest presence in the locker room was, however, a junior: point guard Jalen Wilson. Jalen's decision to stay, rather than following his father to Hartford, spoke volumes about his commitment to his team and his teammates. He might never be a great shooter--except from the free throw line--but he was a creative passer and a secure ball-handler, at his best when the stakes were highest.

His classmate, Malik Jefferson, was set to return to the starting five after a late-season stint as the team's sixth man. Malik, like Fancher and Greeley, a gritty player who was willing to mix it up; this fall, he revealed a softer touch around the basket and a more effective mid-range shot.

Sophomores Desmond Lee and Trevor McMillan would be the first players off Toby's bench. Lee could handle any of the three perimeter spots, providing a burst of energy that could change the shape of a game. McMillan was, in assistant Charles Campbell's words, "the closest thing to a young Brenner Turnbull you could get."

Junior Evan Carlucci, sophomore Caleb Lear, and freshman Connor Del Vecchio would make up the rest of the team's rotation. Evan was a defense-stretching shooter; Lear was a distributor; Del Vecchio was a promising stretch big.

While Toby was careful not to big his team up too much publicly, he delivered a different message to them behind closed doors.

"You have a chance to do something special this year," he reminded them. "History is full of the story of teams that had one shining season, one deep tournament run. I think you can show people you aren't one of those teams. If you lock in and play the way I think you can play, you can play a lot of very meaningful basketball in March.

"Maybe in April again, too."

[MoonlightGraham]

Let's meet the newest member of the St. Michael's basketball family.

Daniel Bartley – Coaching Assistant, St. Michael’s Saints

Daniel Bartley joined the St. Michael’s staff in 2012 as a young coaching assistant, quickly earning a reputation as the program’s “X-and-O guy.” Just 26 years old at the time of his hire, Bartley represented the new wave of analytical, detail-driven minds coming into the college game.

A native of Decorah, Iowa, Bartley grew up in a small-town basketball culture where the high school gym doubled as the community center. He played point guard for Decorah High before attending Creighton University, graduating in 2008 with a degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education. Though he never played at the collegiate level, Bartley became deeply involved with the Bluejays’ basketball program, working as a student manager and later a graduate assistant. He developed a reputation for meticulous breakdowns of game film, innovative practice drills, and a knack for simplifying complex schemes so that players could execute them cleanly.

Before arriving at St. Michael’s, Bartley spent four years teaching high school math in Omaha while also serving as an assistant coach at a strong Nebraska Class A high school program. His ability to design offensive sets, scout opponents, and explain strategy in plain language quickly drew the attention of college staffs in the region.

Head coach Toby Whittaker brought Bartley on board in 2012, looking for someone who could add fresh tactical ideas and balance the staff’s strengths. Bartley quickly earned the trust of the players, who appreciate his approachable teaching style and his habit of staying late to help them study plays or go over film one-on-one.

Though young, Bartley has already made his mark as an innovator and communicator — a coach whose diagrams on the whiteboard often translate into baskets on the floor.

(In game terms, Bartley is a superb coaching assistant, with ratings of 54 for Offense and 74 for Defense.)


Daniel Bartley felt the weight of it, even if he doesn’t say so outright. He knew Carl Wilson wasn’t just an assistant — he was a pillar of the program, a local figure, Jalen’s father, and a bridge between the team and the community.

For Daniel, stepping into that space felt like replacing not just a coach but part of the school’s identity. He told himself he didn't need to replace Carl — nobody could — but he wanted to prove he belongs and earn respect in his own way.

Privately, he was a little nervous. At 26, first college job, surrounded by veterans like Toby and Charles Campbell, he wondered if players will see him as “the kid with the playbook.” But he was also energized: he saw himself as the X-and-O problem solver, the one who cwould bring fresh wrinkles and ideas, and he was eager to show Toby hired him for a reason.

And with Jalen still on the team, Daniel was careful. He didn't want to seem like he’s intruding on that father-son bond. Instead, he tried to build trust with Jalen and the other players by listening first, talking second.

[MoonlightGraham]

January 4, 2012

My Favorite Basketball Team
By Nora Whittaker
Grade 5
St. Aloysius School

This year the St. Michael’s Saints are having a season that feels very special. They have only lost one game so far, and I think they are proving that they can compete with any team in the country. Because my dad is the coach, I have been able to follow their journey closely, and I want to share what it has been like.

The season began in November at the Paradise Shootout, a tournament far from home in the Bahamas. I wasn't able to go, but I watched the games on TV, like many other Saints fans. The Saints won all three of their games there, beating Minnesota, Illinois State, and Louisville. The Louisville game was especially exciting because it came down to the last few minutes, and the Saints won 84–81. Starting the season 3–0 gave them a lot of confidence.

After that, the team kept winning. They beat Mount St. Mary’s by more than 30 points, and then they went to Louisville again and beat them on their own court. That showed how strong the Saints really are. Other wins came against Hartford, Richmond, Trinity, and Drake. Against Drake, the Saints held their opponent to only 46 points, which shows how tough their defense can be.

The first loss of the season happened at North Carolina, who was ranked number 3 in the nation. Even though the Saints lost 77–65, they played hard the whole game, and I think it showed they belonged on the same floor as a famous program like UNC.

Since then, they have gone right back to winning. Victories over Lehigh, Middlebury, Fordham, Vanderbilt, and Stanford have pushed their record to 15–1. It’s the best start I can remember them having. They are now ranked #11, moving up from #14 last week.

Two of my favorite players are Jalen Wilson, because he makes decisions and moves quickly, and Matt Caruso, because he shoots three-pointers with so much confidence. But I really cheer for the whole team, not just one or two people.

I believe the Saints will go far in the NCAA Tournament this year. They play with teamwork, energy, and heart. I am proud of them, and I am proud of my dad for being their coach.


Teacher’s Comment: Excellent work, Nora! You organized your essay so clearly, and your pride in your team really shines through. Wonderful job connecting details from the season to your feelings. A+

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11/13/11 vs. Minnesota 14-18 94 W 99-79 1-0
11/15/11 vs. Illinois State 16-15 56 W 75-57 2-0
11/17/11 vs. Louisville 19-13 36 W 84-81 3-0
11/19/11 Mount St. Mary's 14-17 190 W 78-42 4-0
11/23/11 at Louisville 19-13 36 W 82-73 5-0
11/26/11 Hartford 13-21 175 W 78-46 6-0
11/30/11 Richmond 11-20 118 W 74-65 7-0
12/03/11 at Trinity 16-15 227 W 82-53 8-0
12/07/11 at Drake 20-14 84 W 58-46 9-0
12/10/11 Norfolk State 16-15 81 W 92-69 10-0
12/14/11 at #3 North Carolina 27-10 9 L 77-65 10-1
12/17/11 Lehigh 17-15 128 W 80-31 11-1
12/21/11 at Middlebury 21-13 143 W 63-46 12-1
12/28/11 at Fordham 7-23 304 W 71-57 13-1
12/31/11 Vanderbilt 15-16 47 W 84-54 14-1
01/04/12 at Stanford 16-16 132 W 82-66 15-1

[MoonlightGraham]

Every basketball fan in the Philadelphia area knew Kyle Whitworth. The 6'8" wing from St. Michael’s College School was the kind of talent that made local fans stop in their tracks. Able to do almost anything on a basketball court and do it well, Kyle was the classic “can’t-miss” recruit. He was a high four-star recruit, the kind of player who would one day feature in the ACC, the Big East, maybe even a blueblood program across the country. Despite the fact he attended the high school founded to prepare students for St. Michael’s College, everyone assumed he would set his sights much higher than the local program.

That assumption lasted until January 28, 2012.

From the start, Kyle’s recruitment was unconventional. Toby Whittaker admitted recruiting Kyle was a reach. “If he hadn’t been right here,” Toby admitted, “we probably wouldn’t have taken a shot.”

Kyle politely declined St. Michael’s offers in June 2011. “I appreciate it, but I’m looking at bigger programs,” he told Charles Campbell, the Saints’ lead recruiter. It was a fair answer. For a player of Kyle’s size, skill, and upside, top-tier conferences were the obvious destination.

But Campbell saw something others did not: Kyle’s connection to the town, to the program, to the people who had watched him grow up. He stayed patient, calling, texting, sending personalized video breakdowns, and emphasizing how Kyle’s game would flourish in the Saints’ system. “It wasn’t about pressure,” Kyle later said. “It was about understanding me, my style, and my potential.”

Visits to larger schools offered spectacle, but St. Michael’s offered substance. Kyle watched practices, met with Coach Whittaker and his staff, and got to know the players who had played on national stages, including the Final Four run the previous season. “I saw how much these guys cared,” he said. “It wasn’t just about winning games — it was about building something that lasts."

By December, Kyle’s perspective had shifted. The big programs offered size, notoriety, and tradition, but St. Michael’s offered influence and growth. When he visited campus officially, walked the halls, and stayed overnight with the team, he felt it: the program’s culture, the fans, the history in a way even a local boy couldn't know them— and he felt the sense that he could be a cornerstone of the Saints’ future.

“We didn’t promise Kyle a starting job,” Toby recalled. “We’ve got Malik Jefferson, Desmond Lee, Evan Carlucci. Players who have thrived in our program, guys who have played in the Final Four. We promised him the opportunity to challenge them, to develop, to grow.

“I know Malik and Desmond will be ready to play college basketball next season. I hope Kyle will be.”

When Kyle finally committed, it was more than a recruiting victory; it was a statement. Kyle wasn’t the first local star to pick St. Michael’s. Jalen Wilson, from Elmridge High, was now a cornerstone of the Saints program. But, in all fairness to Jalen, he was a three-star prospect and the son of a Saints assistant coach. Kyle’s signing felt like something else. He had been courted by the nation’s elite conferences, and he had chosen home.
Elmridge celebrated, and Charles Campbell finally allowed himself a quiet smile. “Kyle understood that greatness isn’t only measured by the name on the jersey,” he said. “It’s about the stage, the opportunity, and the people you do it with."

Jalen Wilson understood. “I talked to Kyle about what it’s like to play in your home town. Sure, it creates an extra level of pressure, but at the same time, there's nothing like playing in front of people who have been here for you, every step of the way. It's a big reason why I'm not at Hartford with my dad."

At his signing ceremony, Kyle was his authentic self: quiet, reserved, humble. He wore his SMCS blazer and tie. His parents, Mark and Elaine, stood beside him; Mark was an accountant, and Elaine a nurse at a senior living center. Kyle's brother Liam, 14 years old and only three inches shorter than Kyle, had already caught the eye of the Saints staff.

Kyle's words that day were simple. "Everyone thought I’d pick a big conference school, but this felt right. The coaches, the team, the city — it all clicked. I’m ready to compete."

The navy-and-gold now had another local hero on the way — a versatile four-star wing who could have gone almost anywhere, but chose St. Michael’s, proving that sometimes the brightest lights shine closest to home.

[MoonlightGraham]

A peek behind the curtain...

I created two high schools for my fictional town of Elmridge when I set up my basketball world. Elmridge High School is the local public school. St. Michael's College School is a preparatory school, similar to Georgetown Prep, La Salle College School, or Iona Prep.

As you might have guessed, Jalen Wilson was placed into the game deliberately. When I let AI create families for Toby's assistant coaches, it decided Carl Wilson needed a son who was good at basketball. I admittedly made Jalen a three-star talent so I would have had a fair shot at recruiting him to play for St. Michael's, and that's how it turned out. Had another team signed Jalen instead, I would have another good story, as Carl and Jalen faced each other as opponents. In fact, the game has set that storyline up anyway, since Carl's success has opened the door for him at Hartford.

This year, the game added Kyle Whitworth to its pool of recruits and gave him SMCS as his high school team. Kyle spawned as a really, really good player: ranked #68 nationally, a top 10 player at his position, and the #3 player in the East. My first thought was "He's probably literally out of our league, but I'll see what happens."

Kyle initially had Average interest in playing for St. Michael's, probably because he could not be more local. I recruited him hard, and his interest moved to High in October. I nearly gave up on him then, because we were trailing Villanova and St. John's in the race to sign him. Both the Wildcats and the Red Storm had offered him scholarships.

Then, Kyle cut his list to three programs, and we were still there. Now I could bring him to campus, and in December St. John's pulled their offer. By now I was in it to win it. I'd signed two big men I liked a lot (you'll meet them soon), so I felt like rolling the dice with Kyle.

The dice came up big for us. :) That trip to the Final Four lets us shop in a different aisle now.

Had we not signed Kyle, he would have been a footnote, a minor mention in our recruiting story, the local star who's too good for the Centennial Conference. Thanks to a kind nod from the game, Kyle is now an important character.

Sometimes the game creates a really fun storyline, doesn't it? :)

[MoonlightGraham]

January 2012

Kyle Whitworth claimed most of the headlines from St. Michael's 2012 recruiting class, but he was far from the only promising player Toby Whittaker and his staff signed. Two big men with intriguing skill sets would be joining Whitworth on campus in the fall.

Andre Cartwright was described by recruiter Charles Campbell as a "tough-guy big." He meant that as a compliment, highlighting Andre's rugged post defense and lust for rebounds. Andre's offensive game was limited, but he showed some aptitude for low-post scoring. Toby envisioned the 6'9" product of Lebanon County, PA as a long-term project, a player who would learn from Trevor McMillan before growing into a player who could dominate the paint.

New Jersey native Cameron Corley wasn't rated quite as highly as Andre was, probably because the 6'9" forward lacked a signature skill. However, he could do most things a coach could ask him to do fairly well. Cam was big and strong enough to hold his own against big men, athletic enough to step out onto the wing. He was a good shooter for a power forward, almost worthy of the "stretch big" label. Cam's versatility could allow him to carve out a role quicker than Andre might, although he'd be competing with Whitworth for minutes on the wing.

On paper, at least, this would almost certainly be regarded as the best recruiting class of Toby's career. Shaping them into winning players would be the next--and more challenging--task.

[MoonlightGraham]

ST. MICHAEL'S Schedule

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
01/07/12 Haverford 11-19 200 W 69-40 16-1 (1-0)
01/12/12 Ursinus 24-9 54 W 80-68 17-1 (2-0)
01/14/12 Dickinson 9-21 213 W 81-51 18-1 (3-0)
01/19/12 at Franklin & Marshall 10-19 277 W 74-64 19-1 (4-0)
01/21/12 at Muhlenberg 17-16 101 W 76-58 20-1 (5-0)
01/26/12 Johns Hopkins 16-16 134 W 74-61 21-1 (6-0)
01/28/12 Swarthmore 21-13 85 W 77-59 22-1 (7-0)
01/30/12 at Arkansas-Little Rock 21-10 122 W 65-54 23-1
02/04/12 at Haverford 11-19 200 W 72-55 24-1 (8-0)
02/09/12 at Dickinson 9-21 213 W 78-52 25-1 (9-0)
02/11/12 at Ursinus 24-9 54 W 92-70 26-1 (10-0)
02/16/12 Muhlenberg 17-16 101 W 63-52 27-1 (11-0)
02/18/12 Franklin & Marshall 10-19 277 W 83-75 28-1 (12-0)
02/23/12 at Johns Hopkins 16-16 134 W 87-72 29-1 (13-0)
02/25/12 at Swarthmore 21-13 85 W 89-70 30-1 (14-0)

Back in November, St. Michael's welcomed back former assistant coach Carl Wilson, who brought his Hartford team to The Pavilion. The crowd gave Coach Wilson a standing ovation that brought tears to his eyes, and then the Saints rolled over his team by over thirty points.

For obvious reasons, Carl kept a close eye on the Saints. What did he have to say about their unbeaten romp through the Centennial Conference?

When you look at what St. Michael’s has done in the league this year, it’s nothing short of dominant," Wilson said. "It’s not just the wins, it’s the way they’ve taken care of business night after night. The Centennial can trip you up if you’re not locked in—those gyms are smaller, teams play with nothing to lose—but Toby’s group has been steady the whole way."

He pointed first to the steady hand of his son. "Jalen’s really grown into that role as the floor leader. He’s not just pushing the pace or making the extra pass, he’s dictating the whole tempo of games. He's playing like the veteran he is."

On the wings, Wilson praised Matt Caruso’s magical season. "Matt’s been electric. Twenty-plus a night, and he’s doing it with efficiency. He doesn’t force things, but when they need a bucket, he finds it. He’s the guy that bends defenses and makes everybody else’s job easier. And at the same time, he's playing D, rebounding, and finding open teammates. Matt has matured into a complete player."

And up front, Wilson noted the inside-out balance. "Joe Greeley and Malik Jefferson are a load. Joe’s so tough around the rim, and Malik has become that matchup nightmare. One night he’s putting up 18, the next he’s pulling down double-digit rebounds. You can’t key on one without giving up something to the other."

Wilson summed it up with quiet respect for the program he helped build. "It’s a complete team. Defense, rebounding, guard play, scoring from different spots. They’re not sneaking up on anybody anymore, and yet they keep finding ways to win. That’s what special seasons look like."

Toby Whittaker smiled when reporters brought up Carl’s words. “That means a lot, coming from Carl. He knows what it takes, because he helped build this thing brick by brick right alongside me. And he’s still family to all of us here.”

He paused, then added: “Carl’s right about the guys, too. Jalen’s really embraced being the quarterback of this team, and you can’t say enough about what Matt, Joe, and Malik are giving us every night. But I’ll tell you this—Carl also knows as well as I do that it’s never just the stars. It’s the whole locker room, from the starters to the scout guys who make practice hard every day. That’s the culture he helped create, and it’s still the heartbeat of this program.”

Toby finished with a nod. “We root for him in Hartford every chance we get, and I know he’s rooting for us. That bond doesn’t go away.”

[MoonlightGraham]

Top 25

# Team FPV Record Points Prv Conference
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. North Carolina State (72) 28-0 1800 1 Atlantic Coast Conference
2. Purdue 25-2 1725 2 Big Ten Conference
3. St. Michael's 30-1 1631 4 Centennial Conference
4. Marquette 21-7 1601 3 Big East Conference
5. Temple 24-5 1497 5 Atlantic 10 Conference
6. Duke 22-6 1429 6 Atlantic Coast Conference
7. Villanova 21-6 1322 8 Big East Conference
8. Tennessee 22-6 1291 7 Southeastern Conference
9. Saint Louis 22-6 1235 10 Atlantic 10 Conference
10. Georgia 22-6 1085 13 Southeastern Conference
11. Kentucky 20-8 988 14 Southeastern Conference
12. Houston 21-7 940 9 Conference USA
13. North Carolina 19-9 929 15 Atlantic Coast Conference
14. Seton Hall 21-7 855 20 Big East Conference
15. St. Bonaventure 23-5 832 12 Atlantic 10 Conference
16. IUPUI 27-3 812 17 Summit League
17. Georgetown 20-7 555 16 Big East Conference
18. St. John's 21-7 481 25 Big East Conference
19. San Diego 22-8 447 19 West Coast Conference
20. Texas-San Antonio 24-3 414 24 Southland Conference
21. Saint Mary's 22-9 314 18 West Coast Conference
22. Illinois-Chicago 23-7 289 21 Horizon League
23. Louisiana State 21-7 263 11 Southeastern Conference
24. Cleveland State 22-7 236 NR Horizon League
25. Southern Methodist 22-7 125 23 Conference USA

Others Receiving Votes:
East Carolina 19-8 87 Conference USA
Maryland 19-9 45 Atlantic Coast Conference
Rice 21-7 41 Conference USA
Arkansas 21-7 37 Southeastern Conference
Florida 19-9 36 Southeastern Conference
Winthrop 24-6 26 Big South Conference
Syracuse 20-8 25 Big East Conference
Nevada 21-6 7 Western Athletic Conference

As the Centennial Conference tournament began, St. Michael's occupied a seat at the head table of college basketball.

North Carolina State, a program against which Toby Whittaker's team had been matched the season before, was perhaps even better this time around. Two traditional Philly powerhouses, Temple and Villanova, joined the Saints in the Top Ten. The North Carolina team that beat the Saints in December was ranked as well.

The Saints entered the Centennial Conference tournament with the confidence a team with thirty wins and one loss could be expected to have. Their first round opponent was eight-seed Muhlenberg. The Mules had played well in November and December before slipping badly during conference play, going 4-10 in the league. Which team would show up? The one that had 13 wins by New Years Day, or the one the Saints had beaten twice by double digits?


March 2, 2012
Centennial Conference Tournament
The Palestra, Philadelphia, PA

Ray Kessler, the radio voice of St. Michael's basketball, described what happened in the game's final seconds.

"Johnson rises from the elbow—jumper for the win… it’s off the rim, no good! Price snares the rebound—one second—he goes back up against Greeley—AND IT FALLS! IT FALLS AT THE BUZZER! Tyrell Price, the junior center for Muhlenberg, tips it home, and the Mules have stunned St. Michael’s at the Palestra!"

(crowd roar in background)

"Oh my goodness… 87–86, the final score, and the Saints’ tournament run comes to an end in the cruelest possible fashion. James Johnson had the look, it rattled out, and Price was there—Johnny-on-the-spot—to beat the clock by the slimmest of margins."

"What a finish, what a heartbreaker. The Saints have given us a season for the ages, but tonight, it’s Muhlenberg moving on in the Centennial Conference tournament. St. Michael’s, 30–2, will wait now for the NCAA committee. We'll surely get good news on Selection Sunday, but for the moment, this arena belongs to Tyrell Price and the Mules."

[MoonlightGraham]

The Saints' shocking loss in the first round of the Centennial tournament might have cost them the opportunity to play their NCAA tournament games in a region close to home. Still, their 30-2 record and superb metrics earned them the top seed in the West Region.


The Saints' first stop was Columbus, Ohio, where they faced VCU.

Ray Kessler, voice of the Saints:

"Thirty seconds to play here in Columbus, and the Saints are closing it out. Wilson works it at the top, directing traffic—composed as always. Shot clock down to ten, Wilson dribbles right, hands off to Caruso. Matt rises from fifteen… GOOD! Matt Caruso, the senior captain, delivers once again—he’s got twenty-one, and that’s the knockout punch."

(crowd of Saints fans erupts, strong but not quite shocked—more like relief and pride)

"VCU hurries it back, quick three on the way—off the mark! Malik Jefferson snatches the rebound, and he’s fouled with eleven seconds to go. That’s been the story all night—Jefferson and Greeley controlling the glass, Wilson steady as ever, and Caruso rising to the moment, just like he’s done his whole career..."

"And listen to the crowd now—there’s confidence in this building. The Saints, the number one seed, the team that played for the national championship a year ago, are headed back to the round of 32. The horn sounds, and it’s final—St. Michael’s 71, VCU 62!"

(brief pause as crowd noise fills in)

"This program doesn’t just win games now, they expect to win. Toby Whittaker’s team is moving on, and once again the Saints look every bit like a contender on the national stage."


Next, the Saints faced a very good Pepperdine team.

Ray Kessler:

"One minute to go here in Columbus, and the Saints have left no doubt tonight. Pepperdine, a 22-win ballclub that came in with confidence, has been run off the floor by the depth and balance of St. Michael’s. It’s 86-73, Saints, and Desmond Lee—what a lift he’s given off the bench—he’s got twelve, and none bigger than that corner three midway through the second half when Pepperdine made their last push."

"Here come the Waves again, forced shot—no good, rebounded by Fancher, out to Wilson. Jalen slows it down, the junior point guard showing poise, just dribbling clock. Caruso flashes a smile to the bench, and Toby Whittaker signals to clear it out..."

"Shot clock under ten, Greeley with it on the block—turnaround jumper is pure. Joe Greeley, steady all night, puts the exclamation point on this one. Ninety to seventy-five."

(crowd swells with cheers as Pepperdine subs dribble it out)

"And there’s the horn! Final score—St. Michael’s 90, Pepperdine 75. The Saints roll into the Sweet Sixteen for the second straight year, behind 23 from Matt Caruso, 18 and 10 from Joe Greeley, Wilson’s floor leadership, and yes, the spark of sixth man Desmond Lee. He’s the kind of player who makes a good team great, and tonight he reminded everybody why depth matters in March."

"From Columbus, it’s St. Michael’s heading back to the regional semifinals. The Saints faithful are on their feet, and you can just feel it—they believe this team might be ready for another run to the very top."


On to Phoenix went Toby and his team. There, they met another tough opponent, #18 ranked Arkansas.

Ray Kessler on the call:

"Seventy-five seconds left here in Phoenix, and the Saints fans are on their feet. St. Michael’s 72, Arkansas 55, and what a clinic this has been in the second half. The substitutes are on the floor now—sophomore Caleb Lear, the backup point guard out of Oyster Bay, New York, bringing it up against token pressure."

"He swings it left for Connor Del Vecchio, the freshman from nearby Wynwood—local kid living the dream on the Sweet Sixteen stage. Now out high to Carlucci, the freshman shooting guard—quick trigger, but he wisely pulls it back. Ten to shoot."

"Desmond Lee, who has been so valuable off the bench all tournament, takes it at the top, crossover dribble, step-back three—bang! D-Lee puts the exclamation point on it! It’s 75–57, Saints..."

"Arkansas with a hurried shot, Roberson can’t finish, rebound McMillan, and the Saints can dribble it out. What a performance. From the senior captain Caruso to the bruising work of Joe Greeley and Sandy Fancher, to the steady leadership of Jalen Wilson, and yes—the depth pieces closing it out in style here tonight."

(horn sounds, crowd roars)

"Final score at the Desert Dome: St. Michael’s 75, Arkansas 57. The Saints are headed back to the Elite Eight! A dominant defensive effort, a balanced offense, and a complete statement by the number-one seed. Folks, the dream is alive and well for Toby Whittaker’s Saints."

[MoonlightGraham]

Eight teams still had a chance at the national championship, and St. Michael's was among them. The Saints faced Rice in the West Regional final.

The Owls were good. Very good. They finished third in Conference USA, trailing only the league's heavyweights: Houston and Memphis. They were ranked in the Top 20, and even higher in the RPI.


Here's Ray Kessler, calling the final thirty seconds:

"We’re down to the final half-minute here in Phoenix, and the Saints are about to stamp their ticket to the Final Four once again. St. Michael’s 73, Rice 52, and listen to this crowd roar—these fans have traveled across the country, and they are getting their money’s worth tonight."

"Matt Caruso, once again, has been simply sensational—25 points, steady all night long, the heartbeat of this team. Joe Greeley, the senior power forward, relentless inside, 17 points and 11 rebounds—he just wore down the Owls’ front line. And how about Desmond Lee off the bench? A huge spark, knocking down big shots and playing fearless defense when the Saints needed it most."

"Now the reserves are out there, dribbling this one out. Charles Laird with the catch at midcourt, hands to Caleb Lear, and that will do it. The horn sounds, and the celebration is on!"

(crowd erupts, St. Michael's pep band plays fight song)

"Final score from the Desert Dome in Phoenix: St. Michael’s 75, Rice 52. The Saints, led by Toby Whittaker, are heading back to the Final Four! Caruso, Greeley, and Lee delivered the goods, and the Saints delivered a masterpiece tonight. Folks, pack your bags—St. Michael’s is Final Four bound!"


The 2012 Final Four was held in New Orleans. The Saints players touched base with their professors concerning the work they would miss--Matt Caruso had to edit a paper for his Organic Chemistry seminar, and Jalen Wilson had some work for his Business Statistics course--and they got back in the gym to prepare for their next opponent.

Once again, that opponent would be the Wolfpack of North Carolina State.

NC State had a new coach. Earl Ulibarri had taken Memphis to three consecutive Elite Eights before he heard the siren's call of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Coach Ulibarri had the Pack playing like predators. Not for nothing were they the nation's top ranked team.

But the Saints were no longer considered a "Gee whiz, we're happy to be here!" kind of team. They were ranked third in the nation. They entered the game with a 34-2 record; the Wolfpack were 35-2. With all due respect to the teams playing in the other national semifinal, St. Bonaventure and Illinois-Chicago, many in the media considered the Wolfpack-Saints matchup, a battle of #1 seeds, the "true national championship game."

This game pitted a school with fewer than 2500 undergraduate students against an opponent that had ten times as many. But, as Ari Goldberg pointed out, "only five of them can be on the court at a time."

Claire Whittaker did not surprise her husband with a visit this time. She took Nora, Grace, and Eli out of school and came to New Orleans the day before the game. They appeared at the Superdome wearing matching navy t-shirts with gold lettering that read "And though we be but little, we are fierce"--an adaptation of Shakespeare's famous line from A Midsummer Night's Dream.


St. Michael’s 81, N.C. State 76

Saints Return to the National Championship Game

New Orleans — April 2, 2012

The Saints are going back.

One year after their storybook run ended with heartbreak in the national championship game, St. Michael’s of Pennsylvania is headed back to Monday night’s final. The Saints survived a furious charge from N.C. State and held on for an 81–76 victory in the Superdome, sending their navy-and-gold faithful into delirium.

This wasn’t the first time the two programs had met on a big stage. A season ago, the Saints stunned the Wolfpack in the Preseason NIT and then beat them again in March. The Pack came loaded for revenge.

“They’re a tough team, and they weren’t going to give us anything,” said senior guard Matt Caruso, who dazzled with 18 points and six assists. “We’ve been here before, and we know how hard it is. That experience helped us tonight.”

Caruso, the heartbeat of the Saints, got plenty of help. Senior forward Joe Greeley muscled his way to a team-high 21 points and 11 rebounds, while junior point guard Jalen Wilson added 15 points and five assists, steadying the offense each time N.C. State surged. Center Sandy Fancher contributed two big blocked shots, battling effectively with All-ACC big man Michael Holloway.

The Saints (34–2) led by as many as 13 in the first half, thanks to Greeley’s rebounding and Wilson’s perimeter shooting. But N.C. State clawed back behind dynamic guard Frank Spinelli, who poured in 24 points and nearly swung momentum to the Pack.

The decisive stretch came late in the second half. With the Saints up just 72–70, Caruso drove the lane through two defenders, then kicked out to Wilson for a dagger three in the corner. A possession later, sixth man Desmond Lee stepped in to draw a charge, igniting the Saints’ bench and their section of the dome.

“Plays like that win games,” head coach Toby Whittaker said. “This group knows how to respond to pressure. That’s what makes them special.”

Spinelli kept N.C. State alive with a deep three that cut the margin to 79–76 with 14 seconds left, but Caruso calmly buried two free throws to seal the victory.

Now, St. Michael’s returns to the national championship game for the second straight season—a remarkable feat for a college of just 2,500 students.

“This is why you come back after last year,” Caruso said. “We’ve got one more shot.”

[MoonlightGraham]

One More Sleep: Matt Caruso

The evening before the national championship, Matt Caruso kept things simple.

He wasn’t one for the Bourbon Street chaos outside, nor the big team dinners where everyone laughed to chase away nerves. After the Saints’ final walkthrough at the Superdome and a quiet meal with his teammates, Matt slipped back to his room at the team hotel.

On his desk was a stack of note cards — outlines from the biology seminar he was still responsible for when he got back to campus. His professors had teased him about balancing finals with the Final Four, but he didn’t mind. “It keeps me grounded,” he’d said. So he reviewed a few concepts, half to study, half to distract his mind.

Then he set the cards aside and took out the small spiral notebook he always carried. In neat handwriting, he wrote down three things:

Defend without fouling.

Trust Jalen to run the floor.

Enjoy every possession.

It wasn’t superstition so much as ritual — the act of distilling the game into something manageable.

Afterward, he connected with his family. His father, Dr. Anthony Caruso, was in town with Matt’s mother and younger sister, and Matt could hear the buzz of New Orleans in the background as they promised to be in their seats early. His mother told him she was proud of him no matter what happened. His dad said simply, “You’ve done it the right way, Matt. That’s what matters.”

Later, a few teammates — Greeley, Fancher, Wilson — drifted into his room. They stretched out on the floor, channel-surfed, and half-watched a movie while swapping stories about the last two years. It was the kind of low-key gathering that only veterans knew how to savor.

By midnight, the room was empty again. Matt stood at the window, looking out at the city lights and thinking about everything — the practices, the losses, the bonds that turned a small-school team into a national power. He whispered a short prayer, not for victory, but for peace and clarity when the ball went up.

Then he turned out the light, placed his notebook on the nightstand, and finally let himself rest. Tomorrow would be the last time he wore the St. Michael’s jersey.

[MoonlightGraham]

One More Sleep: Jalen Wilson

While Matt Caruso wound down with his notebook and biology flashcards, Jalen Wilson found himself restless.

He was only a junior, but he felt the weight of what was about to happen — not just a championship game, but the end of the Caruso era, the end of Greeley’s voice in the huddles, the end of Fancher's humor, and the end of sharing the floor with the seniors who had taught him how to survive and thrive in Division I.

Jalen wandered the hotel corridors for a while, earbuds in, listening to an old hip-hop playlist his dad had introduced him to. Then he ducked into the ballroom where the team had eaten dinner. It was dark now, chairs stacked, but he sat down anyway. The emptiness of the room gave him space to think.

He thought about his father, Carl Wilson, starting a new life at Hartford. For months, everyone had assumed he’d transfer, too. But he had stayed. Tonight, staring up at the chandeliers, Jalen felt a quiet pride about that decision. “This is where I belong,” he thought.

Back upstairs, he opened his laptop. Instead of scouting film, he pulled up an economics article for his seminar. He read a few pages, not absorbing much, then set it aside. His mind kept circling back to one thing: leadership. Tomorrow, Matt and Joe and Sandy would be gone. Next season, the locker room would look to him even more than they already did.

At about 11:30, he shot a quick text to Matt:

Appreciate you, bro. Gonna make sure we finish this the right way.

Matt responded a few minutes later with a simple thumbs-up.

Jalen lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. “Play loose. Be steady. My turn is coming.” That thought carried him into sleep, heart steady, mind already leaning toward both tomorrow’s challenge and what lay beyond it.

[MoonlightGraham]

One More Sleep: Charles Laird

Charles Laird, the freshman walk-on center from Omaha, kept things simple that night. He stayed in his hotel room after dinner, headphones on, listening to a playlist he’d built over the season—mostly mellow jazz and a few old rock songs. He’d brought a notebook and was scribbling through some thoughts, mostly reminders about what his role for tomorrow would be if he got in the game: box out hard, set solid screens, be ready for whatever the game demanded.

Charles had played 23 minutes in eight appearances this season. It was a far cry from his high school days, when he was a two-time All-Conference center who averaged a double-double his senior year. He would have almost certainly been a Division III star--he was 6'10", strong, and athletic--but he chose to enroll at St. Michael's and concentrate on helping Sandy Fancher, Joe Greeley, and Trevor McMillan become better players.

Unlike the starters, he didn’t feel the same spotlight, but he felt the weight of being ready in case Toby called his number. A few small rituals grounded him—making sure his sneakers were spotless, double-checking the laces, stretching carefully, and sipping a cup of chamomile tea he’d discovered at the hotel.

Before lights out, he sent a quick text to his family in Omaha: “Big game tomorrow. Wish you were here. Love you all.”

Then he leaned back in the chair, letting the quiet settle over him. He was nervous, sure, but he was also quietly excited—he was part of something bigger, and he wanted to be ready to help in any way he could. The hum of the city outside the window mixed with his steady breathing, and he drifted off to sleep thinking about screens, rebounds, and the sound of a cheering crowd.

[MoonlightGraham]

One More Sleep: Grace and Eli Whittaker

In the quiet hotel room, Grace and Eli lay under their blankets, eyes wide open in the dark. Grace, at eight, felt a little flutter of worry for her dad. “Do you think Daddy will win tomorrow?” she whispered to Eli.

Eli, six, shrugged, hugging his stuffed dog. “He’s Daddy. He’s gonna try really hard,” he said, his voice small but confident.

"Let's sneak out and go see Daddy," Grace whispered.

Eli shook his head. “Mommy would be mad. But… maybe it’s better we stay here. We can dream about the game.”

They lay back down, imagining the court and the crowd and their dad standing tall, calling plays, his calm voice cutting through the noise. The image made them smile. Even in the dark, they felt like they were right there with him, cheering him on.

Grace yawned. “Tomorrow’s going to be big.”

Eli nodded, eyes closing. “The biggest. But Daddy’s ready.”

Together, they drifted off to sleep, wrapped in the quiet excitement of the night before the game, knowing their dad’s team was just as ready as he was.

[MoonlightGraham]

One More Sleep: Nora Whittaker

Nora Whittaker lay on her side in the too-big hotel bed, the hum of the air conditioner filling the dark. Grace had already turned over and begun to breathe in her soft, steady way, and Eli was out cold, hugging the stuffed Saint Bernard he’d insisted on bringing along. But Nora’s eyes stayed open, her mind running in circles.

She thought about tomorrow. She thought about her dad, and how calm he always looked on TV, his arms crossed, his voice steady in huddles. But Nora knew that underneath, he carried the whole team like it was homework due the next morning. She remembered how he sometimes came home late and sat at the kitchen table with papers spread everywhere, quiet but serious.

Everyone at school had been talking about St. Michael’s since March, even the teachers. Nora had written that essay about the season, and she still couldn’t believe Mrs. Gallagher had read it aloud to the class. Now here she was, in New Orleans, and tomorrow her dad’s team was going to play for everything.

She hugged her pillow and tried to imagine what it would be like if they won — the confetti, the noise, the TV cameras zooming in on her dad. People in Elmridge would be talking about it for years. And if they lost? Well, she remembered last year, too. She remembered how quiet dinner had been after they came back from Houston.

But even if nobody else knew it, Nora felt like she understood. Her dad wanted to win for the players, for the school, for all of Elmridge — but also for them, his family. She felt that, even if he never said it.

As her eyelids grew heavy, she made a little promise to herself: no matter what happened tomorrow, she would clap and cheer the loudest she could. Because maybe her dad needed to see her face in the stands, to remember that he wasn’t carrying it all alone.

With that thought, Nora finally let herself drift to sleep, dreaming of nets being cut and her dad smiling, really smiling, in a way she hoped she’d never forget.

[MoonlightGraham]

One More Sleep: Claire Dempsey Whittaker

Claire Whittaker had spent the whole day keeping the kids moving so Toby could focus on tomorrow's game. A walk down Canal Street in the morning, a stop for beignets that ended with Eli wearing half the powdered sugar, an afternoon of sightseeing that mostly dissolved into Grace dragging her notebook around, sketching street musicians. By the time evening fell, the kids were happily worn out, buzzing with the strange excitement of being in a big city for something they understood was a big deal.

As Toby ate dinner with his assistants and players, Claire sat by the window of the hotel room she shared with the kids, looking down at the glowing French Quarter. She was proud of Toby — more than proud, really. The boy she had met back in college had turned into a man who carried an entire program on his back, who was about to coach his second national championship game in as many years. And yet she knew, better than anyone, that under all that polish and calm was Toby, who still worried about whether he’d done enough.

She tucked Eli in first, listening to him chatter sleepily about the “big game” and whether the Saints’ mascot could beat a wolf in a fight. Grace was next, her braid half-finished because she’d fallen asleep mid-conversation about whether she’d see herself on TV tomorrow. Nora, though, stayed awake a little longer, wanting to talk about the story she was writing for English — something about heroes and what makes them different from regular people. Claire smiled at that, kissed her eldest on the forehead, and finally dimmed the lights.

When Toby stopped by the room later, she could see the weight in his shoulders, the way he tried to carry it alone. She let him. And when he finally admitted, in a low voice, that he hated not knowing if tomorrow would bring triumph or heartbreak, she squeezed his hand.

“They already have what you've helped them build...a real team,” she told him softly. “You’ve given them that. Whatever the score says tomorrow, you’ve already won.”

After he left, she lingered a little by the window, listening to the hum of the city. For Claire, the game tomorrow wasn’t about trophies or polls. It was about the man she loved, the father of her kids, getting another moment on the stage he had dreamed of for so long. She only hoped he’d allow himself to feel it — really feel it — no matter what the scoreboard said when the final buzzer sounded.

[MoonlightGraham]

One More Sleep: Toby Whittaker

That night in New Orleans, Toby Whittaker let himself step out of the coach’s grind for just a little while.

After the team dinner and his final meeting with the staff, he didn’t bury himself in scouting film like he usually did. He had already gone over every angle of the opponent twice that day, and his assistants had the details locked down. Instead, he texted Claire and walked down the hall to the room where she and the kids were staying.

Up in their room, he found Nora sprawled on the bed with a book, Grace braiding Eli’s hair into a goofy topknot, and Claire perched by the window with a glass of iced tea. They looked so normal, so themselves, that Toby felt the tension in his shoulders slip away the second he walked in.

For the next hour, they didn’t talk basketball at all. Eli told a story about his teacher falling asleep during a video; Grace described an art project; Nora wanted her dad’s thoughts on a story she was writing for English. Claire asked about his suit for tomorrow, teased him that the tie she picked last year had become his “lucky” one.

Eventually, the kids drifted off — Eli on the pull-out, Nora and Grace whispering in the other bed. Toby and Claire sat quietly together, watching the lights of New Orleans flicker through the window. He admitted he felt both excitement and dread, knowing this was Matt’s and Joe’s and Sandy's last ride, knowing how thin the line was between joy and heartbreak.

Claire took his hand. “No matter what happens, they already wrote the story of a lifetime,” she said.

He nodded, letting that sink in. A coach can’t say those words to his team — not yet — but from Claire, they felt like permission to breathe.

By midnight, he slipped back to his room. The hallways were quiet, players tucked in, staff prepping. Alone in his room, he opened his playbook one last time, not because he needed to, but because it was his ritual. Then he turned off the light, thinking not about X’s and O’s, but about the faces of the young men who would step into history with him tomorrow.

[MoonlightGraham]

NCAA Championship Game
The Louisiana Superdome
April 2, 2012

One national commentator referred to this championship game as "a contest between two of the most lovable finalists we've ever seen."

Despite the Saints' trip to last year's final, their 35 wins, and their #3 ranking, they weren't considered a "blue blood," a traditional powerhouse like Georgetown or Tennessee or N.C. State.

Their opponent, Illinois-Chicago, was the kind of Cinderella with whom neutral fans always fell in love. The Flames were a #9 seed who upset St. Bonaventure on Saturday night. But they'd been challenging for a seat at the big table for a few years now. Their coach, David Martineau, in his first year in Chicago after a successful run at California, was one of the most astute X-and-O coaches in the business. They featured the nation's leading scorer, guard King Rendon. This Cinderella was far from star-struck, even if it was her first time dancing until the end of the ball.


Mike Donnelly and Ahmad Rice had the call on the national TV broadcast of the championship game. Donnelly, from Chicago, was a highly respected play-by-play man who cut his teeth in the Big Ten before going national in 1998. Rice was a former All-American guard at Texas Tech, and after a fine ten-year professional career--mostly as a valuable sixth man--he began a broadcasting career that led him from studio work to courtside.

Mike Donnelly (play-by-play):
“Welcome to New Orleans and the Superdome — the stage is set for the national championship. The Illinois-Chicago Flames, making their first trip to this game, against the Saints of St. Michael’s, who’ve fought their way back to the title tilt for the second straight year. The tap is up — Caron Rosario controls it, and here we go.”

Ahmad Rice (color):
“Rosario’s the senior anchor inside, Mike. He’s not flashy, but he’s steady — and he’ll test St. Michael’s right away with his size and footwork on the block.”

Donnelly:
“Theodore Marker brings it across for the Flames — a junior, crafty with the ball. He swings to Rendon on the wing… Bragg flashes high, looking for Rosario inside… good catch against Fancher… turn, hook — short, and Greeley clears the glass.”

Rice:
“Nice early work by Sandy Fancher there, holding his ground. That’s a key matchup — if Fancher can make Rosario work, the Saints are in good shape.”

Donnelly:
“Now St. Michael’s with their first touch. Wilson, the junior point guard, directing traffic — gets it to Caruso on the wing… Fancher flashes baseline, Jefferson up top… Greeley posting… Wilson still with it, probing… bounce to Greeley… backing down, jump-hook — and it drops! The Saints strike first.”

Rice:
“That’s what Joe Greeley gives you. He’s not just a defender; he can score with his back to the basket. That’s a confidence booster early for the big fella.”

Donnelly:
“Saints two, Flames nothing, just underway in the national championship game.”

***

Mike Donnelly (play-by-play):
“Thirteen minutes to play in the first half, Illinois-Chicago leading by one. Jalen Wilson brings it up the court, controlling the tempo, with Caruso perched on the wing… St. Michael’s looking to assert themselves early.”

Ahmad Rice (color):
“Watch Wilson here — he’s the conductor, directing that offense. And with Greeley down low, they’ve got a classic inside-out combo. If Rosario helps too early, Greeley can punish them inside.”

Donnelly:
“Wilson crosses halfcourt, Marker on him tight. He swings left to Caruso… drives hard, steps around Bragg… baseline pull-up — blocked by Rosario!”

Rice:
“That’s the senior center showing why he’s the anchor. Caruso thought he had a clean lane, but Rosario read it perfectly.”

Donnelly:
“Wilson is still on the move — pulls it back, calling for Greeley… sets the pick with Jefferson… Wilson uses it, threads the pass inside — Greeley rises — slam dunk! Saints take the lead, 14–13.”

Rice:
“Beautiful execution! Wilson held the ball just long enough to freeze the defense. Rosario bites on the guard — and Greeley finishes with authority. That’s basketball IQ and timing right there.”

Donnelly:
“And that basket gives St. Michael’s a spark. Let’s go courtside to Dana McKee for the bench reaction.”

Dana McKee (sideline):
“Thanks, Mike. You should’ve seen the energy on the Saints’ sideline — Toby Whittaker jumped to his feet, clapping and pointing straight at Wilson. The players around him erupted, fist pumps all around. You could literally see the confidence surge through this team after that play.”

Rice:
“That’s exactly the kind of lift you need in a tight championship game. When the coach and bench are reacting like that, it resonates on the court.”

Donnelly:
“Saints back on top, 14–13, and momentum seems to be swinging their way. Early signs that this combination of Caruso, Wilson, and Greeley can really dictate the flow.”

Dana McKee:
“And don’t forget, Mike, that Caruso’s been giving constant eye contact to his teammates, directing traffic, keeping them engaged. Even though he’s not the point guard, you can see the leadership radiating from him. This team feeds off that.”

Rice:
“That’s the beauty of versatile wings like Caruso — they can score, create, and lead. St. Michael’s is showing they’ve got all three in action right now. If there's a player in the country who does more to help his team win, I don't know who he is."

***

Mike Donnelly (play-by-play):
“Two thirty-seven remaining in the first half, St. Michael’s clinging to a one-point lead, 28–27. Flames with the ball — King Rendon, the nation’s leading scorer, brings it up against Caruso. Every possession counts in this one.”

Ahmad Rice (color):
“And that’s why Rendon is so dangerous, Mike. Even in a defensive game, he finds ways to create space and get shots. It’s not just volume — it’s efficiency and timing.”

Donnelly:
“Rendon uses a Bragg screen, steps back from 18 feet… shoots — good! Flames back on top, 29–28. Rendon now with 12 points in the first half, and every one has come in tough, contested situations.”

Rice:
“That’s the thing — in a game like this, points are at a premium. Each basket is like a small victory, and Rendon makes the most of every chance...”

Donnelly:
“Flames with eight to shoot. Rendon drives, Wilson sliding over — crossover, spins inside… floater over Greeley — nothing but net! Flames lead 31–28.”

Dana McKee (sideline):
“Mike, the Saints’ bench is intense right now — Toby Whittaker standing, gesturing, calling out matchups. They’re telling the guys to stay connected on Rendon and pick up every loose ball. You can feel the urgency on the floor and the sideline.”

Rice:
“Exactly, Dana. The Saints know they can’t give Rendon a single clean look. Greeley and Jefferson will have to play smart, and Caruso has to force him into tough angles.”

Donnelly:
“St. Michael’s now pushing the ball — Wilson surveys, swings to Caruso… baseline drive, steps through — gets the bucket! Back within one, 31–30. What a first-half chess match this has become.”

Rice:
“You see how every play is critical in a low-scoring game. One lapse, and it could be a four-point swing. That’s why Rendon’s 13 points already loom so large in this contest.”

McKee:
“And Mike, even with the tight score, the Saints are responding emotionally. Caruso is talking nonstop, keeping Wilson and the rest of the floor keyed in — this team thrives under pressure.”

The first half ended with St. Michael's holding a 33-32 lead. King Rendon led all scorers with 13 points; Matt Caruso had 10 for the Saints.

[MoonlightGraham]

NCAA Championship Game
The Louisiana Superdome
April 2, 2012

The Second Half


Mike Donnelly (play-by-play):
“11:12 remaining in the second half, St. Michael’s leads 39–35. Saints with the ball — Wilson bringing it up, Caruso on the wing… Desmond Lee checking in for some fresh legs, and Trevor McMillan is patrolling the paint alongside Greeley. Let’s see what the Saints have.”

Ahmad Rice (color):
“Caruso’s been steady all game, Mike. He’s got the green light from deep when defenses overplay the paint, and this is the perfect situation for him.”

Donnelly:
“Wilson swings left to Caruso… Trev McMillan sets a solid screen on Rendon… Caruso dribbles, steps back behind the arc — launches a deep three… swish! From way downtown! Saints 42, Flames 35!”

Rice:
“That’s the kind of confidence you need in a championship game! McMillan’s screen gave Caruso just enough space — he held his follow-through and let it fly from the logo range. Pure stroke.”

Dana McKee (sideline):
“On the Saints’ bench, Toby Whittaker exploded out of his seat — clapping, pumping his fists. You could see the players feeding off the energy, especially Desmond Lee, who’s ready to push the pace on the next possession. Momentum has swung noticeably here.”

Donnelly:
“And what a dagger from Caruso! Seven-point lead now, 42–35, and the Saints are really starting to pull the Flames into their rhythm.”

Rice:
“That’s the difference between a good shooter and a great one. He recognized the spacing, used his teammates, and delivered in a clutch moment. Flames need a stop immediately or this lead could grow fast.”

***

Mike Donnelly (play-by-play):
“Six thirty remaining, St. Michael’s clinging to a 48–45 lead. Flames have the ball — Rendon bringing it up the floor, looking to trim the deficit. Saints with Fancher, Greeley, Jefferson, Lee, and Wilson on the floor.”

Ahmad Rice (color):
“This is a critical possession, Mike. You’ve got Rendon attacking, but St. Michael’s defense has been locking down when it matters most. Watch how they rotate — everyone’s in position.”

Donnelly:
“Marker swings left to Bragg… drives hard — Jefferson steps up, denies the lane… Fancher rotates over, hands up — Wilson fronting the passing lane… oh! Intercepted by Wilson at halfcourt!”

Dana McKee (sideline):
“Saints bench is on their feet! Toby Whittaker immediately clapping and pointing down the floor, urging them to push in transition. You can see the players feeding off that energy — Lee already sprinting to the other end.”

Rice:
“That’s textbook defense and team awareness. Everyone collapsed at the right moment, and Wilson’s anticipation created a huge swing. That’s how you protect a lead in a tight game.”

Donnelly:
“Wilson races down the floor… dishes to Lee on the wing… Lee pulls up mid-range — good! Saints extend the lead to 50–45, all off that defensive stop.”

Rice:
“That’s momentum, Mike. You get a stop, and suddenly the lead feels bigger. This group knows how to capitalize on every opportunity.”

Dana McKee:
“And you can see the intensity on the bench — Jefferson and Greeley nodding, communicating. This team is feeding off itself right now. Every possession is magnified, and they know it.”

[MoonlightGraham]

NCAA Championship Game
The Louisiana Superdome
April 2, 2012

The Second Half

As the clock winds down in the second half, we switch to the call from Dan Kessler, the radio voice of the Saints.

Dan Kessler (radio play-by-play):
“All right folks, we’re under three minutes here in the national championship, Saints holding a slim 55–52 lead. Flames have it, Marker bringing it up — looking for a quick bucket to keep pace.


“Bragg drives into the lane, rises up for a contested jumper… oh! BLOCKED! McMillan rejects it at the rim! What a play by the sophomore center!


“Unbelievable timing by McMillan — reminds me of Brenner Turnbull, protecting this rim like it’s sacred territory. That’s the kind of play that shifts a game, right there!

“Saints keep possession — Caruso grabs it, fires a pass to Wilson, who’s looking to push… Saints controlling the clock now, 55–52. That’s what you call a momentum-preserving block!

“And the bench erupts on the call — you can hear the crowd, you can hear the energy — McMillan makes a name for himself in the biggest spotlight of his career.”

***

Dan Kessler (radio play-by-play):
“Alright, one twenty-one left, Saints clinging to a one-point lead, 62–61. Fancher grabs the rebound, quickly out to Jalen...Saints looking to push… Jalen dribbles into traffic, finds Jefferson breaking down the lane — he takes it strong, ALLEY-OOP! Malik Jefferson throws it down! Saints 64–61!

“That’s a textbook fast break finished with authority. Jefferson just exploded off the floor, nobody could stop him — pure power and timing! The junior from Cardinal O'Hara puts his mark on this championship game.

“The Flames trying to regroup, but the crowd is roaring… Saints’ bench is going wild on the call. You can hear Toby Whittaker yelling instructions and encouragement. The Flames need a bucket right here, and we need a stop.

"The clock is ticking down toward the one-minute mark. Theodore Marker into the frontcourt for the Flames. Picked up there by Wilson. Right side to Rendon. That's who David Martineau wants to have it.

"Rendon holds it, swings it to Marker. Eight to shoot now. Back over to Rendon...he fires a three. No good, but it's rebounded by Rosario. Back up and in. 64-63, 35 seconds left.

"Sandy Fancher to inbound for the Saints. He gets it to Jalen Wilson and the Flames foul him immediately.

"Jalen will step to the line to shoot one-and-one. He's an 89 percent shooter. Oh, dear...he missed it! The ball's tapped around for a bit until Rosario grabs it, and the Flames' hopes remain alive! They call time out with 27.4 seconds remaining. They lost a few seconds when they couldn't rebound the Wilson miss cleanly...

"The shot clock is off as the Flames bring it up. It's in King Rendon's hands. He's the nation's top scorer, and he has 22 points tonight. It's all come down to one possession.

"Rendon hands to Marker, who dribbles right. Jalen fights through the screen...oh, he got a hand on the ball, but Marker gets it back. Now back to Rendon. Eleven seconds left. Don't foul, Saints!

King fakes the pass inside to Rosario. Now he's going to drive. Floater over Greeley...NO GOOD! NO GOOD! Malik grabs the ball, and that's it!

The 2012 NCAA men's basketball champions are...(Dan's voice breaks)
...our St. Michael's College Saints!

[MoonlightGraham]

One Shining Moment

The horn sounds, and the Superdome erupts. 64–63. St. Michael’s are national champions.

Toby Whittaker freezes for a heartbeat, letting the scoreboard sink in. Then, instinctively, he pumps his fists and lets out a yell, pure exhilaration coursing through him. Around him, the players explode — Caruso, Wilson, Jefferson, Greeley, and Fancher are hugging, high-fiving, laughing, and shouting. Toby steps into the middle of the swarm, sharing slaps on the back, pats on shoulders, and tight embraces, reveling in the shared triumph.

In the stands behind the Saints bench, Claire Whittaker gasps, clutching her mouth as tears threaten. She wraps her arms around her children, tiny but fierce spectators filled with joy. "We did it! We really did it!" she exclaims to them.

Toby scans the court and sees his family: Claire, beaming and holding Eli and Grace while Nora pumps her fists, all caught in the joy of the moment. Toby waves and points at them, then catches Claire’s eye, giving her a long, satisfied smile that mixes pride, relief, and pure happiness. Her eyes shine with tears of joy as her eyes meet his.

Grace squeals and tugs at Eli’s hand, spinning in excitement, while Nora shouts, pointing at Caruso and Jefferson, thrilled to see the players she’s been following all game. Toby walks over briefly, ruffling their hair and pulling them in for a hug, sharing a moment of quiet joy amid the chaos.

Meanwhile, the rest of the team continues celebrating. Walk-on Charles Laird is laughing uncontrollably, caught up in the euphoria despite not seeing action. Trevor McMillan pumps his fists, Desmond Lee looks up at the roof of the arena and releases a shout of joy. Matt Caruso, Joe Greeley, and Sandy Fancher embrace. No words are necessary.

Toby moves among the players, offering words of praise and gratitude. “You earned every second,” he tells Caruso. “Every stop, every pass, every bucket — this is yours.” He does the same for Jefferson, Wilson, and the rest, acknowledging both starters and role players alike.

Confetti begins to fall, cameras flash, and reporters push through, but Toby allows himself to soak in the full magnitude of the victory. He looks at the scoreboard again, then at his family, then at his team, and finally closes his eyes for a moment, breathing it all in. The roar of the crowd, the energy of the players, the joy of his children and wife — it’s a moment he knows will last a lifetime.

Then, with a last glance at the ecstatic players and the cheering fans, Toby Whittaker steps fully into the celebration, lifting his arms with the team, a coach, a husband, and a father savoring the pinnacle of a hard-fought season.

[MoonlightGraham]

One Shining Moment

The horn sounds, and the Superdome erupts. 64–63. St. Michael’s are national champions.

Toby Whittaker freezes for a heartbeat, letting the scoreboard sink in. Then, instinctively, he pumps his fists and lets out a yell, pure exhilaration coursing through him. Around him, the players explode — Caruso, Wilson, Jefferson, Greeley, and Fancher are hugging, high-fiving, laughing, and shouting. Toby steps into the middle of the swarm, sharing slaps on the back, pats on shoulders, and tight embraces, reveling in the shared triumph.

In the stands, Claire Whittaker gasps, clutching her mouth as tears threaten. She wraps her arms around her children, tiny but fierce spectators filled with joy. "We did it! We really did it!" she exclaims to them.

Toby scans the court and sees his family: Claire, beaming and holding Eli and Grace while Nora pumps her fists, all caught in the joy of the moment. Toby waves and points at them, then catches Claire’s eye, giving her a long, satisfied smile that mixes pride, relief, and pure happiness. Her eyes shine with tears of joy as her eyes meet his.

Grace squeals and tugs at Eli’s hand, spinning in excitement, while Nora shouts, pointing at Caruso and Jefferson, thrilled to see the players she’s been following all game. Toby walks over briefly, ruffling their hair and pulling them in for a hug, sharing a moment of quiet joy amid the chaos.

Meanwhile, the rest of the team continues celebrating. Walk-on Charles Laird is laughing uncontrollably, caught up in the euphoria despite not seeing action. Trevor McMillan pumps his fists, Desmond Lee looks up at the roof of the arena and releases a shout of joy. Matt Caruso, Joe Greeley, and Sandy Fancher embrace. No words are necessary.

Toby moves among the players, offering words of praise and gratitude. “You earned every second,” he tells Caruso. “Every stop, every pass, every bucket — this is yours.” He does the same for Jefferson, Wilson, and the rest, acknowledging both starters and role players alike.

Confetti begins to fall, cameras flash, and reporters push through, but Toby allows himself to soak in the full magnitude of the victory. He looks at the scoreboard again, then at his family, then at his team, and finally closes his eyes for a moment, breathing it all in. The roar of the crowd, the energy of the players, the joy of his children and wife — it’s a moment he knows will last a lifetime.

Then, with a last glance at the ecstatic players and the cheering fans, Toby Whittaker steps fully into the celebration, lifting his arms with the team, a coach, a husband, and a father savoring the pinnacle of a hard-fought season.

[MoonlightGraham]

#2 ST. MICHAEL'S TEAM INFO

Current Performance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Team Prestige: 71 Record Vs 1-50: 8-1 Poll Rank: #2
Season Record: 36-2 Record Vs 51-100: 8-0 RPI Rank: #2
Conference Record: 14-0 Record Vs 101-200: 14-1
Home Record: 13-0 Record Vs 200+: 6-0


Team Stats CR NR Opp. Stats CR NR Margin CR NR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points 77.6 1 26 Points 60.9 1 5 Points 16.7 1 1
O.Reb 10.2 7 263 O.Reb 10.5 4 130 O.Reb -0.3 7 202
D.Reb 27.9 1 30 D.Reb 21.0 1 1 D.Reb 6.9 1 1
Rebounds 38.1 2 94 Rebounds 31.5 1 3 Rebounds 6.6 1 12
Assists 17.5 1 17 Assists 12.8 1 87 Assists 4.7 1 5
Steals 6.0 5 131 Steals 6.0 4 240 Steals 0.0 4 158
Blocks 7.0 1 8 Blocks 3.2 5 127 Blocks 3.8 1 4
Turnovers 14.1 6 218 Turnovers 14.2 3 120 Turnovers -0.2 4 165
Fouls 15.9 1 1 Fouls 18.9 5 247 Fouls -3.1 1 14
FG% .490 1 1 FG% .386 1 6 FG% .104 1 1
FT% .771 1 1 FT% .697 6 275 FT% .074 1 7
3P% .395 2 12 3P% .317 1 37 3P% .078 1 8
PPS 1.39 1 3 PPS 1.04 1 2 PPS .345 1 1
Adj. FG% .563 1 3 Adj. FG% .439 1 7 Adj. FG% .123 1 1

Assistant Ari Goldberg had lots to like here.

“All right, let’s break down what our numbers were showing. On paper, we were a dominant team, and the stats backed it up in almost every category. We were averaging 77.6 points per game, and our opponents were holding just under 61. That 16.7-point margin wasn’t just impressive — it told you we were controlling games from start to finish.

Rebounding was a big part of that. Our defensive boards, 27.9 per game, led the nation, and we had a +6.9 margin over opponents. We didn’t just crash the glass for the sake of it — we limited second-chance opportunities and pushed the pace whenever we could. That’s the kind of effort that separates good teams from great ones.

On the offensive side, we moved the ball and shared it. 17.5 assists a game showed we weren’t selfish, and turnovers were low, which kept our possessions efficient. Add in a 49% field goal percentage and nearly 40% from three, and you saw a team that was both efficient and unselfish. Even after adjusting for shot difficulty, our adjusted FG% of .563 showed we were getting high-quality looks consistently.

Defensively, we were active without gambling too much. Seven blocks a game, six steals, and keeping our foul rate low meant we could protect the rim and the paint while still playing disciplined basketball. The 3.8 block margin over opponents told us we were making life tough on anyone trying to score inside.

From a shooting perspective, our free throws at .771 were solid — we could make the clutch ones when it counted — and our three-point shooting at .395 kept defenses honest. And with a points-per-possession rate of 1.39, we were converting efficiently no matter the situation.

Tempo and discipline mattered too. We kept our fouls down and managed the pace, which is huge in tight games. Turnovers were under control, which let us dictate the rhythm rather than letting opponents take it away from us.

Bottom line: we were a complete team. We could score inside and out, rebound at both ends, defend with authority, and take care of the ball. There weren’t any glaring weaknesses — it was all about executing our game plan and trusting each other to make the right plays when it counted.”

#2 ST. MICHAEL'S Averages

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jalen Wilson PG 38 38 33.0 9.6 0.5 2.2 5.0 1.7 0.1 2.5 2.5 16.0
Matt Caruso SG 38 38 32.1 21.6 1.2 5.1 4.8 1.5 0.3 3.1 2.5 15.7
Joe Greeley PF 38 38 30.0 13.4 1.9 5.8 1.2 0.4 2.5 1.6 2.5 14.1
Malik Jefferson SF 38 38 28.9 11.9 1.9 7.2 1.8 0.8 0.2 1.7 2.5 13.2
Sandy Fancher C 38 37 24.6 5.1 1.8 7.8 1.1 0.4 2.0 1.3 1.9 11.9
Trevor McMillan C 38 1 18.5 4.3 1.5 5.1 1.1 0.2 1.8 1.2 1.3 6.3
Desmond Lee SG 34 0 15.0 6.0 0.8 2.5 1.7 0.4 0.0 1.4 1.6 5.1
Caleb Lear PG 36 0 9.1 1.9 0.0 0.7 0.7 0.4 0.0 0.6 0.6 1.0
Connor Del Vecchio PF 37 0 6.2 2.7 0.3 1.3 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.6 0.7
Evan Carlucci SG 30 0 3.5 1.6 0.1 0.4 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.5 0.2 -0.9
Isaiah Pritchard SF 11 0 3.0 1.6 0.3 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.2 -0.1
Charles Laird C 8 0 2.9 0.8 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.5
Sean O'Reilly PG 2 0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 -0.5

#2 ST. MICHAEL'S Totals

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jalen Wilson PG 38 38 1253 365 19 84 191 65 5 96 94 609
Matt Caruso SG 38 38 1221 822 45 195 183 57 10 116 95 596
Joe Greeley PF 38 38 1140 508 74 221 46 15 94 61 94 536
Malik Jefferson SF 38 38 1099 454 74 275 67 29 7 66 95 503
Sandy Fancher C 38 37 935 195 70 297 40 17 75 48 72 454
Trevor McMillan C 38 1 704 162 58 195 41 7 67 47 51 239
Desmond Lee SG 34 0 511 204 27 85 58 14 1 48 53 175
Caleb Lear PG 36 0 326 68 1 26 24 15 0 21 20 36
Connor Del Vecchio PF 37 0 229 99 11 48 8 5 5 13 21 27
Evan Carlucci SG 30 0 106 48 2 12 3 2 1 16 5 -27
Isaiah Pritchard SF 11 0 33 18 3 6 1 0 0 3 2 -1
Charles Laird C 8 0 23 6 2 4 2 0 2 0 2 4
Sean O'Reilly PG 2 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 -1

#2 ST. MICHAEL'S Shooting

Player Pos Fgm Fga Fg% Ftm Fta Ft% 3pm 3pa 3p% PPS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jalen Wilson PG 124 250 .496 81 92 .880 36 112 .321 1.46
Matt Caruso SG 282 533 .529 111 134 .828 147 315 .467 1.54
Joe Greeley PF 182 407 .447 104 144 .722 40 119 .336 1.25
Malik Jefferson SF 188 414 .454 75 95 .789 3 16 .188 1.10
Sandy Fancher C 71 146 .486 42 57 .737 11 45 .244 1.34
Trevor McMillan C 55 106 .519 43 62 .694 9 37 .243 1.53
Desmond Lee SG 68 125 .544 27 40 .675 41 86 .477 1.63
Caleb Lear PG 23 48 .479 16 24 .667 6 19 .316 1.42
Connor Del Vecchio PF 29 62 .468 37 48 .771 4 9 .444 1.60
Evan Carlucci SG 13 22 .591 12 15 .800 10 19 .526 2.18
Isaiah Pritchard SF 5 10 .500 5 6 .833 3 7 .429 1.80
Charles Laird C 2 5 .400 2 3 .667 0 0 .000 1.20
Sean O'Reilly PG 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0.00

[MoonlightGraham]

2011 OVERALL AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

SR SG Matt Caruso St. Michael's 21.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.8 APG 1.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR SF Chance Ahmed UTEP 15.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.7 APG 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Jermaine Kephart Syracuse 23 - 10 (12 - 6)

All-league 1st Team:
C SR David Azar Cleveland State 21.9 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG
PF SO William Coss Iona 20.0 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG
SF SO Jerry Benson Louisville 17.7 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SG SR Matt Caruso St. Michael's 21.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PG JR Charles Monroy Loyola Marymount 14.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.7 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C SR Raleigh Logue Washington State 15.1 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.4 SPG, 4.7 BPG
PF SR Sylvester Mattison Gardner Webb 8.9 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.4 SPG, 5.2 BPG
SF JR Abraham McAllister Florida 18.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG
SG SR Vito Zimmer Texas Christian 23.3 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 3.2 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PG SR Thomas Henry North Carolina State 10.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 7.4 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-league 3rd Team:
C SR James Brookins UTEP 14.9 PPG, 12.8 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.5 SPG, 3.2 BPG
PF JR Chris Pilkington Liberty 20.8 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.9 BPG
SF SR Vernon Wick Louisiana State 19.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.2 BPG
SG SR James Eddins Duke 21.9 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 5.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PG SR Lyle Chandler Temple 14.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 5.9 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Kenneth Lasley Wright State 11.7 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG
PF FR Cary Newton Louisville 10.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.7 BPG
SF FR Chance Ahmed UTEP 15.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SG FR Daniel Owens Wyoming 19.6 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG FR Isaac Neese Saint Louis 13.9 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Yes, you read that correctly. Matt Caruso was selected as the NCAA Division I men's basketball Player of the Year.

Matt wasn't among the nation's top 20 scorers, but he led the nation in three-point shooting percentage and was seventh in overall FG%. But most of all, he did so very many things to help his team win--all the way to the national championship.

What a journey for the kid from New Jersey who was unsure about playing Division I basketball, and wasn't considered one of the 200 best players in his high school class, a journey that took him to the pinnacle of the college game.

Even if St. Michael's doesn't officially retire Matt's #3 jersey, Toby won't be giving it out anytime soon.

2011 CENTENNIAL AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

SR SG Matt Caruso St. Michael's 21.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.8 APG 1.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR PG Basil Winslow Swarthmore 9.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.6 APG 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Toby Whittaker St. Michael's 36 - 2 (14 - 0)

All-league 1st Team:
C SR Sandy Fancher St. Michael's 5.1 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.4 SPG, 2.0 BPG
PF SR Justin Favela Ursinus 12.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 2.0 BPG
SF SR Sidney Zorn Swarthmore 17.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SG SR Matt Caruso St. Michael's 21.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PG JR Stuart Drennen Johns Hopkins 15.9 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C JR Tory Brown Swarthmore 4.8 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.3 SPG, 1.1 BPG
PF SR Owen Merritt Muhlenberg 16.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG
SF JR Malik Jefferson St. Michael's 11.9 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SG SR Dave Knorr Ursinus 19.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.0 BPG
PG JR Jalen Wilson St. Michael's 9.6 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C
PF FR Connor Del Vecchio St. Michael's 2.7 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 0.2 APG, 0.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SF FR Tod Shay Haverford 3.2 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SG FR Ira Hailey Ursinus 3.0 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.0 BPG
PG FR Basil Winslow Swarthmore 9.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG

What a lovely honor for Sandy Fancher, who usually took fifth billing among St. Michael's starters. The conference didn't have a high-scoring center, possibly because it was full of bigs, like Sandy, who could shut down inside scorers.

Matt Caruso joined Brenner Turnbull and Toby Whittaker on the lists of Saints who were first-team All-Centennial players three times. Matt's 2307 points are second in St. Michael's and Centennial Conference history, behind his former teammate George Bergman. And Matt stands third on the all-time assist record board, despite never being his team's primary playmaker.

That would be Jalen Wilson, whose chances for postseason honors were limited by the fact that Johns Hopkins' stellar guard, Stuart Drennen, is in the same year.

I'm delighted that Malik Jefferson's all-around excellence was recognized, but I'm a bit sorry Joe Greeley's wasn't, too.

And since Toby Whittaker couldn't get the national Coach of the Year Award to his collection, I'm glad he got the Centennial Conference honor.

2011 Recruiting Rankings

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19. St. Michael's Centennial SF Kyle Whitworth **** 0 1 2 0 0
83. Haverford Centennial PF Matthew Red *** 0 0 2 0 1
96. Swarthmore Centennial SF Jason Daniel *** 0 0 3 0 0
155. Johns Hopkins Centennial PF Tyree Deitz *** 0 0 1 1 0
160. Ursinus Centennial PG Pedro Bryant *** 0 0 1 1 2
247. Dickinson Centennial PF Joshua Lindell *** 0 0 1 0 1
267. Franklin & Marshall Centennial PF Charles Feaster *** 0 0 1 0 1
347. Muhlenberg Centennial SF Raphael Elmore * 0 0 0 0 1

I'd be very surprised if any Centennial Conference program ever landed a Top 20 recruting class, or a four-star recruit like Kyle Whitworth. Is this the new normal for Toby Whittaker and the Saints?

[MoonlightGraham]

Grrrr.

I'm paying the price right now for getting too excited about a national championship, saying to myself, "Let's see what happens next year!", and rushing to play through the next season.

I didn't bother to print the information I needed to tell the story of the 2012/13 season along the way. "I'll remember to do that before I end the season," I told myself. Well, guess what? I didn't remember most of them. And, once I press "END SEASON," it's gone.

So, I have no 2012/13 roster, no list of scores, no standings, no box scores. I did print the season info and the end-of-season stats, and the league and association awards are archived.

That means the story of the season will be very, very brief.

I won't make this mistake again!

[MoonlightGraham]

The 2012/13 Season

#11 ST. MICHAEL'S Averages

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jalen Wilson PG 35 35 33.7 13.3 1.1 3.3 5.1 1.6 0.1 2.6 2.1 8.5
Trevor McMillan C 36 36 33.5 8.5 3.0 9.4 1.3 0.4 4.7 1.6 2.1 8.9
Malik Jefferson SF 36 36 31.1 13.8 2.0 8.4 1.6 0.8 0.1 2.4 2.8 9.3
Desmond Lee SG 36 34 28.4 12.1 1.2 3.6 3.6 0.8 0.2 2.2 2.8 9.3
Connor Del Vecchio PF 36 35 27.7 10.0 1.8 5.6 0.9 0.4 0.8 1.6 2.8 7.0
Caleb Lear PG 36 1 17.8 5.2 0.6 2.3 1.8 0.9 0.1 0.9 1.3 3.1
Evan Carlucci SG 36 2 11.4 4.9 0.3 1.4 0.5 0.4 0.1 1.0 1.0 1.8
Cameron Corley PF 21 0 11.3 2.7 0.6 2.8 0.5 0.2 0.1 0.5 1.1 3.8
Andre Cartwright C 30 0 6.1 1.6 0.3 1.4 0.1 0.0 0.2 0.3 0.6 2.2
Isaiah Pritchard SF 30 0 3.8 1.6 0.2 0.8 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.5 0.1 1.1
Kyle Whitworth SF 20 0 3.1 1.2 0.1 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.3 0.2 -0.5
Roy Ross SG 4 1 2.5 0.5 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.3
Sean O'Reilly PG 13 0 2.5 0.9 0.0 0.4 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.8
Charles Laird C 2 0 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -0.5
Chris Donnelly SF 2 0 1.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

#11 ST. MICHAEL'S Totals

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jalen Wilson PG 35 35 1178 464 37 115 179 57 2 90 72 297
Trevor McMillan C 36 36 1206 307 109 340 46 13 170 56 74 319
Malik Jefferson SF 36 36 1119 496 71 303 57 28 5 88 100 333
Desmond Lee SG 36 34 1024 434 44 130 128 28 6 80 99 336
Connor Del Vecchio PF 36 35 997 360 64 202 34 14 28 58 101 253
Caleb Lear PG 36 1 642 187 21 81 66 33 3 34 48 111
Evan Carlucci SG 36 2 410 176 9 51 17 14 3 36 35 63
Cameron Corley PF 21 0 237 57 13 58 10 5 3 11 23 80
Andre Cartwright C 30 0 184 48 10 42 4 0 5 9 17 66
Isaiah Pritchard SF 30 0 115 47 6 25 8 5 2 14 3 32
Kyle Whitworth SF 20 0 62 24 1 10 1 0 2 5 4 -10
Roy Ross SG 4 1 10 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5
Sean O'Reilly PG 13 0 32 12 0 5 1 3 0 1 1 11
Charles Laird C 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -1
Chris Donnelly SF 2 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

#11 ST. MICHAEL'S Shooting

Player Pos Fgm Fga Fg% Ftm Fta Ft% 3pm 3pa 3p% PPS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jalen Wilson PG 146 311 .469 126 146 .863 46 141 .326 1.49
Trevor McMillan C 99 208 .476 86 110 .782 23 61 .377 1.48
Malik Jefferson SF 187 411 .455 121 151 .801 1 12 .083 1.21
Desmond Lee SG 151 358 .422 59 86 .686 73 234 .312 1.21
Connor Del Vecchio PF 124 268 .463 105 133 .789 7 20 .350 1.34
Caleb Lear PG 63 150 .420 34 66 .515 27 85 .318 1.25
Evan Carlucci SG 47 113 .416 47 58 .810 35 84 .417 1.56
Cameron Corley PF 21 44 .477 15 26 .577 0 0 .000 1.30
Andre Cartwright C 18 31 .581 12 16 .750 0 0 .000 1.55
Isaiah Pritchard SF 14 38 .368 11 16 .688 8 21 .381 1.24
Kyle Whitworth SF 6 11 .545 10 11 .909 2 6 .333 2.18
Roy Ross SG 1 2 .500 0 1 .000 0 1 .000 1.00
Sean O'Reilly PG 4 8 .500 3 6 .500 1 4 .250 1.50
Charles Laird C 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0.00
Chris Donnelly SF 0 1 .000 2 2 1.000 0 1 .000 2.00

I was mistaken. I didn't save the Team Info, either. :( So I'll summarize the Saints' 2012/13 season as well as I can.

Toby Whittaker had to replace his lead scout, Ari Goldberg, who accepted the head coaching job at Chicago State. Veteran David Simpson, who held similar positions at Washington, Cal State Northridge, and Cal Poly, was hired to take Ari's place.

Toby was offered the one coaching position that might tempt him when Villanova coach Andrew Walker retired. For a minute, the chance to work with a $750,000 annual budget seemed too good to refuse...but refuse he did.

Toby said, “Villanova’s a great program, everybody knows that. Tremendous history, tremendous resources, and I’ve got a lot of respect for the people there. But at the end of the day, this isn’t about budget lines or prestige. For me, it’s about fit. It’s about people.

St. Michael’s is home. We’ve built something here, brick by brick, with kids who believed when there wasn’t a national spotlight on us. This community has wrapped its arms around our program, and my family is rooted here. I’ve got a wife and three kids who love it here just as much as I do. It's where Claire and I met, where we started to build the life we have now.

I don’t see this job as a stepping stone. We just won a national championship, and I believe we’re only scratching the surface of what we can be. To walk away from that right now, just for a bigger name or a bigger paycheck — that wouldn’t sit right with me.

Villanova will always be Villanova, and I’ll always respect what they do. But I’ve got everything I want right here.”

***

The season began at the Hall of Fame Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts. The Saints beat California in the first round before losing to local rival Temple, 64-46, in the championship game.

The Saints lost twice more in the pre-conference season, taking a 12-3 record into Centennial Conference play. Once again, the gap in talent between Toby Whittaker's team and the rest of their league was apparent. The Saints slipped only once, away to Muhlenberg, and swept the three rounds of the conference tournament. It was Toby's fifth regular season title in five seasons, and his fourth tournament victory.

The Saints took their 28-4 record into the NCAA tournament as the East Region's #6 seed. A pair of victories on the opening weekend gave Coach Whittaker his fourth consecutive 30-victory season--the second was an upset of #3 seed Duquesne--and a third straight trip to the Sweet Sixteen. Another victory set up one of the most interesting matchups of the tournament: a reprise of the 2012 national championship game: St. Michael's vs. Illinois-Chicago.

The Flames still had their superstar, guard King Rendon. Once again, he'd be matched up against the Saints' talismanic Jalen Wilson. Jalen and his teammates held King to 20 points--seven less than his average--but the Flames won 74-66 (I remembered those details). The Flames would go on to the championship final again...and lost again, to St. John's.

***

Seniors Wilson, Malik Jefferson, and Evan Carlucci, then, added a trip to the Elite Eight to illustrious resumes that included four NCAA tournament appearances, two trips to the championship game, and, of course, a NCAA championship ring. For Jalen Wilson, the local boy who decided--twice--to stay home and play for the Saints, the story didn't end exactly the way he wanted it to. He spoke about his experiences after the loss to Illinois-Chicago.

“You know, it’s hard to put it all into words right now. Four years went by in a blur. Coming out of Elmridge High, getting the chance to wear this jersey, to play for my hometown team — that was a dream in itself. But to do what we did as a group… four straight trips to the tournament, two national championship games, and a title last year — it’s more than I could’ve asked for.

I’ll never forget that run to the championship, cutting down the nets, celebrating with my teammates, coaches, and family. That’s something we’ll all carry forever. And yeah, tonight hurts. We wanted to go further, we believed we could. But you can’t let one loss take away from everything we built here.

On a personal level, having my dad on the staff my first two years — that was really special. Coach Whittaker wanted to keep Dad on the staff when he arrived, and then Hartford came calling. I was proud to see him get that head coaching job, and I was proud to keep representing our family here after he left. It wasn’t always easy, but it made me grow as a player and as a person.

I’m just grateful — for Coach Whittaker, all my other coaches, my dad, all my teammates over the years, and especially the people in Elmridge who packed the gym when I was in high school and then packed our arena these last four years. Playing in front of my community, my family, my friends, that meant everything.

When I look back, I’ll remember the wins, the big shots, the celebrations, sure. But mostly I’ll remember the locker room, the long practices, the grind with the guys. That’s what makes a career special.

This program gave me everything — and I hope I gave everything I had back to it.”

Carl Wilson was at the game, too, wearing his navy "St. Michael's Basketball" pullover with pride. He, too, spoke about the experience he'd shared with his son.

“As a dad, it’s emotional. You watch your son grow up in the backyard, at Elmridge High, and then to see him lead the Saints for four years… it’s hard to ask for more. I was lucky to be on staff here for his first two seasons, and those were moments I’ll never forget — being on the bench when he was running the team, seeing him grow up right in front of me. When Hartford gave me the head coaching opportunity, it was bittersweet, because it meant stepping away from being in the same locker room with him. But it also gave me a chance to watch him from the outside and just be proud, the way any dad would.

He accomplished things that very few players in this sport ever get to do: four NCAA tournaments, two trips to the title game, and a championship ring. And more than the stats or the wins, I think about the way he carried himself — the way his teammates trusted him, the way he represented his school and his hometown.

Tonight’s loss hurts, sure, but you don’t measure a career by one night. You measure it by the body of work, by the way a young man grows, and by the mark he leaves. Jalen left his mark here. And as a coach, I’ll say this: he’s the kind of player you build a program around. As a father, I’ll say I couldn’t be prouder.”

***

2012 CENTENNIAL AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

SR PG Stuart Drennen Johns Hopkins 18.0 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 4.5 APG 1.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR SG Jerry Safford Franklin & Marshall 11.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.5 APG 1.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Toby Whittaker St. Michael's 31 - 5 (13 - 1)

All-league 1st Team:
C JR Trevor McMillan St. Michael's 8.5 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.4 SPG, 4.7 BPG
PF JR Mathew Brockington Swarthmore 14.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG
SF SR Malik Jefferson St. Michael's 13.8 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SG JR Renato Dunning Ursinus 16.6 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PG SR Stuart Drennen Johns Hopkins 18.0 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C SR Thaddeus Mangum Ursinus 13.6 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG
PF FR Joshua Lindell Dickinson 14.0 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SF JR Owen Ramsdell Ursinus 15.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SG FR Jerry Safford Franklin & Marshall 11.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PG SR Jalen Wilson St. Michael's 13.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Matthew Lemay Haverford 3.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 0.6 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PF FR Joshua Lindell Dickinson 14.0 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SF FR Elton Hinshaw Swarthmore 7.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SG FR Jerry Safford Franklin & Marshall 11.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PG FR Martin Garcia Ursinus 2.7 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.0 BPG

Malik Jefferson finished his career with a second All-Centennial recognition, this time as a member of the first team. He joined Trevor McMillan there; the big center was third in the nation in blocked shots and set a new St. Michael's record for blocks in a season--previously held by his mentor, Brenner Turnbull.

Jalen Wilson returned to the second team, too. As good as he was, he was an exact contemporary of Stuart Drennen, one of the better point guards in Centennial Conference history. Jalen finished his Saints career with well over 1000 points and 505 assists, second all-time in St. Michael's history to Toby's former teammate Harold Toombs.

[MoonlightGraham]

May 2013

I'm stepping out from behind the curtain again, because I've made some changes to my college basketball universe.

While I was enjoying the local nature of my home-made Centennial Conference, Toby and the Saints have outgrown it. St. Michael's. Our Prestige has risen to 84, and the second-highest team in their league is at 48. Toby's conference record is now 77-7 over six seasons. And while it's fun to win, I think it a closely-contested league season would be even more fun.

At first, I thought about simply moving the Saints to the Big East or the Atlantic 10. I decided instead to reorganize much of the college basketball world.

After over 50 years of history, some of the programs that were dominant in "real life" are not nearly as powerful in my game. Other teams, which are mid-majors in the "real world," are elite in my alternate reality. For example, Creighton and Ursinus are both Prestige 48. Cleveland State (79), Illinois-Chicago (90) and Saint Louis (96) are powerhouses; Michigan State (66), UCLA (56), and Baylor (53) are not.

I recreated several "legacy conferences": the ACC, the Big East, the Big Ten, the Big Eight, the SEC, the Pacific-10, and the Southwest Conference. I can name the teams in these conferences without looking them up, which I think is fun.

I then took a look at the remaining teams and sorted many of them into home-made conferences that made sense geographically and competitively. Here's the Saints' new home, the Mid-Atlantic Conference:

2013 Mid-Atlantic Conference Standings

TEAM CW CL Pct W L Pct RPI Prestige
---------------------------------------------------------------
Duquesne 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 73 79
La Salle 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 131 78
Penn State 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 206 61
Pittsburgh 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 209 70
Rutgers 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 223 60
St. Bonaventure 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 251 96
Saint Joseph's 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 255 79
#5 Temple 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 263 99
#11 St. Michael's 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 350 84

The Mid-American's nine teams are all in Pennsylvania, New York, or New Jersey. Four of them--La Salle, Saint Joseph's, St. Michael's, and Temple--are within a dozen miles or so of each other. The league will feature powerful regional, even local, rivalries.

The Centennial Conference survives, with the following new lineup:
2013 Centennial Conference Standings

TEAM CW CL Pct W L Pct RPI Prestige
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Bucknell 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 31 41
Canisius 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 40 41
Lafayette 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 132 36
Lehigh 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 134 29
St. Francis-PA 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 253 40
Franklin & Marshall 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 349 43
Johns Hopkins 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 351 43
Muhlenberg 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 352 42
Swarthmore 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 353 46
Ursinus 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 354 48


This league championship will be up for grabs, won't it?

I hope the changes will be lots of fun for me, and for those of you who are reading along. And if you're reading, I really appreciate it. :)

[MoonlightGraham]

Elmridge Gazette
May 27,2013

St. Michael’s Hires Rod Wheaton as Top Recruiter

St. Michael’s head coach Toby Whittaker announced today the hiring of veteran coach Rod Wheaton as the Saints’ new recruiting coordinator. Wheaton, 55, steps into the role vacated by Charles Campbell, who was named the new head coach at Rhode Island earlier this spring.

Wheaton brings two decades of college basketball experience, including head coaching and high-major assistant work. A Bucknell graduate, Wheaton most recently served as head coach at North Florida, where he spent seven seasons building the Ospreys’ program. Though his record (98–145) ultimately led to his dismissal this winter, Wheaton was widely praised for his ability to spot talent, develop players, and compete with limited resources.

Before North Florida, Wheaton made his reputation as a recruiter with stops at Miami (FL), Michigan, and Arkansas, where he helped land several nationally ranked recruiting classes. Colleagues consistently describe him as one of the most relentless and personable recruiters in the business.

“Toby is getting one of the best,” said Campbell of his successor. “Rod has a track record of finding players who fit and convincing them to buy into something bigger than themselves.”

For Whittaker, the hire fills a critical role after St. Michael’s captured the 2012 national championship and looks to sustain momentum.

“Rod’s been in just about every living room you can imagine,” Whittaker said. “He knows how to connect with kids and their families, and he’s proven he can identify players who fit the culture we’re building here. He’s a coach’s coach, and we’re lucky to have him.”

Wheaton said he’s eager for a fresh chapter. “I’ve done the head coach thing, and I’m proud of the work we did at North Florida,” he said. “But my strength has always been evaluating and recruiting. To do that at a place like St. Michael’s, with the energy around this program right now, is exciting. I can’t wait to get on the road.”

Rod is married to Angela, an author who writes The Willowbrook Mysteries, a popular cozy mystery series under the name A.J. Marlowe. They have three children. Derek, age 27, works in finance in Atlanta. Ryan, age 23, is pursuing graduate work in sports management at Bucknell. Lauren, age 19, plans to transfer to St. Michael's after completing her freshman year at Temple.

***

Toby has leveled up again. Here's a look at him and his coaching staff as he enters his sixth season at St. Michael's.

https://i.imgur.com/IJBpuk7.jpeg

[MoonlightGraham]

November 2013

Toby Whittaker approached the beginning of his sixth season as the Saints’ head coach with a mix of pride and wistfulness. He missed the men who had formed his first coaching staff at St. Michael’s, all of whom had gone on to head coaching jobs. Seeing Carl Wilson, Ari Goldberg, and Charles Campbell step into head coaching roles showed that the Saints weren’t just a winning team, but a training ground for coaching talent. It was a point of personal satisfaction: he had helped launch careers, and the fact that all three had gone on to lead programs was a testament to their ability and the mentorship he provided. His current staff was undoubtedly talented, but he was still bonding with them, and he wondered if he’d ever feel as close to them and their families as he did with the three originals.

Toby missed Jalen Wilson, too. He didn’t know what St. Michael’s was like without Carl’s son, who had been around the program for years before he joined the roster. Jalen was now an alumnus, a member of the Class of 2013 with a degree in Business and a minor in Economics, and a graduate assistant on his dad’s staff at Hartford. Not seeing Jalen, not hearing his laugh, reminded Toby how much things had changed.

And Toby privately missed the old Centennial Conference. He’d played in it and coached in it. He’d grown to love the small gyms, usually packed with cheering crowds everywhere the Saints traveled. But, at the same time, the Centennial was almost always a one-bid conference; a lot of very good players and teams never got to go dancing in March. The new Mid-Atlantic Conference was one of the most competitive in the nation. The Saints’ athletic director, Diane Lundquist, had boosted the basketball budget to allow Toby to match up better with teams like Temple, La Salle, and Saint Joseph’s. No longer were the Saints the biggest, richest, and most prestigious team in their league.

Player # Pos Yr Ht Wt Sch Acd Status Hometown
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Desmond Lee 2 SG Sr 6-3 207 Yes 69 OK Ocean City, NJ
Caleb Lear 5 PG Sr 6-4 213 Yes 68 OK Oyster Bay, NY
Sean O'Reilly 10 PG Sr 5-11 181 Yes 80 OK Philadelphia, PA
Chris Donnelly 12 SF So* 6-7 226 Yes 91 OK Radnor, PA
Isaiah Pritchard 15 SF Jr 6-9 215 Yes 76 Unhappy Ardmore, PA
Kyle Whitworth 20 SF So 6-8 199 Yes 80 OK Elmridge, PA
Seth Kaplan 21 PG Fr 6-1 192 Yes 96 OK Haddonfield, NJ
Trey Hammond 23 SF Fr 6-4 204 Yes 72 Redshirt Edison, NJ
Cameron Corley 25 PF So 6-9 229 Yes 75 OK Lodi, NJ
Andre Cartwright 34 C So 6-9 252 Yes 60 OK Fredericksburg, PA
Connor Del Vecchio 44 PF Jr 6-9 252 Yes 98 OK Wyndmoor, PA
Brian Kowalski 45 C Fr 6-10 241 Yes 73 OK Scranton, PA
Charles Laird 50 C Jr 6-10 212 No 28 OK Omaha, NE
Trevor McMillan 54 C Sr 7-0 224 Yes 76 OK Hockessin, DE
Harry Reeve 55 PF Fr 6-10 209 No 78 OK Apple Valley, MN

The team he’d lead into battle in this first Mid-Atlantic campaign returned three starters from the year before. Toby thought senior center Trevor McMillan was as good as any big man in the league. The seven-footer had been a Grade A rim protector for a while now, and this fall, he was showing off a more refined offensive game. It wasn’t outrageous to suggest Trevor might average a double-double, with five blocks per game.

The team’s top returning scorer was wing Desmond Lee. Also a senior, Desmond was a fiery, emotional leader who could also fill a box score in many ways. If he had a weakness, it was a tendency to gamble for steals, rather than playing within the team’s defensive scheme.

Junior Connor Del Vecchio was the third returning starter. He was a stretch four with a smooth jumper, but he had been working hard on his defense and rebounding and looked like he would be a more complete big man this season. He complemented Trevor very well.

Now a senior. Caleb Lear would have his first real run as the team’s starting point guard. During his long apprenticeship under Jalen Wilson, Caleb had established himself as a steady, unspectacular player who played solid defense and spread the ball around.

As the season began, it looked like prize recruit Kyle Whitworth would round out the starting five. A bit like Desmond Lee in that he could do many things fairly well, Kyle impressed Toby and his staff with his willingness to work hard at the defensive end of the floor. If Whitworth faltered, junior Isaiah Pritchard would be the first player to whom Toby would turn. Isaiah seemed happier this year, after grumbling about his playing time quite a bit last season. Isaiah offered the team's most dangerous jumper (he was the only current player who could regularly beat Toby in shooting competitions).

Cameron Corley would be the first big man off the bench, with senior Sean O’Reilly and freshman Seth Kaplan competing for playing time at guard. Toby was particularly impressed with Kaplan, whom he thought might be a future star.

Nobody expected the Saints to roll over the Mid-Atlantic Conference the way they had the Centennial Conference for the last few years. Winning 30 games while playing teams like St. Bonaventure and Temple twice a year would be an exceptional feat. Still, the championship ring on Toby’s right hand was visible proof of his ability to guide a talented team all the way to the pinnacle of college basketball. He'd assembled a group of players, almost all of whom had grown up nearby, a group who looked ready to discover what happened when you believed in something larger than yourself.

Could Toby and this team reach the top, too?

[MoonlightGraham]

December 1, 2014

The Saints had four scholarships to offer during the 2013/14 recruiting cycle. Two of the team's scholarship seniors were point guards; one was a wing; one was a big man. Almost any player could fit one of the Saints' needs.

Perhaps it was the allure of playing in an elite conference, one that would receive national attention. Perhaps it was the success of St. Michael's on the national stage: three seasons that lasted until the Elite Eight, one that ended with a national championship. Perhaps it was Toby Whittaker's growing skill as a recruiter, backed up by the team's winning record. Perhaps it was the arrival of Rod Wheaton, one of the best recruiters in the business (although Charles Campbell had been excellent, too). Whatever the reasons were, the Saints had their recruiting class in place before Christmas, and it was the most highly regarded class in the school's history. Two of the four players were high school All-Americans, the first the Saints had ever signed.


Walter Lozano was a 6'7" power forward from Long Island. He was built like an NFL edge rusher and was ranked first in his class academically. He was also an All-American.

“Walter was a huge get for us," Wheaton said. "You don’t find too many high school kids with his combination of size, strength, and touch around the basket. He's already got a college-ready body, and he knows how to use it — he can carve out space, finish through contact, and he’s got a natural knack for scoring inside.

What I really like is that he’s not just a bruiser. He’s smart, he’s coachable, and he’s been a winner everywhere he’s played. You look at what he's doing at Half Hollow Hills — twenty points a night, almost eight boards, and two blocks — that’s dominance at the high school level. He's Mr. Basketball in New York for a reason.

Defensively, he can guard the post one-on-one, and his shot-blocking gives us the interior presence we've had for several years here. He’s still got room to grow in terms of conditioning and expanding his game, but his ceiling is high.

The bottom line is, we just landed one of the best frontcourt players in the region. Walter’s going to be a cornerstone for us in the Class of 2014.”

Toby praised Walter, too. “We’re thrilled to welcome Walter Lozano to the St. Michael’s family. Walter is a terrific young man who brings not only size and skill, but also character and work ethic. He’s been one of the most productive players in New York high school basketball, and he’s earned every accolade that’s come his way.

What stands out about Walter is his presence in the paint. He has the ability to score in traffic, rebound at a high level, and protect the rim — things that translate right away to the college game. But just as important, he’s a student of the game, he wants to improve, and he fits our culture.

We believe Walter can make an immediate impact here, and we’re excited for our fans to get to know him.”


The second All-American in the class was an area product, wing Devon Carraway from Chester, PA. “Getting Devon to commit was a statement for us," said Wheaton. "Chester’s one of the great high school programs in the country, and when you take a kid who’s been the leader of a team like that, you know he’s tough and battle-tested.

Devon’s a two-way guard, plain and simple. He averages over twenty points a game, but what really jumps out is the defense — four and a half steals a night, guarding the other team’s best player every time out. He’s got elite quickness, long arms, and he plays with an edge. That’s the kind of guard who changes games, even when he’s not scoring.

Offensively, he’s still scratching the surface. He’s a slasher first, but his jumper’s improved a lot, and he’s got a knack for making big plays late in games. What makes him special is that combination: he can pressure the ball ninety-four feet, then go the other way and finish through contact.

Bottom line, we kept one of the best players in Pennsylvania right here at home. He's Pennsylvania's Mr. Basketball, and he fits our identity perfectly — tough, unselfish, and competitive.”

Devon was asked why he picked St. Michael's, when every major program in the East was after his commitment. “Everybody asks me about the other schools, but for me it came down to fit. St. Michael’s felt like family from the first time I stepped on campus. Coach Whittaker and Coach Wheaton were straight with me from day one — they told me how they’d use me, what they expected, and how I could grow here.

It also means a lot to play close to home. Chester’s in my blood, and being able to have my family and friends come see me, represent this area, that’s huge for me.

I know people talk about Villanova or St. John’s, and those are great programs, but at St. Michael’s I felt like I could make my own mark. They just won a national championship, they play my style — tough, defensive, fast — and I want to be part of that.

At the end of the day, I want to win and I want to get better. I believe I can do both right here.”


The class needed a point guard, and Toby and Rod found one at Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia. M.J. Tillery was a four-star player, like Lozano and Carraway. Wheaton liked this signing a lot. “M.J. was one of those kids you circle early, because you can’t teach the feel for the game he’s got. He’s a pure point guard — he controls tempo, gets guys in their spots, and makes everyone around him better. You don’t see many high schoolers averaging over nine assists a night, with a 7-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. That tells you all you need to know.

He’s quick, he’s got vision, and he’s a pest defensively. He’s not out there looking for his own shot first, but he’ll hit the open three and he’s reliable at the line. What matters most is he’s unselfish and competitive — he wants to win every drill, every possession.

M.J.’s also a Philly kid through and through. Coming out of Germantown Friends, he’s been well-coached, and he brings that toughness and savvy that guards from this city are known for.

We think he’s going to be the kind of point guard who makes an immediate impact — maybe not by scoring 20 points, but by running a team, dictating the game, and making sure the ball ends up where it needs to be. For us, that’s invaluable.”

His future head coach, who knew point guards when he saw them, was equally positive. “We’re very excited about M.J. Tillery joining our program. M.J. is a true point guard in every sense — he’s got terrific vision, he understands pace, and he has a knack for making the players around him better.

What really impressed us was his maturity. Averaging more than nine assists per game with very few turnovers shows not only his skill, but also his decision-making and composure. He values the ball, and that’s something we put a premium on at St. Michael’s.

M.J. comes from a strong program at Germantown Friends, and being a Philadelphia native, he embodies the toughness and competitive spirit of this region. He’s a leader, he’s unselfish, and we think he’ll grow into a cornerstone for our backcourt.

We can’t wait to have him on campus and get him started.”


The final signee wasn't as highly-touted as his classmates, but the Saints staff thought he was a great fit for their program. Brendan O'Shea earned "only" three stars from the scouting service, but Rod Wheaton thought he might be the next in what was becoming a long line of successful Saints centers. “Brendan is a classic case of a big man who just kept getting better every year. At 6-10, 235, you can’t coach that size, and he’s really learning how to use it. He’s strong on the block, he finishes with both hands, and he’s been an absolute load for high school opponents — twenty-five points and almost twelve boards a game is no joke.

What we like most is his upside. He rebounds with authority, he’s not afraid of contact, and his shot-blocking is already at a college level. He’s still raw in some areas — footwork, conditioning, free throws — but you see the tools. His potential on the defensive glass especially gives us something we can develop into a real weapon.

He’s also a high-character kid from Archbishop Wood, comes from a great family, and he’s serious about academics. That fits right into our culture.

Bottom line, Brendan may not come in as the most polished player in the class, but with his size, strength, and motor, he’s the kind of center who can grow into a major contributor for us.”

Brendan was a Saints fan, so he was overjoyed to receive an offer from Coach Whittaker. “I've rooted for St. Michael's all my life, so of course it's an honor to be able to play there. But the fit still had to be right, and it is. Having my family able to come to games mattered a lot. But more than that, I wanted to be pushed. Coach Whittaker and Coach Wheaton told me straight up that nothing here would be handed to me — I’d have to earn it every day. That stuck with me.

They’ve built something special, and I wanted to be part of it. I know I’ve still got work to do on my game, but I trust this staff to help me get there. At the end of the day, it’s about competing at the highest level I can, and I believe St. Michael’s is the place where I can do that.”


None of the four players would be able to stroll onto campus and claim a starting job immediately. Lozano and O'Shea would join a frontcourt corps that included veterans like Connor Del Vecchio, Cameron Corley, and Andre Cartwright. Tillery would compete with Seth Kaplan at point guard. Carraway's path might be the smoothest, but he'd still have to beat out Isaiah Pritchard and Trey Hammond.

"If we hit all these signings, we'll be deeper next year than we've ever been," Toby privately confided.

[MoonlightGraham]

January 7, 2014

013 Mid-Atlantic Conference Standings

TEAM CW CL Pct W L Pct RPI Prestige
-----------------------------------------------------------------
#23 St. Michael's 0 0 .000 12 2 .857 54 84
#12 Penn State 0 0 .000 12 0 1.000 66 61
#24 La Salle 0 0 .000 10 2 .833 47 78
St. Bonaventure 0 0 .000 9 4 .692 144 96
Temple 0 0 .000 9 5 .643 155 99
Duquesne 0 0 .000 9 4 .692 289 79
Pittsburgh 0 0 .000 8 5 .615 187 70
Rutgers 0 0 .000 8 5 .615 201 60
Saint Joseph's 0 0 .000 5 6 .455 270 79

#23 ST. MICHAEL'S Schedule

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
11/17/13 vs. Southern Illinois 8-6 124 W 77-64 1-0
11/19/13 vs. Wake Forest 8-6 165 W 77-66 2-0
11/21/13 vs. #19 Auburn 9-3 7 L 77-65 2-1
11/24/13 Northern Iowa 5-8 141 W 76-52 3-1
11/26/13 at Haverford 6-8 149 W 82-51 4-1
11/29/13 at George Mason 4-8 233 W 72-48 5-1
12/03/13 Loyola-Maryland 6-7 151 W 64-53 6-1
12/05/13 at Bucknell 5-10 68 W 77-35 7-1
12/09/13 Cleveland State 7-7 30 W 66-56 8-1
12/13/13 New Hampshire 6-8 53 W 82-74 9-1
12/17/13 Manhattan 6-9 203 W 65-57 10-1
12/20/13 Notre Dame 7-6 15 L 76-72 10-2
12/26/13 Maryland-East Shore 7-6 96 W 70-57 11-2
01/05/14 at Princeton 2-9 67 W 67-54 12-2


The Michaelian, St. Michael's magazine

A Lifetime with the Saints
By Maggie O'Donnell '08, Staff Writer

On a quiet street in Bryn Mawr, Capt. Jim Voorhees ’40 settles into his favorite chair, the radio within reach, a Saints pennant still hanging above him after all these years. At 96, he may not make it to campus for games anymore, but his heart remains at the center of St. Michael’s basketball.

"I occasionally watch a game on television, but I like listening to them on the radio more," he commented. "I enjoy Dan Kessler's style."

“They play the right way,” he said, his voice steady but full of feeling. “This group trusts each other. They remind me of a good flight crew—each man knows his job, and they do it together.”

Voorhees, who earned the Distinguished Flying Cross as a Naval aviator in World War II, still talks about the Saints with the precision of a pilot and the affection of an alumnus who has carried his school with him across decades.

He admires the calm of point guard Caleb Lear. “Lear never panics. He’s got poise. When things get messy, he steadies the ship. That’s leadership.”

He lights up when describing Desmond Lee, who leads the team in both scoring and assists. “Lee’s a fighter. He’ll attack the rim, then turn around and make the pass that sets up a teammate. That’s the sort of player every crew needs—someone who does whatever the mission requires.”

And he grins at the grit of Connor Del Vecchio in the paint. “That young man’s a scrapper. He’s in the thick of every battle under the boards. He's doing even more now that Trevor McMillan is out with that broken foot. Reminds me of the deckhands I knew on the carrier—never afraid of hard work.”

Even bench contributors earn his respect. “Andre Cartwright, he gives them toughness in short minutes. You win with depth, and he knows his role.”

Coach Toby Whittaker admits the team takes pride in knowing Voorhees is still tuned in. “The guys love hearing that Capt. Voorhees is with us,” Whittaker said. “When he calls Caleb steady or Connor gritty—that’s exactly the standard we try to live up to.”

The players are humbled by it too. “It’s an honor,” said Lee. “For someone who’s lived through so much to still care about how we play? That pushes us every day.”

Lear added quietly, “When he says I remind him of a pilot keeping control, that’s the best compliment I could ever get.”

Voorhees has watched the Saints open the year 12–2, and he believes something special is taking shape. “They’ve taken a few knocks, but so did we in the war,” he said with a smile. “What matters is how you respond. This bunch doesn’t quit.”

As the Mid-Atlantic Conference schedule begins, Voorhees will be right where he has been for more than seventy years: cheering for the Saints, his Saints, with all the devotion of a lifetime.

“I may be old,” he said softly, “but I’ll be pulling for St. Michael’s with everything I’ve got, all season long.”

***

From the Archives: The Saints of 1940

A student who could travel back in time and attend a Saints game with Jim Voorhees would easily recognize some of the traditions of 1940. The Pavilion was one of the newer buildings on the small campus. Then, as now, many students walked to games after dinner in the Refectory. But tickets were fifty cents for the general public, but free for students who lined up early enough to squeeze into the bleachers.

That winter, the Saints finished 12–8, led by captain Frank Malloy '40, a 6-foot-1 forward who doubled as the student council president. Voorhees still remembers the roar of the crowd when Malloy sank a hook shot to beat Haverford in overtime.

“Basketball back then wasn’t about flash,” Voorhees recalled. “It was grit, it was pride, it was family. Funny enough, that’s still what I see in these boys today.”

[MoonlightGraham]

The St. Michael’s Sentinel
March 10, 2014

“Learning the League: Coach Whittaker Reflects on Saints’ First MAC Season”
By Daniel Kelleher ’15, Sports Editor

When St. Michael’s made the leap into the Mid-Atlantic Conference this season, many wondered how the Saints would measure up against established rivals like Temple, Penn State, and St. Bonaventure. With a 24-6 record overall, 12-4 in conference, and a share of the regular-season crown, the Saints answered loudly. Head Coach Toby Whittaker sat down with the Sentinel to talk about the ride so far.

Sentinel: Coach, your first two MAC games were losses. Was there any panic?

Whittaker: Not panic, but there was urgency. St. Bonaventure and La Salle both gave us a wake-up call. We had been cruising through non-conference, and suddenly we were down 0-2 in the league. I told the guys, “This is what we signed up for—every night’s a battle.” To their credit, they responded. And, to be fair, we didn't have Trevor McMillan available. He was still in that walking boot.

Sentinel: Responded is right. You went 12-2 the rest of the way, including a blowout win at St. Bonaventure. What changed?

Whittaker: Defense and discipline. Caleb [Lear] grew into running the point in this league, Desmond [Lee] started trusting the pass as much as his shot, and Trevor [McMillan] came back and anchored us inside. Once we stopped trying to out-score everyone and focused on rebounding and taking care of the ball, we found our rhythm.

Sentinel: Speaking of Trevor McMillan, he's averaging a double-double—11 points and 11 rebounds—and nearly four blocks. What does he mean to this team?

Whittaker: He’s our backbone. Trevor doesn’t care if he scores five points or fifteen; he cares if we win. Opponents feel him every possession. Caleb put it best the other day—he said, “When Trevor’s behind me, I can gamble a little more, because I know he’ll clean it up.”

Sentinel: Desmond Lee is leading the team in scoring and assists. That’s unusual for a two-guard.

Whittaker: Des is special. He’s got that old-school playground vision—he sees angles other guys don’t. We ask him to score, to rebound, to facilitate. And he never complains. After the Temple win, he said to me, “Coach, I don’t care if I had 20 points or 2, I just like beating those guys.” That’s his mindset.

Sentinel: What about the supporting cast—Whitworth, Del Vecchio, even Pritchard off the bench?

Whittaker: Kyle Whitworth is the glue. He guards three positions, hits big shots, and he’s a leader in the locker room. That's rare to see from a sophomore. Connor Del Vecchio is as steady as they come at power forward—he’ll give you 10 and 6 every night and guard the other team’s best big. And Isaiah Pritchard gives us instant offense off the bench. He doesn’t hesitate; he plays with joy.

Sentinel: The standings show St. Michael’s tied with St. Bonaventure at 12-4. How does it feel to claim a piece of the conference title in your first season?

Whittaker: It’s gratifying, but it’s not the destination. We didn’t come into the MAC to make a cameo—we came to compete for championships. We proved we belong. Now we have to show we can sustain it.

Sentinel: Final question. What’s your message to the campus community heading into the tournaments?

Whittaker: Stay with us. This team feeds off the energy in The Pavilion. Our guys love looking up and seeing a packed student section. We’re proud to wear “St. Michael’s” across our chest, and we want to make this place proud every time we take the floor.

2013 Mid-Atlantic Conference Standings

TEAM CW CL Pct W L Pct RPI Prestige
-------------------------------------------------------------------
#14 St. Michael's 12 4 .750 28 8 .778 6 84
#13 St. Bonaventure 12 4 .750 27 9 .750 12 96
#18 Penn State 10 6 .625 26 8 .765 18 61
Temple 9 7 .563 21 14 .600 45 99
Saint Joseph's 9 7 .563 15 14 .517 73 79
Duquesne 7 9 .438 16 15 .516 100 79
La Salle 6 10 .375 17 13 .567 58 78
Pittsburgh 4 12 .250 14 18 .438 144 70
Rutgers 3 13 .188 11 20 .355 182 60

#14 ST. MICHAEL'S Schedule

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11/17/13 vs. Southern Illinois 18-17 190 W 77-64 1-0
11/19/13 vs. Wake Forest 16-15 102 W 77-66 2-0
11/21/13 vs. Auburn 18-14 40 L 77-65 2-1
11/24/13 Northern Iowa 15-15 176 W 76-52 3-1
11/26/13 at Haverford 17-14 174 W 82-51 4-1
11/29/13 at George Mason 15-15 232 W 72-48 5-1
12/03/13 Loyola-Maryland 18-13 141 W 64-53 6-1
12/05/13 at Bucknell 19-16 67 W 77-35 7-1
12/09/13 Cleveland State 12-19 140 W 66-56 8-1
12/13/13 New Hampshire 14-18 199 W 82-74 9-1
12/17/13 Manhattan 15-18 109 W 65-57 10-1
12/20/13 Notre Dame 18-15 28 L 76-72 10-2
12/26/13 Maryland-East Shore 17-15 153 W 70-57 11-2
01/05/14 at Princeton 11-18 259 W 67-54 12-2
01/09/14 #13 St. Bonaventure 27-9 12 L 81-72 12-3 (0-1)
01/14/14 at La Salle 17-13 58 L 77-72 12-4 (0-2)
01/18/14 Saint Joseph's 15-14 73 W 77-66 13-4 (1-2)
01/23/14 Duquesne 16-15 100 W 62-61 14-4 (2-2)
01/25/14 at #18 Penn State 26-8 18 L 83-70 14-5 (2-3)
01/30/14 at Pittsburgh 14-18 144 W 92-83 15-5 (3-3)
02/01/14 Rutgers 11-20 182 W 81-65 16-5 (4-3)
02/04/14 Temple 21-14 45 W 80-69 17-5 (5-3)
02/08/14 at #13 St. Bonaventure 27-9 12 W 76-51 18-5 (6-3)
02/15/14 La Salle 17-13 58 W 72-61 19-5 (7-3)
02/20/14 at Saint Joseph's 15-14 73 L 85-76 19-6 (7-4)
02/22/14 at Duquesne 16-15 100 W 79-68 20-6 (8-4)
02/25/14 #18 Penn State 26-8 18 W 76-45 21-6 (9-4)
03/01/14 Pittsburgh 14-18 144 W 69-41 22-6 (10-4)
03/06/14 at Rutgers 11-20 182 W 72-64 23-6 (11-4)
03/08/14 at Temple 21-14 45 W 60-55 24-6 (12-4)

[MoonlightGraham]

#14 ST. MICHAEL'S Schedule

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
03/14/14 vs. Pittsburgh 14-18 144 W 71-62 25-6
03/15/14 vs. Temple 21-14 45 L 78-49 25-7
03/21/14 vs. Utah State 18-14 77 W 75-69 26-7
03/23/14 vs. Loyola Marymount 21-13 21 W 85-79 27-7
03/27/14 vs. #7 Mississippi 26-8 10 W 91-83 28-7
03/29/14 vs. #1 Saint Mary's 34-4 1 L 83-65 28-8

What did the Saints' four seniors have to say about the last weeks of their careers, which saw them advance to another regional final before losing to the top-ranked team in the nation?


Trevor McMillan:
"When I came here four years ago, St. Michael’s wasn’t in a power conference, and people didn’t think we could go toe-to-toe with the big schools. To win a national championship and then finish my career in the Elite Eight? That’s something I’ll always be proud of. I didn’t need to score 20 a night—I just wanted to rebound, protect the rim, and give us a chance. Coach always said, ‘Trevor sets the tone.’ I hope that’s what I’ll be remembered for."

Caleb Lear:
"This place changed me. I wasn’t sure I was ready to run a team at this level when I got here. But Coach believed in me, my teammates trusted me, and together we grew into something special. Beating Mississippi, then playing Saint Mary’s on that stage—it’s surreal. The wins matter, but honestly, it’s the bonds in the locker room, the late nights in the gym, the laughs on the bus—that’s what I’ll carry with me."

Desmond Lee:
"I came here to prove I could play with anybody, and I think we did that as a team. We didn’t back down from Penn State, Temple, Saint Mary’s—nobody. Winning the NCAA tournament? Making the Elite Eight our first year in the MAC? That’s making history. For me personally, I just hope I left a reputation as a guy who competed every single night and had fun doing it."

Sean O’Reilly:
"I wasn’t the star, and that’s okay—I knew my role. I was here to push Jalen [Wilson] and Caleb in practice, give good minutes when my number was called, and be part of something bigger than myself. To be on the floor at the end of some NCAA games, hearing our fans going crazy—that’s something I’ll never forget. I’m just grateful I got to be part of this family and this ride. I've got a [NCAA championship] ring. St. Michael’s will always be home for me."

[MoonlightGraham]

#14 ST. MICHAEL'S TEAM INFO

Current Performance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Team Prestige: 84 Record Vs 1-50: 6-6 Poll Rank: #14
Season Record: 28-8 Record Vs 51-100: 6-2 RPI Rank: #6
Conference Record: 12-4 Record Vs 101-200: 14-0
Home Record: 13-2 Record Vs 200+: 2-0


Team Stats CR NR Opp. Stats CR NR Margin CR NR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points 73.2 4 113 Points 64.7 1 28 Points 8.5 2 24
O.Reb 10.3 8 263 O.Reb 10.1 5 85 O.Reb 0.2 7 165
D.Reb 26.1 6 149 D.Reb 22.0 1 5 D.Reb 4.1 1 7
Rebounds 36.4 6 205 Rebounds 32.1 1 8 Rebounds 4.3 2 29
Assists 16.4 3 36 Assists 14.0 5 223 Assists 2.4 4 42
Steals 6.5 5 95 Steals 6.3 8 280 Steals 0.3 6 145
Blocks 5.4 2 35 Blocks 2.6 1 33 Blocks 2.8 1 13
Turnovers 15.0 8 312 Turnovers 13.7 8 200 Turnovers 1.4 8 272
Fouls 15.1 1 2 Fouls 18.5 4 304 Fouls -3.4 1 10
FG% .466 1 19 FG% .415 3 62 FG% .051 1 16
FT% .717 2 41 FT% .688 3 266 FT% .029 1 80
3P% .375 2 47 3P% .341 6 191 3P% .034 2 60
PPS 1.35 1 10 PPS 1.13 1 12 PPS .219 1 3
Adj. FG% .547 1 8 Adj. FG% .470 3 62 Adj. FG% .077 1 7

David Simpson, St. Michael's lead scout, had this to say about the 2013/14 season:

"When you look at the numbers, the story is clear: this was a balanced, disciplined, and efficient team that made a real leap forward in their first year in the Mid-Atlantic Conference. Let’s take it piece by piece."


Team Identity

“We were a defense-first unit. Opponents averaged just 64.7 points per game, good for top-30 nationally. Our block rate (5.4 per game, 2nd in conference) and rebounding margin (+4.3, 2nd in conference) meant we controlled the paint most nights.”

“Offensively, we weren’t flashy, but we were efficient. Shooting 46.6% overall, 37.5% from three, and 71.7% at the line puts us top-tier nationally in all three categories. That’s not easy to sustain over 36 games.”


Backcourt Breakdown

Caleb Lear (PG): “Caleb quietly ran the show with poise. Four assists a game, 42% from deep, and a positive +/- every night. He’s not the fastest, but he’s strong, cerebral, and always makes the right read.”

Desmond Lee (SG): “Desmond was the engine. 13.8 points, nearly six assists, and a team-high 85 threes. He’s a dual threat — can attack the lane or step back from deep. Defenses had to pick their poison.”

Isaiah Pritchard (SG): “The breakout surprise. Ten points per game off the bench, 43% from three. He gave us firepower in second units and stretched defenses when Lee sat.”


Frontcourt Breakdown

Trevor McMillan (C): “Anchor of the defense. 11 rebounds and nearly 4 blocks per game. He altered everything at the rim. The offense came when needed — but his rim protection is what made this team special.”

Connor Del Vecchio (PF): “Our steady glue guy. 10 points, 6 boards, efficient inside, and reliable defensively. Doesn’t demand touches, but always makes winning plays.”

Kyle Whitworth (SF): “The all-around wing. Eleven points, five boards, two assists — he filled gaps. His length on defense and ability to hit open threes (35%) kept us balanced.”

Cameron Corley (PF): “Key rotation piece. Five points and five boards off the bench, and he battled inside. If he keeps polishing his post game, he’ll be even more valuable.”


Bench & Depth

“Cartwright and Kowalski gave solid backup minutes at center, holding the line when McMillan rested. Sean O’Reilly was steady as a reserve point guard, and Donnelly, Kaplan, and others chipped in situationally. Depth wasn’t our strength, but it was serviceable.”

Strengths

Defense & Rim Protection – elite rebounding and block rates.
Shooting Efficiency – balanced inside/outside scoring, great percentages.
Unselfish Play – 16.4 assists per game, 3rd in conference.


Weaknesses

Turnovers – 15 per game, too high for a top-15 team.
Bench Consistency – drop-off when starters rested.
Free Throw Variance – respectable average, but streaky in key games.



Simpson’s Closing Thought
"To go 28-8, reach the Elite Eight, and finish with a top-6 RPI in your first MAC season? That’s a statement.

We had a foundation: a defensive anchor in McMillan, versatile guards in Lear and Lee, and shooting depth with Pritchard and Whitworth. The last two guys are returning, and they'll be key to what happens next. The next step is cutting turnovers and building more scoring options up front. But make no mistake—this was a special season, and it kept St. Michael's in the national picture."

#14 ST. MICHAEL'S Averages

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trevor McMillan C 24 24 33.0 11.0 3.2 11.0 1.3 0.4 3.9 1.8 1.6 8.8
Caleb Lear PG 26 26 32.3 11.6 0.7 2.8 4.0 2.2 0.2 2.2 2.0 10.1
Desmond Lee SG 36 36 31.1 13.8 1.5 4.1 5.7 1.2 0.1 2.7 2.2 8.3
Kyle Whitworth SF 36 36 31.0 11.7 1.3 5.2 2.1 1.5 0.4 2.7 2.2 5.8
Connor Del Vecchio PF 36 36 28.7 10.6 1.8 5.9 1.1 0.3 0.9 2.0 2.9 6.4
Cameron Corley PF 31 12 20.5 5.3 1.1 5.0 1.2 0.5 0.4 1.1 1.8 3.8
Isaiah Pritchard SG 36 10 20.2 10.9 0.4 2.3 1.0 0.6 0.1 2.4 1.4 2.4
Andre Cartwright C 36 0 10.8 1.6 0.9 3.0 0.6 0.2 0.3 0.5 1.1 1.6
Sean O'Reilly PG 36 0 5.8 1.3 0.1 0.4 0.7 0.3 0.0 0.5 0.2 -0.1
Brian Kowalski C 23 0 4.6 1.4 0.4 1.5 0.1 0.1 0.7 0.2 0.6 1.7
Chris Donnelly SF 31 0 4.4 1.7 0.3 0.8 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.3 0.4 -0.4
Seth Kaplan PG 17 0 4.3 1.4 0.1 0.4 0.8 0.1 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.7
Harry Reeve PF 3 0 3.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.3 -1.3
Charles Laird C 1 0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 1.0

#14 ST. MICHAEL'S Totals

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trevor McMillan C 24 24 793 264 76 263 31 9 94 43 39 211
Caleb Lear PG 26 26 839 301 17 72 103 58 6 56 53 262
Desmond Lee SG 36 36 1121 496 55 147 206 44 3 97 80 297
Kyle Whitworth SF 36 36 1116 422 48 188 74 53 14 97 80 208
Connor Del Vecchio PF 36 36 1033 380 66 214 40 11 34 73 105 230
Cameron Corley PF 31 12 637 165 35 156 36 17 12 35 57 119
Isaiah Pritchard SG 36 10 727 392 16 82 35 22 4 86 51 86
Andre Cartwright C 36 0 387 58 33 108 20 6 10 19 39 57
Sean O'Reilly PG 36 0 208 48 4 13 25 10 0 17 8 -5
Brian Kowalski C 23 0 105 33 10 35 3 2 16 4 13 40
Chris Donnelly SF 31 0 137 52 9 25 6 2 0 9 11 -13
Seth Kaplan PG 17 0 73 23 1 6 13 1 0 4 6 12
Harry Reeve PF 3 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 -4
Charles Laird C 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

#14 ST. MICHAEL'S Shooting

Player Pos Fgm Fga Fg% Ftm Fta Ft% 3pm 3pa 3p% PPS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trevor McMillan C 91 185 .492 70 94 .745 12 42 .286 1.43
Caleb Lear PG 103 215 .479 38 61 .623 57 135 .422 1.40
Desmond Lee SG 155 349 .444 101 132 .765 85 240 .354 1.42
Kyle Whitworth SF 155 325 .477 55 77 .714 57 162 .352 1.30
Connor Del Vecchio PF 141 308 .458 93 121 .769 5 14 .357 1.23
Cameron Corley PF 65 145 .448 35 61 .574 0 1 .000 1.14
Isaiah Pritchard SG 127 259 .490 55 75 .733 83 192 .432 1.51
Andre Cartwright C 23 46 .500 12 21 .571 0 1 .000 1.26
Sean O'Reilly PG 15 36 .417 13 15 .867 5 16 .313 1.33
Brian Kowalski C 15 26 .577 3 3 1.000 0 1 .000 1.27
Chris Donnelly SF 15 50 .300 15 20 .750 7 28 .250 1.04
Seth Kaplan PG 7 11 .636 5 9 .556 4 8 .500 2.09
Harry Reeve PF 0 1 .000 0 1 .000 0 1 .000 0.00
Charles Laird C 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0.00

[MoonlightGraham]

2013 Recruiting Rankings

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Duke ACC SG Michel Williamson ***** 2 2 0 0 0
2. Villanova Big East SG Samuel Ballard ***** 3 1 0 0 0
3. St. John's Big East SG Charles Mackey ***** 1 2 1 0 0
4. Tennessee SEC SF Derrick Parke ***** 3 0 1 0 0
5. Saint Louis Conference USA C John Andrews ***** 1 1 3 0 0
6. Loyola Marymount WCC PF Lincoln Hall ***** 1 2 2 0 0
7. Saint Mary's WCC SF Errol Richardson **** 0 4 0 0 0
8. Portland WCC SF Jason Colin **** 0 2 3 0 0
9. Auburn SEC PF Willard Evans ***** 1 2 1 0 0
10. Temple Mid-Atlantic C Lynwood Harrington ***** 1 1 1 0 0
11. Syracuse Big East C Gene Dietrich **** 0 2 2 0 0
12. Cleveland State Great Lakes SG Thomas Rabe **** 0 4 0 0 0
13. Southern Methodist Southwest SG Josef Williams ***** 1 1 2 0 0
14. Boston College Big East C Matthew Mulholland **** 0 3 1 0 0
15. Florida SEC PG Ernie Kitchens **** 0 3 1 0 0
16. Kentucky SEC SF Tommie Howard ***** 1 1 2 0 0
17. Arkansas Southwest SG Billy Lara **** 0 1 3 0 0
18. Connecticut Big East PF Cary Paul **** 0 1 3 0 0
19. Mississippi SEC SG Michael Esquivel ***** 1 1 2 0 0
20. St. Michael's Mid-Atlantic SG Devon Carraway **** 0 3 1 0 0
21. North Carolina ACC SG Armando Clyde ***** 1 1 0 0 0
22. Houston Southwest PG Dennis Broderick ***** 1 1 1 0 0
23. San Diego State Mountain West C Reginald Parker **** 0 2 2 1 0
24. Washington Pacific-10 SG John Ramey **** 0 1 2 3 1
25. Nevada WAC SG Joshua Hazel **** 0 1 3 0 0

2013 Recruiting Rankings

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. Temple Mid-Atlantic C Lynwood Harrington ***** 1 1 1 0 0
20. St. Michael's Mid-Atlantic SG Devon Carraway **** 0 3 1 0 0
59. Pittsburgh Mid-Atlantic C Tod Westlake **** 0 1 1 1 0
66. La Salle Mid-Atlantic PF Fredric Mott *** 0 0 3 0 0
72. Rutgers Mid-Atlantic SF Charles Stroud **** 0 1 1 0 0
113. St. Bonaventure Mid-Atlantic SG Brent Gonzales **** 0 1 0 0 0
123. Saint Joseph's Mid-Atlantic C Frederick Holifield *** 0 0 3 0 0
224. Penn State Mid-Atlantic SG Gino Wooley ** 0 0 0 4 0
353. Duquesne Mid-Atlantic 0 0 0 0 0

In his first season in the Mid-Atlantic Conference, Toby Whittaker landed a recruiting class that ranked second in a top-tier league and 20th nationwide. New recruiting assistant Rod Wheaton's skill was instrumental in the Saints' pull of three four-star players and a high three-star guy.

Temple's Lynwood Harrington was the top player in the class, and he looked like he'd be the real deal. But Devon Carraway and M.J. Tillery arrived on campus with the same "square codes," Orange/Blue. Walter Lozano and Brendan O'Shea looked like they'd be good, too.

West 106, East 72

--------------------------------------------------------
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Clemente Haile C 23 0-6 0-0 1 5 2 2 0
Walter Lozano PF 29 4-9 0-0 2 5 1 2 8
Samuel Ballard SF 31 8-17 1-1 6 7 1 2 17
Justin Tindall SG 26 6-8 3-3 1 2 2 3 15
M.J. Tillery PG 23 2-7 0-1 0 1 5 3 5
George Rogers PG 21 1-2 2-2 2 3 4 3 4
Devon Carraway SG 14 4-6 0-1 1 1 1 0 11
Tommie Clawson C 20 4-7 1-2 0 2 3 3 10
Frank Archambault PF 7 1-3 0-0 0 1 0 1 2
Coleman Gonzalez SF 5 0-2 0-0 0 2 1 0 0

Turnovers: 24 (C.Haile 2, W.Lozano 3, S.Ballard 1,
J.Tindall 4, M.Tillery 4, G.Rogers 3, D.Carraway 2,
T.Clawson 4, F.Archambault 1)
Blocked Shots: 1 (G.Rogers 1)
Steals: 7 (C.Haile 2, J.Tindall 2, M.Tillery 1,
D.Carraway 1, T.Clawson 1)
3P FGs: 5-14 (S.Ballard 0-3, J.Tindall 0-1, M.Tillery
1-4, D.Carraway 3-4, T.Clawson 1-2)

West:
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Johnathon Smith C 29 6-11 4-4 2 7 3 1 16
Gregory Rolle PF 26 4-6 0-0 2 4 0 4 8
Shih Bun Yu SF 32 7-10 3-3 1 7 8 2 19
Ryan Cornell SG 15 5-8 1-1 0 1 2 4 11
Dennis Broderick SG 31 8-11 3-3 1 4 6 2 19
Damien Engler PG 24 5-7 3-3 0 3 2 4 15
Jose Rudolph C 18 3-5 0-0 1 7 0 0 6
Isaiah Cruz PF 6 0-0 0-0 0 0 1 0 0
Errol Richardson SF 10 1-3 0-0 1 2 2 0 2
Josef Williams SG 8 4-6 0-1 1 1 1 0 10

Turnovers: 18 (J.Smith 1, G.Rolle 2, S.Bun Yu 3,
R.Cornell 5, D.Engler 3, J.Rudolph 2, E.Richardson 1,
J.Williams 1)
Blocked Shots: 4 (J.Smith 2, G.Rolle 1, J.Rudolph 1)
Steals: 10 (G.Rolle 1, S.Bun Yu 1, R.Cornell 1,
D.Broderick 1, D.Engler 3, J.Rudolph 1, E.Richardson 2)
3P FGs: 6-9 (S.Bun Yu 2-2, R.Cornell 0-1, D.Broderick
0-1, D.Engler 2-3, J.Williams 2-2)

Player of Game: PG Dennis Broderick (West)

For the first time, Saints fans took an intense interest in the High School All-American Game. The three future Saints couldn't help their East teammates overcome a loaded West squad, but Devon Calloway was one of his team's best players that night.

[MoonlightGraham]

St. Michael's Sentinel
June 2014

From Wawasee to St. Michael’s: Brant Fleischer’s Unconventional Path
By Daniel P. Rourke, Staff Writer

When Brant Fleischer arrived on campus this spring to join Toby Whittaker’s staff, he brought with him no college coaching experience and no prior stops in the traditional assistant’s chair. What he did bring was a résumé that speaks to both accomplishment and ingenuity, and a reputation as a coach who squeezes the very best out of the players he leads.

Fleischer, 36, grew up in Syracuse, Indiana, a town where basketball culture isn’t simply a pastime but a civic identity. “At Wawasee High, you played because that’s what you did,” Fleischer recalled. “The whole county showed up on Friday nights. That atmosphere gets in your blood.”

A wiry, not-quite-six-footer, Fleischer earned three varsity letters. He was a generational talent in the classroom, scoring a nearly-perfect 1580 on his standardized test and earning a 4.22 GPA. After earning his degree at Harvard, Fleischer returned home and accepted the head coaching job at Wawasee High School. Over seven years, he guided the Warriors to back-to-back sectional championships and three twenty-win seasons. His calling card was an intricate motion offense that emphasized spacing, cutting, and reading the defense. “We weren’t always the most athletic team,” Fleischer said, “but we could make you guard for twenty-five seconds every possession.”

Those schemes—and the steady improvement of his players—caught the eye of AAU coaches and recruiters alike. Fleischer soon began lending his summers to development camps in Chicago and Boston, where he worked with a cross-section of Division I prospects. His reputation became that of a teacher: clear in instruction, patient with fundamentals, and relentlessly detail-oriented.

“I remember Brant talking to kids about the angle of their plant foot coming off a screen,” one Chicago-based AAU director said. “Stuff most coaches gloss over. That’s where he lives.”

The opportunity at St. Michael’s came about when assistant Daniel Bartley was hired as the new head coach at Presbyterian. Bartley, who had been with Whittaker at St. Michael's for three years, left behind big shoes to fill. “Daniel is going to do great things,” Whittaker said. “He’s ready for that next step. We’re proud to see him get his own program.”

For Whittaker, replacing Bartley meant looking for someone who could complement the staff’s experience with a fresh perspective. “Brant’s not a career assistant,” Whittaker said. “He’s built a program from scratch, he’s developed players, and he’s done it in gyms where nothing is given to you. That’s a perspective that's appealing to us here.”

Fleischer’s offensive acumen is widely regarded as elite—his coaching “rating,” as Whittaker jokes, is a clean 100 on that side of the ball. Defense, he admits, is still a growth area. “I’m the first to say I lean offense-first,” Fleischer said with a grin. “But I’m learning from some of the best here, and I know how high the bar is.”

Players have already noticed the difference in offseason workouts. “Coach Fleischer has us really focusing on reads and movement without the ball,” said forward Connor Del Vecchio. “It’s not just running plays—it’s understanding why. He’s tough but encouraging, and you can tell he’s a teacher at heart.”

His path to St. Michael’s wasn’t conventional, but it may be precisely what makes him stand out. “I know I’m the new guy in the room,” Fleischer said. “I just want to bring energy, ideas, and a love for the game. And I’m grateful Coach Whittaker believed in me enough to give me this opportunity.”

From Wawasee to Harvard to St. Michael’s, Brant Fleischer’s journey reflects a coach who values teaching, precision, and persistence. If history is any guide, those qualities tend to make a difference in the win column.

[MoonlightGraham]

June 11, 2014

Claire woke up on the morning of her fortieth birthday to the sound of whispered arguments in the hallway. “Don’t spill it!” hissed Nora, trying to balance a tray with pancakes, orange juice, and coffee. Grace followed behind, proudly holding a glitter-covered birthday card. Eli trailed last, gripping a single tulip from the yard and sloshing juice out of a second cup he insisted on carrying. Toby, half-director, half-co-conspirator, was shooing them forward.

“Happy birthday, Mommy!” they chorused as they rushed into the bedroom. Nora presented the tray with the poise of a general leading troops, Grace nearly knocked it over in her eagerness to climb onto the bed, and Eli plunked the tulip into Claire’s lap with sticky fingers. Claire laughed, kissed each of them in turn, and declared it the most beautiful breakfast she’d ever had.

The day unfolded in the way Toby had planned: a balance of family adventure and little surprises. At the park, they turned a quiet walk into a spirited kickball game. Nora, determined to prove her strength, sent the ball flying with a grin. Grace, fierce and focused, slid dramatically into bases, her jeans streaked green. Eli, determined to match his sisters' skill, outdid them both in terms of energy. Claire stood on the sidelines at first, clapping, until Toby dragged her into the game — she ended up laughing so hard she could barely run.

Later, after showers, baths, and a rest, they went to the zoo, Eli was a whirlwind. He tugged them from lions to monkeys to penguins, spouting half-remembered facts from school: “Did you know penguins can swim faster than Olympic swimmers?” Nora, feigning an eye-roll, secretly lingered to watch the red pandas. Grace insisted they stop at the giraffes, declaring them her new favorite. In the gift shop, she picked out a tiny stuffed tiger with her own allowance, saying it was “to remember today.”

When they returned home, the kitchen had been transformed. Nora had directed her siblings in hanging streamers and balloons earlier that morning, and now the space was festive in an endearingly lopsided way. Grace argued about balloon placement until the last minute, and Eli kept popping more than he managed to tie. Claire walked in and gasped at the sight, tears pricking her eyes — it was messy, chaotic, and absolutely perfect.

Dinner was Toby’s doing — takeout from Del Vecchio's — but the cake belonged to the kids. They brought it out together, Nora insisting on carrying it, Grace lighting the candles with nervous precision, Eli leaning dangerously close to blow them out before his mom had the chance. Claire closed her eyes, made a wish, and opened them to see her family beaming back at her.

It wasn’t a glamorous birthday, or a big surprise party with friends. But surrounded by Toby, Nora, Grace, and Eli — sticky fingers, glittery cards, grass stains and all — Claire thought it might have been the happiest birthday she’d ever had.

[MoonlightGraham]

August 2014

As the heat and humidity of August descended upon the Main Line, the recruiting season heated up, too. Toby Whittaker and his staff had to adjust to a new recruiting dynamic that was both exciting and challenging.

The Saints' move to the Mid-Atlantic Conference raised the team's profile considerably. The increased attention the team received was causing more talented high school players to seriously consider playing for St. Michael's. Athletic director Diane Lundquist and the school's board had directed funds into upgrading the team's facilities and raised the team's budget so it could compete with its well-heeled conference rivals.

Toby and his staff had two scholarships to offer to players in the high school Class of 2015. And there were three very talented players, all of whom would be good fits for the program, who were expressing sincere interest in playing for the Saints.

Philadelphia product Brandon Coles was one of the best big men in the country. Assistant David Simpson really liked Brandon's game.

"You don’t get many chances at a guy like this. Eighteen and a half points, fourteen boards a night — those numbers are real, and they’re against good competition at Father Judge. The offensive rebounding especially stands out. He gives his team extra possessions every game, and that’s the kind of thing that wins us conference titles.

"Physically, he’s 6’10”, long, mobile, with room to grow into his frame. He’s blocking three, four shots a night right now, and he’s still just scratching the surface. He’s thin, sure, but with our strength program he’ll put on weight the right way.

"He fits us perfectly. His rebounding and defensive potential are already at an elite level. And the fact he’s a Philadelphia kid? That’s huge. If we land him, we don’t just add a centerpiece big man, we establish ourselves as the natural destination for the best players in the area. He’s already got us high on his list. If we move quickly, show him he’s our priority, I believe we can close the deal."

Another assistant, Rod Wheaton, was impressed with Luka Vuković. A native of Split, Croatia, he was living with a local host family while he attended William Penn Charter School.

"Luka’s the kind of kid who doesn’t come around every day," David said. "He’s 6’9”, strong, already 225, and he’s putting up twenty points and nearly twelve rebounds a night at Penn Charter. What jumps out to me is the efficiency — sixty percent from the floor, over eighty percent at the line. For a high school big man, that’s rare. He’s got real touch, and you can play through him without worrying about wasted possessions.

"I love his skill set. He’s not just a back-to-the-basket bruiser. He’s got the Euro game; he's comfortable facing up, he can hit a midrange jumper, and he’ll even step out and knock down a three if you give him space. That stretches defenses, and in our system, that’s gold. You can pair him with a true center or run him as the lone big in a spread look.

"Defensively, he’s not as far along as Coles, but the tools are there — length, strength, enough quickness to hold his own. The rebounding numbers tell you he competes, and his passing is better than most kids his size. He’s averaging three assists a night; that tells me he sees the floor and isn’t a black hole when he gets the ball."

"The other thing: he’s local. A Philadelphia kid who already has very high interest in us. We sign him, we not only get a versatile four-man who fits our offense, we keep him out of Villanova’s backyard. That matters. And frankly, Luka wants to be here. He’s the kind of player who could slide right into Connor Del Vecchio’s role and give us an offensive dimension we don’t always have up front.

"Bottom line — he’s skilled, efficient, tough, and he already believes in St. Michael’s. That’s the kind of player you win with."

Luka was a four-star prospect, while Brandon was rated at five stars. Toby's first thought was to offer both of them. "I could see them playing together," he pointed out. "Their preferred playing styles complement each other well."

Then, the third member of Toby's staff--Brant Fleischer--weighed in. He was a big fan of a shooting guard from New York, Forrest Summers. Forrest was ranked even higher nationally than Coles.

The young coach's pitch was strong. "Forrest is the kind of scorer who changes a program’s ceiling. Twenty-one points a night, shooting over fifty percent from the floor and forty-four from three — that’s elite efficiency for a guard who creates most of his own looks. His jumper is already college-ready, and he’s got the quickness and bounce to punish you if you overplay the perimeter. Offensively, he’s the total package: slasher, shooter, transition finisher."

"What excites me as an offensive guy is his spacing impact. Defenses have to honor him at the arc, which opens up the floor for everyone else. You pair him with a steady point guard and a big who commands attention inside, and you’ve got balance. He’s also competitive — his tape shows a kid who doesn’t shy away from the big moment. That kind of mentality matters in March."

"Yes, the academics aren’t where some of our other recruits are, but he’s qualified, and in our environment, with structure, he’ll be fine. The upside is too great to nitpick. He’s ranked top-20 nationally, the top shooting guard in the region, and he already has very high interest in us. This is a battle with Georgetown and Connecticut, but the truth is, he fits here. We can offer him minutes right away, in a system that lets him showcase his strengths."

"Bottom line: Forrest gives us a go-to scorer on the wing, the kind of talent that keeps us as a Final Four contender as long as he's with us. We can’t pass that up."

Three high school stars who wanted to wear St. Michael's navy and gold. Two scholarships to offer. This was the kind of "problem" any coach would want to have.

[MoonlightGraham]

November 9, 2014

Autumn came late to southern Pennsylvania this year. Colorful leaves clung to the trees on the St. Michael's campus in early November, as the Saints wound up their training camp and prepared for their first game of the season.

The first day of the month brought good tidings: the commitment of five-star, All-American recruit Brandon Coles.

Toby Whittaker called Coles “a cornerstone player for our program,” praising his work ethic and defensive presence.

“From the first time we saw him, we knew he had that combination of length, strength, and competitiveness that’s hard to teach,” Whittaker said. “He’s a young man who fits what we’re about — he plays the game the right way, and he’s hungry to get better.”

Assistant coach David Simpson, who led the scouting effort, described Coles as “a player who changes the tone of a game with his presence.”

“You can build a defense around him,” Simpson said. “He rebounds everything in sight, runs the floor like a guard, and takes pride in protecting the rim. He’s still raw in spots offensively, but his ceiling is enormous.”

Brandon cited both proximity and program culture as key factors in his decision. “It felt like home,” he said during a small signing ceremony at Father Judge. “Coach Whittaker and his staff believed in me early, and I could tell they really care about developing players. Plus, staying close to my family in Philly means a lot.”

The signing also carried special weight for Toby, who has made recruiting locally a priority during his tenure.

“We’ve had great success with players from this area,” he said. “There’s tremendous high school talent in Philadelphia, and we want those kids to know they can achieve great things here at St. Michael’s.”

The Saints' other offer was in the hands of another local player, Penn Charter's Luka Vuković. Luka had moved ahead of Forrest Summers in the minds of the Saints' staff after the guard from New York was dazzled by a recruiting visit to Georgetown.

ST. MICHAEL'S General

Player # Pos Yr Ht Wt Sch Acd Status Hometown
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brendan O'Shea 1 C Fr 6-10 249 Yes 94 OK Warminster, PA
Devon Carraway 4 SG Fr 6-4 196 Yes 79 Redshirt Chester, PA
M.J. Tillery 11 PG Fr 6-1 184 Yes 74 OK Philadelphia, PA
Chris Donnelly 12 SF Jr* 6-7 226 Yes 91 OK Radnor, PA
Isaiah Pritchard 15 SG Sr 6-9 217 Yes 76 OK Ardmore, PA
Kyle Whitworth 20 SF Jr 6-8 202 Yes 80 OK Elmridge, PA
Seth Kaplan 21 PG So 6-1 193 Yes 96 OK Haddonfield, NJ
Trey Hammond 23 SF Fr* 6-5 208 Yes 72 OK Edison, NJ
Cameron Corley 25 PF Jr 6-9 232 Yes 75 OK Lodi, NJ
Walter Lozano 30 PF Fr 6-7 251 Yes 94 OK Dix Hills, NY
Andre Cartwright 34 C Jr 6-9 252 Yes 60 OK Fredericksburg, PA
Connor Del Vecchio 44 PF Sr 6-9 252 Yes 98 OK Wyndmoor, PA
Brian Kowalski 45 C So 6-10 242 Yes 73 OK Scranton, PA
Charles Laird 50 C Sr 6-10 214 No 28 Unhappy Omaha, NE
Harry Reeve 55 PF So 6-10 211 No 78 OK Apple Valley, MN

Toby and his staff felt good about his current roster, too. The team's returning starters both had deep roots in the Elmridge community.

Senior Connor Del Vecchio was the team's heartbeat, setting the tone with his hard work and the depth of his emotional commitment to the team. Connor was a descendant of Davide Del Vecchio, the founder of the popular Elmridge restaurant that bears his name. “People always joke that I must eat there for free — I don’t,” Connor laughed. "Del V" would be counted on to score, rebound, defend, and serve as the orchestrator of the team's defense.

The other returning starter was small forward Kyle Whitworth, who had been a Saint for life. He'd attended St. Aloysius School and the St. Michael's College School, educated by the Sisters of Charity and the Brothers of the Holy Cross. The team's top returning scorer at just under 12 points a game, Kyle worked tirelessly on his defense and looked ready to assert himself as one of the better all-purpose wings in the nation.

Isaiah Pritchard's story was just as meaningful. As Toby put it, “Isaiah’s story is one I’ll tell for a long time,” he said. “When he got here as a freshman, he wanted everything to happen right away. He came out of a big high school program, was used to being the guy, and suddenly he was the eleventh or twelfth man on a veteran team that didn’t need him to score 20 a night. That was hard for him. He was frustrated — with minutes, with me, with himself. But he never stopped working.” As a junior, Isaiah became the team's most potent offensive threat, averaging 11 points in 20 minutes per game. Now, as a senior, he had become one of the team’s emotional anchors — the player who’d pull a freshman aside after practice or spark energy in a timeout huddle.

Junior Cameron Corley had started 12 games in 2013/14, covering Trevor McMillan's injury. He began this year as a member of the starting five from Day One. Strong, quick, and athletic, Cam could guard any position on the floor and battle on both boards. Any scoring he provided would be a bonus, but he had developed a soft touch from close range.

Two talented players were competing for the point guard position: sophomore Seth Kaplan and freshman M.J. Tillery. Seth had the advantage of a year's worth of NCAA experience, while M.J. came with better credentials: four stars and All-American status. Both young guards were pass-first orchestrators, rather than lead guards, and both of them would play meaningful minutes.

The next man off the bench would be big Brendan O'Shea. Brendan arrived with less fanfare than his fellow first years, but it didn't take him long to assert himself. “When we recruited Brendan, we thought we were getting a developmental big — a hardworking kid who’d rebound, defend, and learn behind some veterans,” assistant David Simpson said. “But from the first week of camp, he looked like he belonged.” The long-time Saints fan for whom Toby signed a basketball seven years ago was now one of the most promising big men in the East.

Post players Andre Cartwright and Walter Lozano and wing Trey Hammond would also see significant action. Hammond was the heir apparent to the "Pritchard role," a source of offensive heat off the bench. Devon Carraway, a freshman guard of significant promise, showed humility and grace in taking a redshirt.

“You’ve got to check your ego a little bit,” Devon said. “But I get to practice every day against some of the best guards in the conference. I get better by competing with them. And I’m watching how our veterans handle things — their pace, their decision-making, how they carry themselves. That’s all part of it.”

Seven Saints began the season with Green squares beside their names, giving Toby and his staff a solid core of capable players. Four more were Yellow/Green prospects. So, while no St. Michael's player was being talked about as a Player of the Year candidate, none of them could be disregarded when an opposing coach prepared his scouting report.

"I like this team a lot," new coach Brant Fleischer said.

[Greyfriars Bobby]

Hello, Graham!

I hope you don't mind me replying in your forum. I know some people would rather not have posts from readers stuck in the middle of their stories. I apologize if that's the case with you.

I was a fairly active poster here years ago. I started (and never finished) more threads here than I would care to admit, most of them based on Football Manager saves. It's been five years since I was active on the forum, with the exception of periodic visits to see if any fun stories had been added since I last stopped by.

That's how I happened upon your Toby Whittaker/St. Michael's story. Your first post hooked me, and I would have read your dynasty in one sitting if I'd had time. As it was, I went back to it as soon as I could and just finished it. I want to tell you how much I enjoyed spending time in Toby Whittaker's world.

You're making that world a delightful, exciting place to be. St. Michael's feels like a real college, and Elmridge feels like a real college town. I can visualize the St. Michael's campus, and I can feel what a game night at the Pavilion is like. I'd like to have a cup of coffee at the Cloister Cafe or a pint down at O'Malley's, and a sandwich from Del Vecchio's for lunch. The "NPCs" you're creating, from announcers to students to townies, fill out the picture very well. Toby's fellow coaches, like Carl Wilson, seem real, too.

What I like most about your story, however, is the way you've made Toby such an appealing lead character. I would want to root for Toby by nature, but you've made it impossible for me to do otherwise. And I'm unabashedly charmed by Claire, Nora, Grace, and Eli. I'm a husband and father, too, and the slices of life that involve family moments make me smile.

You're taking what the game gives you and using it to craft a wonderful story.

This forum isn't nearly as busy as it used to be. That's a shame for many reasons, and one of them is the fact that stories like yours probably don't attract as many readers as they could, or should.

I hope you're enjoying playing Toby's career and creating the world in which it's set, and I hope you'll keep this going for a long time, if you can. I'd hate to see it go, and I have a feeling I'm speaking for other readers out there, too.

I'll see myself out. I want to grab that cup of Callahan Hall Coffee and read up on the 2014-15 Saints. :)

GB

[MoonlightGraham]

Thank you very much for your kind words, GB. I'm glad you're enjoying the story. I know it's not the kind of thing everyone on the forum would like, because I know I'm writing just as much about things that happen outside the game/off the court as I am about FBCB-specific things. I think that's keeping me interested in telling the story; I like the characters and their world, too, and I enjoy spending time with them.

I'm absolutely fine with comments from readers. Actually, I really enjoy them. Please feel free to contribute anytime you'd like.

In fact, if you'd like to become a part of the St. Michael's world, I'd be delighted to make that happen. If you'd like to create an "alter ego" for me to add to the story, send me a PM and let me know. If you want him/her to have any particular role (player/fan/classmate, etc.), I can probably make that work, too.

Thanks again for stopping by and following along. Coach Whittaker will be happy to buy you that cup of Callahan Hall Coffee. :)

[MoonlightGraham]

January 6, 2015

Toby liked the quiet of campus in early January — that cold, emptied-out stretch between New Year’s and the start of classes. St. Michael’s always felt older in winter, its stone buildings sharper against the bare trees and pale sky.

He cut across the main quad first. Callahan Hall, the original 1888 building, loomed the way it always did — tower, stained glass, that faint echo you could almost feel even from outside. O’Leary Library sat opposite it, its tall windows glowing weakly in the gray twilight, like it was still guarding secrets for the handful of students who stayed over break.

The Chapel bell was silent, but the place had presence anyway. The mosaic apse, the old wood, the windows of St. Michael and the Callahans — Toby paused there a moment out of habit, as he often did the morning after a long road trip. Margaret Hall was quiet too, its courtyard empty, just wind moving through the arches.

He walked on toward St. Joseph’s Quad — Kolbe, Seton, DeSales, Lourdes — all dark except for a few scattered lights from early-returned RAs. The statue of St. Joseph stood in the center, dusted with snow. Toby loved this part of campus at night during the season, when first-years packed the walkways. Now it was still.

Reilly Commons, usually loud with music or arguments or radio chatter from WSMC, was shuttered. The Lantern’s chalkboard menu was half-erased. Even the Cloister Walk was empty, though the lanterns buzzed faintly. He liked it quite a bit this way — just the sound of his own steps on the flagstones.

It struck him how strange this stretch had been: playing nearly every three days, winning every time. Fourteen games in seven weeks. VCU, Gonzaga, Boston College — all beaten before Thanksgiving. The OT scare against Fordham, the statement win at San Diego, Tulane’s top-20 RPI, the night they outlasted North Carolina. The grind of traveling to Vanderbilt and Penn after finals, on either side of Christmas. And then two blowouts to end December — Milwaukee at home and William & Mary away to make it 14-0.

For the first time all year, there were no scouting reports to read before bed, no flights to pack for, no film waiting on his laptop. Just silence.

Toby stopped near O’Connell House, where Campus Ministry sometimes held soup nights. Dark now, chimney cold. He thought about his guys — Pritchard becoming the leader he swore he’d never be, Whitworth making the leap everyone predicted, Del Vecchio bruised but unbreakable, Kaplan steady as a metronome, O’Shea growing faster than anyone expected. A team that didn’t know how to panic.

He looked back toward the quad. St. Michael’s had been here nearly as long as the town itself — founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross and the Sisters of Charity, built up by the Callahans, shaped by hundreds of classes who’d lived and walked the same paths. And now this group, this improbable undefeated bunch, was about to become part of that history.

He liked coaching here. He liked living here. He liked the life he'd built with Claire here, from the days they first strolled the campus together. He liked raising Nora, Grace, and Eli here. St. Michael’s had wrapped around the Whittakers in a way he hadn’t anticipated when he first arrived with doubts and a young family in tow.

Classes would start soon. The campus would wake up. Conference play would hit them hard.

But right now, for one quiet evening, the whole place felt like it belonged to him.

#3 ST. MICHAEL'S Schedule

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
11/16/14 vs. VCU 9-6 121 W 100-79 1-0
11/18/14 vs. Gonzaga 10-6 119 W 78-70 2-0
11/20/14 vs. Boston College 9-5 135 W 69-61 3-0
11/23/14 Fordham 6-8 244 W 91-89 4-0
11/26/14 at San Diego 8-6 31 W 79-69 5-0
12/02/14 Tulane 10-4 19 W 70-61 6-0
12/06/14 Chicago State 7-8 80 W 78-68 7-0
12/10/14 Hartford 4-10 354 W 87-68 8-0
12/13/14 North Carolina 9-4 40 W 83-75 9-0
12/17/14 at Vanderbilt 6-6 160 W 60-57 10-0
12/20/14 Williams 6-6 107 W 71-63 11-0
12/28/14 at Pennsylvania 8-5 247 W 84-49 12-0
12/31/14 Milwaukee 4-7 182 W 91-65 13-0
01/04/15 at William & Mary 4-10 123 W 89-44 14-0

[MoonlightGraham]

January 11, 2015

Top 25

# Team FPV Record Points Prv Conference
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. St. Michael's (50) 16-0 1747 3 Mid-Atlantic Conference
2. Georgetown (20) 14-2 1689 1 Big East Conference
3. Maryland 15-2 1677 2 Atlantic Coast Conference
4. Tennessee (2) 14-1 1640 4 Southeastern Conference
5. Pepperdine 16-2 1514 7 West Coast Conference
6. Clemson 14-1 1396 8 Atlantic Coast Conference
7. North Carolina State 13-3 1389 9 Atlantic Coast Conference
8. Houston 14-2 1263 11 Southwest Conference
9. Marquette 13-2 1243 5 Great Lakes Conference
10. Charlotte 15-2 1119 16 Blue Ridge Conference
11. Memphis 13-2 1021 17 Conference USA
12. Temple 12-3 1014 6 Mid-Atlantic Conference
13. Georgia 13-2 963 15 Southeastern Conference
14. San Jose State 12-1 849 18 Western Athletic Conference
15. Arizona State 14-1 735 19 Pacific-10 Conference
16. Notre Dame 11-4 660 23 Great Lakes Conference
17. Alabama 13-3 627 10 Southeastern Conference
18. Marshall 14-2 544 14 Blue Ridge Conference
19. South Florida 14-3 524 12 Independent
20. Saint Louis 13-3 490 13 Conference USA
21. La Salle 13-2 403 24 Mid-Atlantic Conference
22. North Carolina 10-4 286 NR Atlantic Coast Conference
23. Connecticut 12-4 159 20 Big East Conference
24. Tulane 11-5 135 NR Conference USA
25. Bucknell 14-3 98 NR Centennial Conference

Others Receiving Votes:
New Mexico 12-2 91 Mountain West Conference
UTEP 10-3 46 Southwest Conference
Northwestern 14-3 35 Big Ten Conference
Seton Hall 13-3 18 Big East Conference
Albany 12-3 8 Atlantic States Conference
East Carolina 13-3 7 Conference USA
Wyoming 13-4 5 Mountain West Conference
Cal State Fullerton 13-3 4 Big West Conference
Louisiana State 11-4 1 Southeastern Conference

[MoonlightGraham]

St. Michael’s Remains Undefeated with Statement Win Over #7 Temple
By Chronicle Staff Writer – January 10, 2015


The Saints proved why they are the nation’s top-ranked team, rolling to a 76-59 victory over #7 Temple at The Pavilion in front of a raucous home crowd. St. Michael’s improved to 20-0 overall and 6-0 in conference play, while Temple fell to 15-4 and 3-2.

Isaiah Pritchard led the way, scoring 25 points on 8-of-19 shooting, including 4-of-12 from three-point range, and adding four rebounds and three assists. “Isaiah was tremendous tonight,” said Head Coach Toby Whittaker. “He attacked the basket, spaced the floor, and kept Temple’s defense honest all game.”

Connor Del Vecchio anchored the interior with 12 points and eight rebounds, hitting all eight of his free throws, while Kyle Whitworth contributed eight points and seven boards. Freshman Brendan O’Shea chipped in six points, four rebounds, and two blocks in 20 minutes off the bench.

The Saints dominated defensively, forcing 22 turnovers and holding Temple to just 59 points. St. Michael’s applied constant pressure, with Del Vecchio, Whitworth, and Pritchard combining for ten steals. Temple struggled to find rhythm, shooting only 33 percent from three and turning the ball over repeatedly against St. Michael’s switching defenses.

Temple’s Michael Embry and Caron Donato tried to spark the Owls’ offense, but the Saints’ discipline and energy proved overwhelming. Only Josh Dixon managed double figures with 11 points, while Donnell Bernard and Gerald Taylor combined for ten rebounds but were limited offensively.

“This was the kind of team win we’ve been building toward,” said Whittaker. “We moved the ball, shared the ball, and defended as a unit. Every guy who played contributed.”

St. Michael’s now sets its sights on the road stretch of its schedule, carrying momentum from this convincing victory over a top-10 opponent.

[MoonlightGraham]

February 7, 2015

St. Bonaventure 74, #1 St. Michael's 70

--------------------------------------------------------
St. Michael's (22-1, 8-1):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
C. Del Vecchio C 19 3-5 2-4 1 2 2 5 8
Cameron Corley PF 28 1-4 2-2 1 6 1 3 4
Kyle Whitworth SF 35 3-12 0-0 0 3 4 3 8
Isaiah Pritchard SG 35 13-22 0-0 1 3 3 1 36
Seth Kaplan PG 24 1-3 0-0 0 2 5 1 3
M.J. Tillery PG 16 2-5 2-3 0 0 2 1 6
Brendan O'Shea C 18 0-1 0-0 1 3 0 5 0
Andre Cartwright PF 13 0-2 0-0 2 7 1 0 0
Brian Kowalski C 2 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 0 0
Trey Hammond SG 5 1-2 0-0 0 1 0 2 3
Chris Donnelly SF 5 1-3 0-0 1 1 0 0 2

Turnovers: 11 (C.Del Vecchio 1, C.Corley 1, K.Whitworth
1, I.Pritchard 3, S.Kaplan 2, M.Tillery 1,
A.Cartwright 1, T.Hammond 1)
Blocked Shots: 1 (B.Kowalski 1)
Steals: 5 (C.Del Vecchio 1, C.Corley 1, K.Whitworth 1,
S.Kaplan 1, M.Tillery 1)
3P FGs: 14-33 (K.Whitworth 2-8, I.Pritchard 10-18,
S.Kaplan 1-3, M.Tillery 0-1, A.Cartwright 0-1,
T.Hammond 1-2)

St. Bonaventure (15-8, 5-4):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brice Ellis C 34 7-8 5-7 3 11 3 1 19
Tyree Land PF 35 1-4 6-8 1 5 1 4 8
Edwin Dunford SF 32 3-5 3-3 2 8 0 1 9
Ronald Pellegrini SG 35 4-16 3-4 3 6 6 1 11
K. Dominquez PG 31 4-6 1-2 0 3 2 1 11
Wilton Wall C 11 2-6 1-2 0 2 0 1 5
Clyde Green PF 1 0-0 2-2 1 1 0 0 2
Brent Gonzales SF 15 2-4 2-2 0 0 2 2 6
Joaquin Chester SG 5 1-1 0-0 0 0 1 1 3
Joshua Hermann SF 1 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 0 0
Tony Johnson PG 1 0-0 0-0 0 1 1 1 0

Turnovers: 13 (B.Ellis 2, T.Land 1, E.Dunford 4,
R.Pellegrini 1, K.Dominquez 3, W.Wall 1, J.Chester 1)
Blocked Shots: 3 (B.Ellis 2, E.Dunford 1)
Steals: 5 (E.Dunford 1, R.Pellegrini 1, K.Dominquez 1,
B.Gonzales 1, J.Chester 1)
3P FGs: 3-13 (E.Dunford 0-1, R.Pellegrini 0-8,
K.Dominquez 2-3, J.Chester 1-1)

Player of Game: C Brice Ellis (STBN)

Toby stood at the front of the locker room, the echo of the cheering Bonnies fans still lingering in his ears, and let the silence settle for a moment. The first loss of the season—narrow, heartbreaking, and against a tough St. Bonaventure team—hung heavy in the air. He didn’t raise his voice. He didn’t need to.

“Look,” he began evenly, locking eyes with each of them as he paced slowly, “tonight stings. It should. We wanted to stay perfect, and we didn’t. But perfection isn’t what makes champions—how you respond when you stumble is what matters.”

He paused, letting his words sink in. “Isaiah, Connor, Kyle—every one of you—you played hard. You left everything on that floor. But we can’t let one game define us. We learn. We adjust. We get better. And we get ready for the next one.”

He leaned against a locker and smiled, a quiet, steady reassurance. “The season isn’t over. The Saints don’t crumble because of one loss. We take this, we study it, we fix it, and we move forward. Together. That’s how we stay great.”

Then, without another word, he let them digest it, knowing the real work would start in practice the next day. He believed in his team—heart, talent, and all—and he wanted them to believe it too.

[MoonlightGraham]

March 7, 2015


01/08/15 #15 St. Bonaventure 26-11 15 W 77-74 15-0 (1-0)
01/10/15 at Penn State 13-18 202 W 85-70 16-0 (2-0)
01/15/15 at #22 La Salle 25-11 7 W 72-58 17-0 (3-0)
01/17/15 Saint Joseph's 17-14 52 W 97-70 18-0 (4-0)
01/20/15 at Rutgers 13-17 91 W 68-40 19-0 (5-0)
01/24/15 #8 Temple 25-10 12 W 76-59 20-0 (6-0)
01/31/15 at Duquesne 15-17 118 W 80-69 21-0 (7-0)
02/05/15 Pittsburgh 19-14 33 W 80-57 22-0 (8-0)
02/07/15 at #15 St. Bonaventure 26-11 15 L 74-70 22-1 (8-1)
02/12/15 Penn State 13-18 202 W 73-53 23-1 (9-1)
02/14/15 #22 La Salle 25-11 7 W 70-40 24-1 (10-1)
02/19/15 at Saint Joseph's 17-14 52 W 73-65 25-1 (11-1)
02/21/15 Rutgers 13-17 91 W 74-66 26-1 (12-1)
02/26/15 at #8 Temple 25-10 12 L 76-69 26-2 (12-2)
03/05/15 Duquesne 15-17 118 W 75-73 27-2 (13-2)
03/07/15 at Pittsburgh 19-14 33 W 76-64 28-2 (14-2)


St. Michael’s tore through the first half of their Mid-Atlantic Conference slate with the confidence of a program that had already proven itself on the national stage, yet still played as though it had something new to chase. The Saints opened conference play with eight straight wins, including authoritative road victories at #22 La Salle and Rutgers, and a marquee home triumph over #8 Temple that reinforced their reputation as the league’s standard-setter. Their trademark blend of disciplined defense and deep, balanced scoring made them the toughest matchup in the conference, and by late January they were 22–0 overall and firmly entrenched at the top of the national polls.

The lone stumble in that run came in Olean, where #15 St. Bonaventure handed the Saints their first loss of the year in a tight, physical rematch that snapped St. Michael’s perfect season. But the setback did little to derail them. They responded with renewed sharpness, dismantling Penn State and dominating #22 La Salle in the return meeting, then grinding out tough road wins at Saint Joseph’s and Pittsburgh. A late-season battle at #8 Temple delivered the Saints their second conference loss, but even that proved more a reminder of the league’s depth than a sign of regression.

By the end of the regular season, St. Michael’s stood alone atop the Mid-Atlantic at 14–2, finishing 28–2 overall heading into postseason play. They posted the nation’s #1 RPI, showcased a résumé stacked with ranked wins, and demonstrated a consistency that separated them from even the league’s heavyweights. In a conference featuring multiple Top-25 teams and several NCAA-caliber challengers, the Saints once again proved why their program had become a perennial national force.

2014 Mid-Atlantic Conference Standings

TEAM CW CL Pct W L Pct RPI Prestige
-------------------------------------------------------------------
#1 St. Michael's 14 2 .875 32 4 .889 1 90
#15 St. Bonaventure 11 5 .688 26 11 .703 15 98
#8 Temple 10 6 .625 25 10 .714 12 97
#22 La Salle 8 8 .500 25 11 .694 7 76
Pittsburgh 8 8 .500 19 14 .576 33 67
Rutgers 7 9 .438 13 17 .433 91 59
Saint Joseph's 6 10 .375 17 14 .548 52 77
Duquesne 5 11 .313 15 17 .469 118 76
Penn State 3 13 .188 13 18 .419 202 67

[MoonlightGraham]

LA SALLE STUNS TOP-SEEDED ST. MICHAEL’S, ROLLS INTO MAC FINAL
By Evan McKenna, Philadelphia Inquirer
March 14, 2015 – Brooklyn, N.Y.

For more than two months, St. Michael’s had looked nearly untouchable. On Saturday afternoon, La Salle needed only 20 minutes to shatter that aura.

The fourth-seeded Explorers blitzed the Mid-Atlantic Conference’s No. 1 seed with a stunning first-half shooting display, building a 38–24 halftime lead and never allowing the Saints to climb within single digits in the second half. Behind 19 points from junior wing Justin Faber and a barrage of timely threes from a balanced perimeter rotation, La Salle rolled to a 74–60 upset that sends the Explorers to Sunday’s conference title game.

“We’ve been in big games before,” veteran La Salle coach Fletcher Eskew said. “The key is composure. Our kids never blinked.”

Faber, named Player of the Game, was superb in every phase, finishing 6-of-9 from the field and 3-of-5 from deep while helping hold St. Michael’s wings in check. Point guard Justin Steiner added 12 points and seven assists, looking in control throughout, while Douglas Smith hit three threes of his own as La Salle (22–10) buried 10 triples on the afternoon. The Explorers’ bench—so often the team’s swing factor—delivered one of its best efforts of the season, with Harold Gingras and Cornelius Parks combining for 14 points in just 11 minutes.

St. Michael’s (29–3) looked nothing like the poised, defensively precise group that spent much of the winter ranked No. 1 nationally. The Saints turned the ball over 17 times, struggled to generate rhythm in the halfcourt, and shot just 7-of-22 from beyond the arc. Senior guard Isaiah Pritchard led the way with 17 points, while Trey Hammond added 14 off the bench, but no other Saint reached double figures.

“We were never really ourselves tonight,” Saints coach Toby Whittaker said. “La Salle dictated things from the start. They sped us up, they disrupted what we like to do, and they earned it.”

The normally steady interior duo of Connor Del Vecchio and Cameron Corley combined for just 12 points, as La Salle’s physicality inside—along with constant weak-side help—cut off the Saints’ preferred early-post actions. Many of St. Michael’s passes arrived a beat late, and the Explorers’ quick hands turned several of them into runouts and open threes. High-scoring wing Kyle Whitworth endured a foul-plagued afternoon, finishing with only 2 points in 15 uneventful minutes.

Even when the Saints mustered brief momentum—Pritchard’s pull-up three to cut the deficit to 10 with 8:42 remaining, or Hammond’s corner three shortly after—La Salle had an immediate counterpunch. A late 7–0 burst, punctuated by a Faber straight-line drive, effectively put the game out of reach.

For St. Michael’s, the defeat is a rare stumble in an otherwise dominant season. The Saints entered the tournament with a chance to solidify a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but Whittaker emphasized that nothing fundamental has changed.

“One game doesn’t change who we are,” he said. “We’ve bounced back before, and we will again.”

La Salle, meanwhile, heads to Sunday’s MAC final as the last Philadelphia team standing—and with the confidence of a group that just toppled the league’s top seed.

“We’ve respected St. Michael’s for years,” Faber said. “But today, we proved we belong here. And we’re not finished.”

(4) La Salle 74, (1) St. Michael's 60

----------------------------------------------------------
La Salle (22-10, 8-8):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Gregory Modlin C 27 1-3 2-2 1 10 1 3 4
Joseph Hubbs PF 21 3-4 1-1 1 5 0 4 7
Justin Faber SF 29 6-9 4-5 2 3 2 1 19
Douglas Smith SG 30 4-12 0-1 2 2 3 3 11
Justin Steiner PG 33 5-8 0-1 0 1 7 1 12
Jose Bautista PF 23 0-3 0-0 2 8 1 2 0
Dustin Nelson SF 16 3-6 0-0 0 2 2 1 7
Harold Gingras SF 6 3-4 1-1 1 1 0 1 8
Cornelius Parks PG 5 2-2 2-2 0 0 1 0 6
Fredric Mott C 8 0-1 0-0 0 1 1 0 0
Charles Suter C 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 16 (G.Modlin 1, J.Hubbs 2, J.Faber 2,
D.Smith 3, J.Steiner 2, J.Bautista 3, D.Nelson 2,
F.Mott 1)
Blocked Shots: 1 (G.Modlin 1)
Steals: 8 (J.Faber 1, D.Smith 1, J.Steiner 2, D.Nelson
1, H.Gingras 1, C.Parks 2)
3P FGs: 10-23 (J.Hubbs 0-1, J.Faber 3-5, D.Smith 3-9,
J.Steiner 2-2, J.Bautista 0-1, D.Nelson 1-3, H.Gingras
1-2)

St. Michael's (29-3, 14-2):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
C. Del Vecchio C 28 2-5 1-2 3 9 4 1 5
Cameron Corley PF 28 3-5 1-3 1 4 1 3 7
Kyle Whitworth SF 15 1-2 0-0 1 2 0 4 2
Isaiah Pritchard SG 35 7-17 0-0 1 5 2 1 17
Seth Kaplan PG 25 1-5 0-0 1 3 3 0 2
M.J. Tillery PG 15 1-4 2-2 0 0 1 2 5
Brendan O'Shea C 15 1-2 2-3 0 1 0 1 4
Andre Cartwright PF 9 1-3 2-3 1 1 1 2 4
Trey Hammond SF 24 5-10 1-1 1 2 2 2 14
Chris Donnelly SF 4 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 0 0

Turnovers: 17 (C.Del Vecchio 3, C.Corley 3, K.Whitworth
3, I.Pritchard 4, S.Kaplan 2, M.Tillery 1, T.Hammond 1)
Blocked Shots: 5 (C.Del Vecchio 2, I.Pritchard 1,
M.Tillery 1, A.Cartwright 1)
Steals: 6 (K.Whitworth 1, I.Pritchard 2, S.Kaplan 1,
T.Hammond 2)
3P FGs: 7-22 (K.Whitworth 0-1, I.Pritchard 3-11,
S.Kaplan 0-3, M.Tillery 1-2, T.Hammond 3-5)

Player of Game: SF Justin Faber (LASAL)

[MoonlightGraham]

Despite their loss in the Mid-American tournament semifinal, the Saints retained the top overall seed in the NCAA tournament.

Assigned to the East Region, Toby Whittaker's team started with a lopsided victory over play-in winner UCSB. Kyle Whitworth's 14 points and 10 rebounds were supported by a dozen points off the bench from freshman guard M.J. Tillery, 11 more from fellow reserve Trey Hammond, and the typical 20 from Isaiah Pritchard. Connor Del Vecchio added 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

Wyoming, inspired by the possibility of an upset of the top team in the country, gave the Saints 40 minutes' worth of challenge. In fact, the Cowboys led by eight at the half, causing the national feed to stay with this matchup to the end. Pritchard led the Saints with 18 points, and Cam Corley scored 15 and blocked 3 shots.

The Saints' first opponent in the Sweet Sixteen was a very strong Marquette team, led by veteran backcourt Billie Brough and Phil Thibodeaux. They entered the game with over 3400 career points between them, and they combined for 31 more, but the Saints' swarming man-to-man defense throttled the rest of the Golden Eagles. Corley added another double-double (12 points, 11 boards), while Pritchard (20), Whitworth (17), and Del Vecchio (12) also hit double figures.

The Saints faced Marshall in the regional final.

Marshall 73, St. Michael's 69

--------------------------------------------------------
Marshall (32-5, 10-4):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Joe Sussman C 23 4-7 0-0 3 3 0 5 8
Javier Osburn PF 34 4-11 0-4 1 5 1 2 8
Terry Desalvo SF 35 6-14 1-2 5 12 1 2 15
Elbert Wiggins SG 27 5-12 5-7 1 9 2 4 17
Henry Thiel PG 34 3-7 4-5 5 7 5 1 10
Tony Black C 17 1-1 0-2 1 3 0 3 2
Aaron Mull SG 14 3-7 1-3 0 1 1 1 8
Jorge Jackson PG 8 0-1 2-4 0 0 1 2 2
Kieth Vergara PF 6 1-1 1-2 1 3 1 0 3
Tony Johnson SF 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 10 (J.Sussman 1, J.Osburn 2, T.Desalvo 1,
H.Thiel 2, T.Black 1, A.Mull 3)
Blocked Shots: 4 (J.Sussman 1, J.Osburn 1, E.Wiggins 1,
T.Black 1)
Steals: 11 (J.Sussman 1, T.Desalvo 2, E.Wiggins 2,
H.Thiel 4, A.Mull 1, J.Jackson 1)
3P FGs: 5-19 (J.Sussman 0-2, T.Desalvo 2-6, E.Wiggins
2-6, H.Thiel 0-3, A.Mull 1-2)

St. Michael's (32-4, 14-2):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
C. Del Vecchio C 31 3-6 6-6 1 4 1 4 12
Cameron Corley PF 29 1-3 1-2 2 5 0 2 3
Kyle Whitworth SF 27 4-15 2-2 2 8 2 4 13
Isaiah Pritchard SG 35 7-13 6-6 1 8 4 0 27
Seth Kaplan PG 24 2-4 0-0 0 1 1 2 5
M.J. Tillery PG 16 0-0 0-0 0 0 2 3 0
Brendan O'Shea C 12 1-4 0-0 0 1 1 4 2
Andre Cartwright PF 8 0-2 0-0 2 6 0 1 0
Trey Hammond SF 14 2-5 1-2 0 2 1 0 7
Chris Donnelly SF 3 0-0 0-0 0 0 1 0 0

Turnovers: 16 (C.Del Vecchio 1, C.Corley 1, K.Whitworth
4, I.Pritchard 6, S.Kaplan 1, M.Tillery 1, T.Hammond 2)
Blocked Shots: 6 (C.Del Vecchio 2, C.Corley 2, B.O'Shea
1, A.Cartwright 1)
Steals: 3 (C.Corley 1, I.Pritchard 2)
3P FGs: 13-28 (C.Del Vecchio 0-1, K.Whitworth 3-9,
I.Pritchard 7-11, S.Kaplan 1-1, B.O'Shea 0-1,
T.Hammond 2-5)

Player of Game: SG Isaiah Pritchard (STMIC)


03/19/15 vs. UC Santa Barbara 15-20 222 W 93-61 30-3
03/21/15 vs. Wyoming 26-8 47 W 78-73 31-3
03/26/15 vs. #7 Marquette 29-7 17 W 93-73 32-3
03/28/15 vs. #11 Marshall 32-6 8 L 73-69 32-4

[MoonlightGraham]

March 28, 2015
Senior Farewells

ISAIAH
Isaiah Pritchard sat in front of his locker long after most of the room had emptied, his jersey folded across his lap like something fragile. His eyes were swollen, but his voice was steady—quiet, reflective, as if he were deliberately walking back through four years of memories he wasn’t ready to let go of.

“You dream about ending it in a win,” he said. “We all do. Especially when you’ve tasted it before.”

He paused, rubbing a hand over his face.

“My freshman year… man, that feels like a lifetime ago. I was a totally different person. And honestly? I didn’t even want to be here at first. I was stubborn, I was frustrated, I thought I knew everything. We won the national championship and everybody thinks that fixes everything, but I was still miserable, still trying to figure out who I was.”

He shook his head, a small, disbelieving smile flickering.

“If you told that freshman kid that one day he’d be sitting here after an Elite Eight loss feeling proud of who he’d become—proud of who we all became—he would’ve laughed at you. Or ignored you. That kid didn’t have a clue.”

Isaiah lifted the folded jersey, his thumb brushing the stitched number.

“This program changed me,” he said. “Coach Whittaker, the seniors from my first year, the guys in this room… they pushed me, they challenged me, they didn’t let me run from myself. And somewhere along the line, I stopped being the kid who wanted out. I started being the guy who wanted to lead.”

He swallowed hard, looking up at the scoreboard still burning in his memory.

“It hurts that this is the last one. It hurts a lot. But if this is how my time here ends—even in a loss—I’m grateful. We built something real. We fought like hell. And I’d go through every minute of it again.”


CONNOR
Connor Del Vecchio lingered in the hallway outside the locker room, still in his uniform, hands on his hips, breathing heavy though the game had ended twenty minutes earlier. Teammates drifted past him—some crying, some quiet, some staring straight ahead—but Connor stayed rooted, as if moving would make the finality too real.

When he finally spoke, his voice was low, rough around the edges.

“This one’s gonna stick with me,” he said. “Not just because it ended our season, but because it ended my time here. Four years… it goes fast. Way faster than you think when you’re that shy freshman who can barely get through a possession in practice without Coach barking at him.”

He chuckled at that—thin, but genuine.

“I was terrified that first year. I came in thinking I was ready to bang with grown men, and I got humbled pretty quick. But I had guys like Joe Greeley, Malik Jefferson, Sandy Fancher, all of ’em telling me that toughness isn’t about being the strongest guy on the court—it’s about showing up every day even when you’re getting beat up. And eventually… eventually it clicked.”

He leaned back against the cinderblock wall and exhaled.

“I got to be part of a championship team as a freshman. That’s something most players never touch. I didn’t play much back then, but I learned more from being around that group than I ever could’ve imagined. How they handled pressure. How they trusted each other. How they expected to win. That stuck with me.”

Connor glanced down at his hands, still taped, still trembling with leftover adrenaline and heartbreak.

“I wanted to bring another banner back for them—for the guys who came before us, and for the guys in this locker room now. We were so close.” He paused, then shook his head. “But I’m proud of what we did. Proud of how we fought.”

He squared his shoulders, the way he always did before stepping to the free throw line.

“St. Michael’s made me who I am. I grew up here. I became a leader here. And I’ll carry that with me for the rest of my life. Even if tonight hurts… I wouldn’t trade any of it.”


CHARLES
Charles Laird lingered near the end of the locker room, still in warmups, hands tucked into the pockets of his shooting shirt. He hadn’t played a minute—not tonight, not in most games—and no one expected him to. But his eyes were red all the same.

“I know people look at the box score and don’t see my name,” he said with a faint, embarrassed laugh. “But I’ve been with these guys every day for four years. Every practice, every scout team possession, every 6 a.m. lift. We all went through this together.”

He shook his head, smiling just a little at the memory.

“Our very first year, we won it all. I think—I think that spoiled us. Or maybe it set a standard. We thought we’d get back. We worked like we would. And to come this close again… it’s tough.”

Laird looked over at the seniors’ lockers—Pritchard, Del Vecchio...and Laird—and exhaled softly.

“I’m not a star. I’m not Isaiah,” he said. “But those guys… they let me be part of something unbelievable. I got to be part of a championship team as a freshman. I got to grow up with them. And tonight, sitting there on the bench, I just kept thinking how lucky I was to be along for the ride.”

He paused, voice dropping.

“I wish I could’ve helped them out there tonight,” he said. “Even for a minute. Even for one possession. But I’m proud of them. Proud of all of us. You don’t forget a run like this. You don’t forget teammates like these.”

[MoonlightGraham]

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S TEAM INFO

Current Performance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Team Prestige: 90 Record Vs 1-50: 12-4 Poll Rank: #1
Season Record: 32-4 Record Vs 51-100: 6-0 RPI Rank: #1
Conference Record: 14-2 Record Vs 101-200: 8-0
Home Record: 15-0 Record Vs 200+: 6-0


Team Stats CR NR Opp. Stats CR NR Margin CR NR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points 78.2 1 24 Points 65.3 2 47 Points 13.0 1 4
O.Reb 8.7 9 353 O.Reb 10.6 6 147 O.Reb -1.8 8 312
D.Reb 27.3 4 58 D.Reb 22.3 1 13 D.Reb 5.0 1 5
Rebounds 36.0 7 210 Rebounds 32.8 1 25 Rebounds 3.2 3 52
Assists 16.4 3 36 Assists 13.6 2 202 Assists 2.7 2 31
Steals 6.7 2 90 Steals 5.8 5 146 Steals 1.0 3 80
Blocks 4.8 4 55 Blocks 3.1 1 121 Blocks 1.7 2 43
Turnovers 14.6 8 256 Turnovers 14.7 3 111 Turnovers -0.1 6 168
Fouls 15.9 1 2 Fouls 19.6 3 182 Fouls -3.8 1 4
FG% .488 1 2 FG% .409 3 49 FG% .079 1 2
FT% .765 1 2 FT% .674 4 163 FT% .092 1 1
3P% .386 1 21 3P% .330 2 112 3P% .056 2 19
PPS 1.42 1 1 PPS 1.11 2 11 PPS .311 1 1
Adj. FG% .567 1 2 Adj. FG% .464 4 43 Adj. FG% .103 1 2


Assistant coach/head scout David Simpson would’ve sat with that sheet for about three seconds before grinning and saying something like, “Yeah… this is what a legit #1 seed looks like.” Then he’d start picking it apart, line by line.


He’d start big picture:

“We weren’t just winning; we were controlling games. Plus-13 scoring margin, #1 RPI, #1 poll, 12–4 against top-50 teams… that’s not smoke and mirrors. That’s a group that showed up every night, home and away, against real competition.”

Then he’d go to the efficiency numbers, because that’s where his eyes always go first:

Offense:

78.2 points per game, but the real story is the .488 FG% and .386 from three with a 1.42 points per shot – “That’s elite shot selection and execution,” he’d say.

.765 at the line: “When you shoot that well from the stripe, you can actually close games out. That’s why late-game leads held.”

16.4 assists per game: “Ball didn’t stick. Everybody was a passer. That’s why our best players got clean looks.”


Defense:

Opponents held to 65.3 ppg on .409 FG% and .330 from three: “We made teams work for everything. Nothing easy at the rim, nothing comfortable on the perimeter.”

+5.0 on defensive rebounding: “One shot and done. That’s why our transition game worked—clean rebounds, quick outlets.”

4.8 blocks, 6.7 steals per game: “We weren’t just solid; we were disruptive without fouling.”


He’d love the foul differential:

“We’re at 15.9 fouls per game, they’re at 19.6. So we’re more efficient, we shoot it better, and we’re not bailing people out. That’s discipline. That’s a mature team.”


If he was being honest, he’d admit the two soft spots:

Offensive rebounding: Just 8.7 OReb, negative margin on the glass there.

“We didn’t crash like some of the old Saints teams. We traded second chances for floor balance and transition D. It was a choice, not a weakness, but it’s the one thing you circle if you’re nit-picking.”

Turnovers: 14.6 a game, basically even with opponents.

“We were a little loose sometimes. The trade-off for playing fast and sharing the ball. You live with a little mess when the offensive ceiling is that high.”


But his main takeaway would be about identity:

“If you strip the names off this sheet, you’d still say, ‘This is a championship profile.’

We shot it better than almost everyone, defended better than almost everyone, and did it against a brutal schedule. The numbers don’t say ‘hot streak’; they say ‘sustained excellence.’

You don’t get this kind of efficiency by accident. That’s talent, buy-in, and four years of culture showing up in black and white.”

[MoonlightGraham]

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S Averages

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Isaiah Pritchard SG 36 36 32.3 21.3 0.9 4.1 2.6 1.2 0.2 2.7 2.3 10.7
Kyle Whitworth SF 36 36 31.3 12.8 1.3 6.7 3.0 1.5 0.3 2.9 2.6 10.1
Connor Del Vecchio C 36 36 27.8 12.4 1.9 6.9 1.9 0.5 1.3 2.1 2.4 9.1
Cameron Corley PF 36 35 25.7 6.5 1.1 6.1 1.3 0.7 1.2 1.4 2.2 8.4
Seth Kaplan PG 36 36 22.9 5.2 0.4 1.4 2.8 1.0 0.0 1.2 1.6 9.1
Charles Laird C 1 1 21.0 4.0 2.0 4.0 1.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 2.0 -19.0
Brendan O'Shea C 36 0 18.2 4.4 1.4 4.7 0.8 0.1 0.9 0.9 1.4 6.9
M.J. Tillery PG 36 0 17.2 4.9 0.2 0.8 2.6 0.9 0.1 1.1 1.4 3.6
Trey Hammond SG 36 0 9.8 5.4 0.2 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.1 1.1 0.9 2.8
Andre Cartwright PF 34 0 7.9 2.0 0.8 2.9 0.4 0.1 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.8
Chris Donnelly SF 33 0 7.2 3.5 0.6 1.7 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.7 0.5 1.9
Brian Kowalski C 10 0 1.8 0.6 0.2 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.1 -0.5

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S Totals

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Isaiah Pritchard SG 36 36 1162 766 31 148 92 42 6 97 83 386
Kyle Whitworth SF 36 36 1125 460 45 242 109 53 11 104 92 363
Connor Del Vecchio C 36 36 1000 448 68 250 69 17 48 75 86 327
Cameron Corley PF 36 35 926 234 40 219 45 25 44 49 80 304
Seth Kaplan PG 36 36 824 186 15 50 102 37 1 42 57 327
Charles Laird C 1 1 21 4 2 4 1 0 1 0 2 -19
Brendan O'Shea C 36 0 654 160 51 169 28 4 32 34 51 249
M.J. Tillery PG 36 0 619 176 7 28 92 34 4 41 51 130
Trey Hammond SG 36 0 354 193 6 27 21 17 4 41 33 101
Andre Cartwright PF 34 0 270 68 27 97 15 2 16 17 17 60
Chris Donnelly SF 33 0 238 115 20 55 15 11 2 24 18 64
Brian Kowalski C 10 0 18 6 2 7 0 0 2 1 1 -5

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S Shooting

Player Pos Fgm Fga Fg% Ftm Fta Ft% 3pm 3pa 3p% PPS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Isaiah Pritchard SG 257 536 .479 88 111 .793 164 393 .417 1.43
Kyle Whitworth SF 161 334 .482 80 106 .755 58 176 .330 1.38
Connor Del Vecchio C 158 301 .525 130 156 .833 2 13 .154 1.49
Cameron Corley PF 85 172 .494 64 98 .653 0 0 .000 1.36
Seth Kaplan PG 58 135 .430 49 60 .817 21 72 .292 1.38
Charles Laird C 2 3 .667 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 1.33
Brendan O'Shea C 63 131 .481 34 59 .576 0 1 .000 1.22
M.J. Tillery PG 52 118 .441 52 60 .867 20 59 .339 1.49
Trey Hammond SG 66 128 .516 29 39 .744 32 66 .485 1.51
Andre Cartwright PF 23 49 .469 22 29 .759 0 2 .000 1.39
Chris Donnelly SF 38 67 .567 21 26 .808 18 35 .514 1.72
Brian Kowalski C 2 5 .400 2 2 1.000 0 0 .000 1.20

Toby found playing time for 11 players almost every night, if only for a few minutes. There was some dissatisfaction among the guys who didn't play much, and Walter Lozano seemed to resent being redshirted. He was giving serious thought to transferring by the time spring rolled around.

2014 MID-ATLANTIC AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

SR SG Isaiah Pritchard St. Michael's 21.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.6 APG 1.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR PG Darius Fields Saint Joseph's 10.0 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 2.0 APG 0.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Toby Whittaker St. Michael's 32 - 4 (14 - 2)

All-league 1st Team:
C SR Brice Ellis St. Bonaventure 8.4 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 3.2 BPG
PF JR John Porter Pittsburgh 10.5 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.9 BPG
SF SR Justin Faber La Salle 19.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SG SR Isaiah Pritchard St. Michael's 21.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG SO Scott Peter Pittsburgh 13.6 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 6.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C SR Connor Del Vecchio St. Michael's 12.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.3 BPG
PF JR Ellsworth Marx Duquesne 8.7 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 3.2 BPG
SF JR Kyle Whitworth St. Michael's 12.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SG JR Octavio Crouse Temple 20.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG SR Frederic Smith Duquesne 12.2 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Brendan O'Shea St. Michael's 4.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.1 SPG, 0.9 BPG
PF FR Lynwood Harrington Temple 2.6 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 0.4 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG
SF FR Charles Stroud Rutgers 7.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SG FR Jahlil Morrison Temple 6.1 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG FR Darius Fields Saint Joseph's 10.0 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG

I was hoping Isaiah Pritchard would make one of the All-American teams. He was up against two very good shooting guards--Robert Daniels of Louisville and James Parker of Georgetown--and only two of the three could be named. Isaiah was a very worthy choice as Mid-Atlantic Player of the Year.

The versatility and dependability of Connor Del Vecchio and Kyle Whitworth was rewarded at the conference level, and Brendan O'Shea demonstrated enough as Connor's relief man to earn freshman honors.

Toby will have to move his trophies closer together to create space for a new one, too. :)

And, a future Saint was the star of the High School All-America Game: incoming big man Brandon Coles!
East 86, West 78

--------------------------------------------------------
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brandon Coles C 30 6-7 2-4 3 9 1 1 14
Sean Goodrich PF 34 5-17 5-6 3 12 2 2 15
Edwin Greeley SF 34 6-11 1-4 2 8 4 3 13
Ernest Castillo SG 23 4-8 2-4 1 2 1 4 12
John Villegas PG 34 8-15 1-2 0 2 8 3 17
Larry Burgos SG 23 2-3 1-2 1 5 3 4 6
Casey Purcell PG 9 1-3 3-6 1 3 1 1 5
Harvey Sipes C 8 1-2 0-0 0 2 0 1 2
Zackary Dillon PF 3 1-1 0-0 0 1 0 0 2

Turnovers: 14 (S.Goodrich 3, E.Greeley 1, E.Castillo 2,
J.Villegas 2, L.Burgos 4, C.Purcell 1, H.Sipes 1)
Blocked Shots: 2 (E.Castillo 1, Z.Dillon 1)
Steals: 1 (J.Villegas 1)
3P FGs: 3-9 (E.Greeley 0-1, E.Castillo 2-4, J.Villegas
0-3, L.Burgos 1-1)

West:
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Marcus Straight C 34 2-9 0-0 2 9 3 4 4
Randal Miceli PF 37 5-8 2-2 1 6 1 3 12
Glenn Morgan SF 29 8-17 4-4 2 8 3 5 22
Eric Norfleet SG 5 1-1 0-0 0 1 1 1 3
Matthew Pulido PG 36 2-7 0-0 1 1 3 3 4
David Bourne SG 30 4-12 1-2 0 3 4 4 11
Marion Stevens SF 14 4-8 4-5 1 3 1 2 13
Paul Smith C 8 3-4 0-0 0 1 0 1 7
Erik Kuhl C 2 0-0 0-0 0 0 1 0 0
David McMaster SF 5 1-2 0-0 0 2 0 0 2

Turnovers: 13 (M.Straight 1, R.Miceli 2, G.Morgan 3,
M.Pulido 1, D.Bourne 3, M.Stevens 1, P.Smith 1, E.Kuhl
1)
Blocked Shots: 4 (M.Straight 3, R.Miceli 1)
Steals: 0
3P FGs: 7-15 (G.Morgan 2-3, E.Norfleet 1-1, M.Pulido
0-1, D.Bourne 2-5, M.Stevens 1-2, P.Smith 1-2,
D.McMaster 0-1)

Player of Game: PF Brandon Coles (East)

[MoonlightGraham]

April 11, 2015

Saints Nation was caught somewhat off guard when Cameron Corley announced he was giving up his last year of eligibility and entering the pro draft. Cam's decision was upheld by the scouts when he heard his name called halfway through the second round, at pick #42. For Cam, it was a matter of promise more than production, for he had never averaged as many as 7 points or 7 rebounds per game as a collegian.

2014 Recruiting Rankings

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. St. Bonaventure Mid-Atlantic PF Edward Drummond ***** 2 1 0 0 0
13. Saint Joseph's Mid-Atlantic C Lionel Culley **** 0 3 1 0 0
20. Duquesne Mid-Atlantic C Sean Goodrich ***** 1 1 2 0 0
28. Rutgers Mid-Atlantic C Joseph Steger **** 0 2 1 0 0
29. St. Michael's Mid-Atlantic PF Brandon Coles ***** 1 1 0 0 0
150. La Salle Mid-Atlantic SG Tate Crenshaw *** 0 0 3 0 0
151. Penn State Mid-Atlantic PF William Countryman *** 0 0 2 2 0
181. Pittsburgh Mid-Atlantic SF Troy Sasaki *** 0 0 2 0 0
363. Temple Mid-Atlantic 0 0 0 0 0
Recruiting rankings depend highly on quantity in FBCB. For example, Green Bay's class of one four-star and SIX three-star players was ranked #5 nationally. That's one reason why St. Michael's placed so low on the Mid-American conference list.

The Saints ranked third (behind Tennessee and Florida) among programs that signed only two players. Brandon Coles joined Edward Drummond and Dale Marsh, both of St. Bonaventure, to give the league three five-star recruits. Brandon looked like he was the best-prepared to play college ball right away.

Toby was rewarded for another successful season when the game leveled him up again. Now at Level 10, his ratings look like this:

Recruiting: 95
Scouting: 60
Coaching Offense: 75
Coaching Defense: 75

Toby was now the third most highly-rated coach in his conference. Pitt's veteran coach, Ronald Scurry, was at Level 12, but he was regarded--perhaps a bit unfairly--as a bit of a journeyman because of his 292-282 career record. Levi Parks of St. Bonaventure, a Level 13 coach, would almost certainly win his 500th game this coming season; his career mark stood at 483-286. Meanwhile, Toby's record stood at 245-48 through eight seasons. His .836 winning percentage was the best among active coaches.

The relevant ratings for his assistants included Rod Wheaton's 100 in Recruiting, David Simpson's 74 in Scouting, and Brant Fleischer's 100/80 in Coaching Offense/Defense. Toby expected at least one of his assistants to be hired away for a head coaching position, but if he could keep the staff together for another season, it had the potential to make special things happen.

[MoonlightGraham]

St. Michael's Basketball: 2015/16 Media Guide

St. Michael’s newest Head Scout, Josh Morales, arrives with a winding, experience-rich résumé that belies his 41 years. A New Boston, Michigan native and proud University of Michigan alumnus, Morales came up through the Midwest’s coaching and scouting circles before establishing himself on the East Coast as one of the region’s sharpest evaluators of talent.

Morales spent the last four seasons as the head coach at Amherst, compiling a 47–77 record while overseeing a difficult rebuild. Though the win–loss totals never fully reflected it, his tenure was marked by player development successes, two All-Conference guards, and a reputation for uncovering under-recruited prospects—a skill that ultimately drew St. Michael’s attention. Before Amherst, he served as an assistant at several Division I programs, including a well-regarded stint at St. Joseph’s, where he specialized in opponent scouting and recruiting the Mid-Atlantic.

Off the court, Morales is known as a grounded, steady presence. He and his wife Elena—a Philadelphia-area physical therapist—have two young children, Anya[/B(13) and [B]Marcus (11), who have already become familiar faces at The Pavilion. Friends and colleagues describe Morales as someone who balances the frenetic pace of recruiting with an unusually calm family-centered life, often joking that youth-league schedules keep him more organized than any scouting app.

Now at St. Michael’s, Morales is expected to modernize the Saints’ national recruiting map, deepen their Midwest reach, and bring the sharp, detail-driven evaluations that have become his calling card.

***

Coach Morales replaced David Simpson, who left to become the head coach at Fairleigh Dickinson.

[MoonlightGraham]

Toby Whittaker: Already the NCAA's Best?
By Jordan Avery, Hoops Horizon – August 2015

At 41, Toby Whittaker has already built a coaching résumé that puts him among the elite in college basketball. In eight seasons at his alma mater, St. Michael’s, he has compiled a record of 245-48, an .836 winning percentage that leads all active coaches. After reaching the national championship game in 2010-11 and falling short, Whittaker guided the Saints to the 2011-12 title and has sent his teams to the Elite Eight in each of the last three seasons.

A former standout player himself—1996 Centennial Conference Player of the Year and three-time first-team All-Conference selection—Whittaker combines deep understanding of the game with an ability to connect with his players on a personal level. “Toby’s basketball IQ is off the charts, but what separates him is how much he cares,” said 2012 National Player of the Year Matt Caruso. “He pushed us hard, but he always wanted to know how we were doing as people, not just players.”

Former Saints assistant Carl Wilson, now head coach at Hartford, echoed the sentiment. “Toby has a way of balancing structure and freedom. He makes every player feel valued, and that loyalty shows on the court. He’s built a culture at St. Michael’s that’s rare anywhere.”

Off the court, Whittaker’s grounding comes from his family. He met his wife, the former Claire Dempsey, while a student at St. Michael’s, and the couple is raising three children in Elmridge. “Claire’s been my rock through everything,” Whittaker said in a rare personal moment. “She knows this program inside and out and has been my partner in all the highs and lows. Better yet, she knows exactly how to help me stay grounded in the moment when I'm away from the gym.”

When asked if he thought Whittaker was the best coach in today's game, Andrew Walker—two-time national champion, with titles at Akron and Villanova before retiring in 2012—paused thoughtfully. “Toby’s record speaks for itself,” the gentlemanly Walker said. "But beyond the numbers, what impresses me is how he develops his players, keeps his team grounded, and manages pressure. In my eyes, he’s absolutely among the very best coaching today, and he's probably got 15, 20 years left."

In fact, if Whittaker coaches as long as Walker did, he'll be on the sidelines for nearly a quarter century more. With a combination of tactical excellence, personal connection, and a strong support system, Whittaker should continue to build on his status as a winning coach, a wise mentor, and a cornerstone of St. Michael’s basketball legacy.

[MoonlightGraham]

November 8, 2015

#22 ST. MICHAEL'S General

Player # Pos Yr Ht Wt Sch Acd Status Hometown
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brandon Coles 0 PF Fr 6-10 227 Yes 76 OK Philadelphia, PA
Brendan O'Shea 1 C So 6-10 250 Yes 94 OK Warminster, PA
Devon Carraway 4 SG Fr* 6-4 202 Yes 79 OK Chester, PA
Elroy Hurst 5 SF Fr 6-5 211 No 27 OK Boerne, TX
M.J. Tillery 11 PG So 6-1 188 Yes 74 OK Philadelphia, PA
Chris Donnelly 12 SF Sr* 6-7 226 Yes 91 OK Radnor, PA
Jonathan Whitcomb 13 C Fr 6-9 253 No 99 OK Williamsburg, PA
Kyle Whitworth 20 SF Sr 6-8 204 Yes 80 OK Elmridge, PA
Seth Kaplan 21 PG Jr 6-2 195 Yes 96 OK Haddonfield, NJ
Otto Bruno 22 SG Fr 6-1 203 No 35 OK Brewster, NY
Trey Hammond 23 SG So* 6-6 210 Yes 72 Suspended Edison, NJ
Walter Lozano 30 PF Fr* 6-7 252 Yes 94 Unhappy Dix Hills, NY
Andre Cartwright 34 PF Sr 6-9 253 Yes 60 Unhappy Fredericksburg, PA
Brian Kowalski 45 C Jr 6-10 243 Yes 73 Unhappy Scranton, PA
Luka Vukovic 55 PF Fr 6-9 233 Yes 74 OK Philadelphia, PA

The 2015/16 edition of the St. Michael's Saints welcomes back two starters from the team that spent time as the nation's #1 team and made another deep run in the NCAA tournament.

Senior forward Kyle Whitworth is the team's leader, an all-action wing who can score, pass, rebound, and defend. He should score his 1000th career point before the New Year. This fall, Kyle is demonstrating a deeper repertoire of post moves. He's a beloved local favorite, a product of St. Michael's College School.

The other returning starter is point guard Seth Kaplan. A sophomore, Seth combines with sophomore M.J. Tillery to give Whittaker's team 40 minutes of steady leadership. Both Seth and M.J. are exceptionally secure ball-handlers.

Brendan O'Shea, who surprised almost everyone with his solid play as a freshman after arriving in Elmridge with very little fanfare, will be the starting center. A traditional big who excels at post defense, rebounding, and shot blocking, O'Shea has added enough offensive savvy to his game that pro scouts are projecting him as a first-round pick if he enters next May's draft.

The first opportunity to join Brendan in the post will go to Andre Cartwright. The powerful 6'9" senior has averaged about eight minutes of playing time per contest over his 100-game Saints career, and he is looking forward to his first real opportunity to demonstrate his ability. Andre is strong, rugged, and hard-nosed, a lot like his running mate O'Shea with less scoring ability.

Cartwright might be looking over his shoulder at Brandon Coles, a five-star newcomer who emerged from camp as ready for action as any freshman Whittaker has coached in years. Coles will receive lots of playing time, and might be starting by the time conference play begins.

Redshirt freshman Devon Carroway spent his first year on campus preparing for the rigors of the Mid-American Conference. The former high school All American is an excellent all-around athlete who has added a more threatening jump shot to his toolkit--while taking pleasure in guarding talented opposing wings.

Junior Brian Kowalski and redshirt freshman Walter Lozano provide frontcourt depth. Reserve wings Chris Donnelly and Luka Vuković will be joined by Trey Hammond once the latter serves his academic suspension.

On paper, this year's Saints seem to have more questions than last year's squad did as the season begins. Will someone replace Isaiah Pritchard as the go-to scorer? Will O'Shea, Cartwright, and Coles approach the contributions made by Connor Del Vecchio and pro draft pick Cam Corley? If the answers to those questions are "yes," then Toby and the Saints might be looking at another 30-ish wins and a nice, long stay at the Big Dance.

[MoonlightGraham]

November 29, 2015

Hartford 61, #14 St. Michael's 59

---------------------------------------------------------
St. Michael's (2-1, 0-0):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brendan O'Shea C 27 2-9 0-0 3 7 1 4 4
Andre Cartwright PF 24 1-4 2-3 2 10 0 0 4
Kyle Whitworth SF 37 8-15 0-0 2 6 2 3 21
Devon Carraway SG 31 3-11 1-1 2 4 3 1 9
Seth Kaplan PG 26 0-1 0-0 1 2 6 1 0
M.J. Tillery PG 14 2-4 0-0 0 1 1 2 4
Brandon Coles PF 23 3-4 2-4 0 4 1 2 8
Brian Kowalski C 7 2-2 1-1 0 4 0 0 5
Walter Lozano SF 11 2-7 0-0 0 0 3 0 4
Luka Vukovic SG 2 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 0 0

Turnovers: 17 (B.O'Shea 1, A.Cartwright 2, K.Whitworth
6, D.Carraway 1, S.Kaplan 3, M.Tillery 1, B.Coles 1,
B.Kowalski 1, W.Lozano 1)
Blocked Shots: 7 (B.O'Shea 1, A.Cartwright 2, B.Coles
1, B.Kowalski 2, W.Lozano 1)
Steals: 5 (A.Cartwright 2, K.Whitworth 1, D.Carraway 1,
M.Tillery 1)
3P FGs: 7-18 (B.O'Shea 0-1, K.Whitworth 5-8, D.Carraway
2-7, S.Kaplan 0-1, M.Tillery 0-1)

Hartford (4-2, 0-0):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Roger Radke C 32 4-7 3-6 1 6 1 3 11
Broderick Saad PF 22 2-6 0-2 2 10 0 4 4
Waylon Cooney SF 33 4-8 1-2 0 1 2 1 10
Clayton Acuna SG 35 7-13 0-0 0 3 2 2 17
Lenard Horn PG 29 3-10 2-2 0 3 2 1 9
James Aguilar PG 13 2-3 0-0 0 2 3 0 4
Travis Pagel SF 10 1-1 0-0 0 1 1 0 3
Chris Gibson PF 20 1-4 1-2 2 4 1 0 3
Maximo Taylor C 6 0-1 0-2 1 1 0 3 0
Charles Showers C 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 12 (R.Radke 1, B.Saad 2, C.Acuna 2, L.Horn
2, J.Aguilar 2, T.Pagel 2, C.Gibson 1)
Blocked Shots: 6 (R.Radke 2, C.Acuna 2, C.Gibson 2)
Steals: 9 (W.Cooney 2, C.Acuna 3, L.Horn 3, J.Aguilar 1)
3P FGs: 6-15 (R.Radke 0-1, W.Cooney 1-2, C.Acuna 3-7,
L.Horn 1-4, T.Pagel 1-1)

Player of Game: SG Clayton Acuna (HRTFD)

Some college basketball observers believed Carl Wilson was coaching for his job this season. His record over four years as head coach at Hartford was 40-87, and the Hawks hadn't played in the post-season since his first year there. As well as Coach Wilson represented his university, that level of success wasn't going to keep him employed for long.

After the game, a cocky young reporter asked Carl if he thought Toby had gone somewhat easy on him, given their connections and the struggles Carl was enduring.

Carl Wilson gave a small, incredulous laugh before answering — not angry, but clearly unimpressed with the question.

“Come on now,” he said, shaking his head. “Toby Whittaker doesn’t take it easy on anyone. If you think he’s calling off the dogs because I used to coach with him, you don’t know him very well.”

Wilson adjusted his glasses, softening the edge in his tone but not the conviction. “We beat St. Michael’s because our kids played well tonight. We were disciplined, we guarded, and we made a couple more plays than they did. That’s it.”

Then he allowed a faint smile. “Trust me, Toby wants to win every drill in practice, let alone a real game. If anything, he probably wanted that one even more because it was us.”

He shrugged. “They didn’t hand us anything. We earned it — and he’d be the first one to tell you that.”

Toby Whittaker walked into the interview room looking calm but unmistakably irritated — not at Hartford, but at his own team’s performance.

“First off, credit to Hartford,” he said. “Coach Wilson had them ready, and they played harder, tougher, and smarter than we did for long stretches. Acuna was terrific. Their guards controlled tempo, and they made big plays when they needed to.”

He took a breath, folding his arms. “But for us? Seventeen turnovers, missed box-outs, giving up nine steals — that’s not St. Michael’s basketball. We were careless with the ball, and we let their pressure bother us. When you play a road game against a good, motivated team and you give them that many extra possessions, you deserve to get beat.”

Toby’s tone softened, but only slightly. “Look, it’s November. We’re not going to panic after one loss. But we are going to learn from it. We’ve got veterans — Kyle played his heart out tonight — but we also have guys still figuring out their roles. That’s fine. That’s early-season basketball.”

Then he finished with a touch of steel. “What I told our guys is simple: nobody’s going to hand us anything because of a number in front of our name. If we want to be the team we think we can be, we have to earn that every night. Hartford earned this one. Now we go back to work.”

[MoonlightGraham]

December 1, 2015

This year's Saints were, as their coach pointed out, a work in progress. Unlike most St. Michael's teams, they were prone to long shooting slumps, especially from three-point range. They played tenacious defense, but as assistant Brant Fleischer pointed out, "that happens because they're top-tier athletes. I don't think this team has developed the mentality we've seen in the past. We'll see if they get there."

The Saints' success and the rising prestige of their program continued to bear fruit during recruiting season. Toby and his staff kept Reading native Marcus Brantley, a four-star center who was among the top ten players at his position in the country, close to home.

“Marcus is exactly the kind of big we’ve been trying to add to our program,” Toby said when asked about the 6'10" Brantley. “He’s got real size, real toughness, and he’s only scratching the surface of what he can be. What sold us was his motor — he plays every possession like it matters, and that translates. He’s a rim protector, he rebounds outside his area, and he’s developing a nice touch around the basket. But more than that, he’s a great kid, the kind of teammate our locker room thrives on. We’re thrilled he chose St. Michael’s.”

Despite their growing national profile, the Saints usually didn't recruit outside the Mid-Atlantic region. However, coaches like Fleischer and former assistant David Simpson, both from the Midwest, gave the Saints a window into recruiting that region. That's where they found Aaron Voelker, a 6'5" wing with a four-star pedigree.

“Aaron is one of the most polished perimeter scorers we’ve signed in a long time,” Toby said of the sharpshooter from Fond du Lac. “The shooting numbers speak for themselves — the kid can flat-out score at all three levels, and he does it efficiently. But what impressed us just as much was his competitiveness. He rebounds, he defends, he plays with real purpose. His academic profile is incredible, too. He’s mature, he’s driven, and he fits the culture we build our teams around. Aaron’s got the potential to be a major weapon in our offense, and we’re thrilled to have him joining the Saints family.”

Marcus and Aaron committed on Decision Day in November. The Saints still had one scholarship offer on the table, and as good as their two committed players were, the ultimate fate of their recruiting efforts lay in that player's hands.

Everyone in Elmridge knew Liam Whitworth, whether they were residents of the town or students at the college. Liam was what his classmates called a "lifer," because he had attended St. Aloysius through eighth grade and St. Michael's College School for high school. He was now a senior at SMCS.

College students knew him as the younger brother of Saints captain Kyle...and anyone who paid attention to college basketball knew him as one of the best high school players in the nation.

Kyle, who stood 6'8", had been a high four-star recruit. His younger brother was a top-twenty player nationally, a five-star talent. Liam was an inch taller, as versatile as his older brother, with a bit more of a big man's game. But while Kyle had chosen St. Michael's fairly early in the recruiting process, Liam seemed determined to take another path. He listed Temple, St. John's, Georgetown, and Villanova ahead of the Saints.

“St. Mike’s has been my whole world — my school, my community, Kyle’s program — so it’s not like I’m running from anything,” Liam said. “But because I go to SMCS and I’ve been around the Saints forever, I think people just assume I’m following Kyle’s path. Temple, Georgetown, Villanova — those places give me a chance to step out of that bubble and define myself without comparisons. I love Coach Whittaker and the program, but I’m really thinking about what environment lets me grow on my own terms. St. Michael’s is still in it, but I need to look at what’s best for me, not just what’s familiar.”

Liam attended most of the Saints' home games, wearing his SMCS gear. The fans chanted at him: "We love you, Liam!" "Don't pick Temple! *clap clap clap-clap-clap* He would smile and wave, while his mind turned over the possibilities.

Temple offered him in September, and most recruiting experts thought he'd be an Owl. Liam said as much, telling a reporter he was leaning toward signing with Temple.

The Saints' recruiting lead, Rod Wheaton, took it with the practiced calm of someone who’d been in this business long enough to know that honesty — even when it stings — is better than false enthusiasm. But it still hit him.

He’d spent two years building a relationship with Liam, balancing the tricky dynamic of recruiting the younger brother of one of his own players while respecting Liam’s desire to be seen as his own person. Hearing Liam say he was leaning toward Temple wasn’t a shock, exactly — Wheaton had sensed the pull of a fresh start — but it tightened something in his chest all the same.

“He’s got to make the decision that feels right for him,” Rod told colleagues afterward, trying to keep it even. “We’ve been straight with him from day one, and that’s all you can do. Still… yeah, you want a kid like that. You want him here.”

Privately, though, Wheaton felt a mix of disappointment and respect. Disappointment because Liam was as close to a perfect fit as the Saints could hope for. Respect because choosing a different path took a kind of courage, especially for a hometown kid surrounded by the shadow of his brother’s jersey.

And deep down, Rod hadn’t given up — not yet. Recruiting wasn’t over until Liam put pen to paper, and Wheaton planned to keep St. Michael’s very much in the fight.

Then, on Decision Day, Temple pulled their offer to Liam. They decided to use all three of their scholarships on guards instead.

Liam felt the news hit him harder than he expected — a sharp, hollow jolt right under the ribs.

For months he’d told people that Temple felt like the “fresh-start” place, the one that wasn’t tied to his brother, his school, his whole Elmridge orbit. He’d liked that idea. He’d liked the Owls’ pitch about carving his own lane in Philly. And when he said publicly that he was leaning their way, he meant it.

So when Temple pulled the offer — roster crunch, a surprise early commit, whatever polite reason they gave — it felt less like business and more like the ground shifting beneath him. He’d known college basketball could be cutthroat, but feeling it firsthand was something different.

He didn’t get angry, at least not right away. At first he felt… embarrassed. Exposed. Like he’d pushed away the safe option only to watch the new one evaporate in his hands. Then the disappointment settled in — heavy, personal — tied up with the quiet worry that he’d misread everything.

But after a night of sitting with it, Liam also felt clarity creeping in around the edges. Maybe he’d been chasing “not-St.-Michael’s” more than he’d been chasing what he truly wanted. Maybe the place he’d been trying to outrun wasn’t a shadow after all, but a home that had always left the door open.

Mostly, he felt humbled — and a little wiser — knowing how fast the recruiting world could change, and how important it was to trust the programs that treated you like more than a name on a board.

So, on December 1, at a signing ceremony that looked very much like his older brother's had, Liam Whitworth announced that he would play his collegiate ball at the school closest to his home, closest to his heart. He would never be Kyle's teammate--they were three years apart in age, but four years apart in school--but they would forever share the Saints bond.

***

I'll confess some artistic license here. I signed two good post players from the Philadelphia area, and edited the personal info of one of them to transform him into Liam.

[MoonlightGraham]

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
11/15/15 Xavier 7-8 208 W 56-53 1-0
11/25/15 Vermont 4-12 313 W 78-48 2-0
11/29/15 at Hartford 10-7 45 L 61-59 2-1
12/02/15 Creighton 3-11 166 W 56-51 3-1
12/06/15 Fairfield 4-12 336 W 80-51 4-1
12/09/15 Kentucky 12-5 21 W 70-61 5-1
12/12/15 Lehigh 9-6 80 W 88-52 6-1
12/17/15 vs. Coppin State 8-7 165 W 78-64 7-1
12/19/15 vs. Indiana State 9-6 64 W 60-57 8-1
12/20/15 vs. Providence 8-8 48 W 78-73 9-1
12/21/15 vs. Portland 11-6 231 W 84-73 10-1
12/30/15 Vanderbilt 12-3 28 W 69-57 11-1
01/02/16 Milwaukee 4-10 296 W 74-65 12-1
01/06/16 Wesleyan 6-9 221 W 72-51 13-1

"Don't let that record fool you," Toby Whittaker said to his father, David, as they chatted on the phone on a cold early January evening."

"But you're still winning," David pointed out to his son.

"Yeah, we are, but I don't think we're where we want to be as a team. These guys are missing something: the sense that they truly are a team."

Toby first noticed it when he learned that Trey Hammond would be ineligible to play during the fall semester for academic reasons. Trey was intelligent, and he had attended a good high school which had prepared him well for college-level work. His low grades were the result of a lack of effort, not a lack of ability.

"Trey's in his third year with us." Toby shook his head. "He's talented academically. He has first-quality academic support, like all our players do. This is on Trey."

And is it also on his teammates, who could have...should have? helped him remain on track? Toby wondered.

All the coaches sensed a different vibe surrounding the program this year. "They haven't really bonded yet,"Rod Wheaton observed. "You don't see all of them, or most of them, hanging out together on campus. They drift off in groups of three or four most of the time. That's different for us."

More players seemed unhappy than usual. Assistant Josh Morales, in his first year in the program, thought he might know why.

"Some of the kids who are disgruntled came in as top recruits: four-star, five-star players. They were Mr. Basketball, maybe an All American. They arrive on campus and, for the first time since ninth grade, they see guys who are more physically mature than they are. Heck, maybe this is the first time that's happened, period.

"They're competing for playing time against adult men, 21 years old, 22 years old. These guys have played dozens of games of college ball. Joe High School is maybe more talented, but he's not as tough, and he's not as ready to help us win right now, in this moment, as that three-star dude who's seen it all--and won.

"All their lives, these kids have been The Man. Some of them aren't adjusting well to not being The Man any longer."

Walter Lozano was one of those players. His credentials as a high school All American didn't mean a thing to a man like Andre Cartwright. Andre was a senior, 253 pounds of muscle, already possessing what Toby called "man strength." Walter was almost the same size, but Andre knew how to assert himself physically in ways Walter was still learning to do. Brendan O'Shea, who was willing himself into a future pro through unrelenting effort, wasn't about to defer to an unproven freshman. Right now, Andre and Brendan were better college players than Walter was.

Luka Vuković was unhappy, too. He was undoubtedly talented and versatile, with the frame and ability to play as a stretch big or a conventional wing. But Luka lacked the presence of Cartwright and the polish of Devon Carraway, who had a year's worth of development at St. Michael's. And Luka certainly wasn't going to push Kyle Whitworth to the bench.

Toby tried his best to keep the unhappy players involved and connected to the program. He adjusted his depth chart for each game, bringing in different subs first if the game's circumstances would allow him to do so.

Yes, like Toby told his dad, the Saints were winning. But the team wasn't having as much fun, and Toby wondered if the winning would continue if the players didn't decide to think and act like a team.

[MoonlightGraham]

Trent Voss was the reporter who asked Carl Wilson if Toby had possibly been less aggressive in pursuing victory against his former assistant when Hartford beat St. Michael's in November. This sort of question wasn't entirely out of character for the young scribe.

Harry Bennett was the grandfather of Philly-area basketball reporters. He was already a veteran when he covered Toby Whittaker the point guard. Now in his late sixties, with gray hair and a pleasantly wrinkled face, Harry was universally well-liked within the college basketball community.

Harry had this to say about his fellow reporter: "That Trent Voss… kid’s got energy, I’ll give him that. But he’s got this knack for sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong—always chasing the story, asking the pointed questions. You can’t help but admire the drive, but sometimes he needs a little reminder that there’s a line between being persistent and being a pest."

He might chuckle and add, "Give him a few years, and he could be a real reporter—but right now, he’s more like a mosquito at a picnic: annoying, but you can’t ignore him."

Still, the other reporters in the room were surprised when Trent made this comment to Toby after the Saints lost at St. Bonaventure:

"This year's team has lost more conference games than any in your career. You've lost five now. What's wrong with the Saints this year? Coaching? Execution? The will to win?"

Toby was almost always unflappable, even jovial, during his pressers. This time his brown eyes flashed with a temper he struggled to subdue.

“Trent, nothing’s ‘wrong’ with this team. We’re 22–5 in one of the toughest leagues in the country, and every night we’re getting everybody’s best shot. That’s reality when you’ve built the kind of program we have.

Are we perfect? No. We’ve got to clean up late-game execution, and I’ve got to coach better in a couple of spots—believe me, I look in the mirror before I look anywhere else. But questioning this group’s will to win? Come on. These guys fight. They show up every day, they take every punch, and they respond. We’re not panicking, we’re not splintering, and we’re certainly not apologizing for a few conference losses. We’ll tighten things up. We always do.”

Harry Bennett read the situation perfectly and asked Toby a question that allowed him to praise the attitude and hard work of his seniors. The tension in the room visibly calmed. But, while Trent could have been more tactful, he did ask a question Toby and his staff pondered over, too.


01/09/16 La Salle 13-17 195 W 74-59 14-1 (1-0)
01/14/16 at Rutgers 12-16 100 W 67-52 15-1 (2-0)
01/16/16 at Pittsburgh 20-10 17 W 77-63 16-1 (3-0)
01/21/16 #6 St. Bonaventure 22-7 15 L 73-71 16-2 (3-1)
01/23/16 #2 Temple 25-5 16 L 82-68 16-3 (3-2)
01/28/16 at Duquesne 19-12 42 W 70-59 17-3 (4-2)
01/30/16 at Saint Joseph's 15-14 98 W 61-60 18-3 (5-2)
02/02/16 Penn State 9-20 219 W 82-49 19-3 (6-2)
02/04/16 at NJIT 16-16 294 W 67-43 20-3
02/11/16 at La Salle 13-17 195 L 69-61 20-4 (6-3)
02/13/16 Rutgers 12-16 100 W 65-43 21-4 (7-3)
02/18/16 Pittsburgh 20-10 17 W 77-62 22-4 (8-3)
02/20/16 at #6 St. Bonaventure 22-7 15 L 86-67 22-5 (8-4)
02/23/16 at #2 Temple 25-5 16 L 87-79 22-6 (8-5)
02/27/16 Duquesne 19-12 42 W 63-53 23-6 (9-5)
03/03/16 Saint Joseph's 15-14 98 W 69-47 24-6 (10-5)
03/05/16 at Penn State 9-20 219 W 88-72 25-6 (11-5)

The Saints were good, but they weren't as good as the two best teams in the Mid-Atlantic Conference. They lost both ends of their home-and-home sets with Temple and St. Bonaventure, and stumbled at La Salle, too. And nothing seemed to satisfy Walter Lozano, Luka Vuković, and the other brooding players.

Toby made it a practice to let all the team's seniors start the final home game of their Saints career. Even if the game was a "must-win" contest, he'd let each senior hear his name announced with the starters and play a few minutes, at least.

Kyle Whitworth had started 102 consecutive games, so his place was secure. Andre Cartwright, with 15 starts in 31 games, was also a natural choice. The third senior was Chris Donnelly, and his was a different case.

A 6'7" wing from nearby Archbishop Carroll High, Chris arrived at St. Michael's in the fall of 2010. He redshirted his first year, but he still earned--and proudly wore--his NCAA championship ring. In the seasons since then, Chris had taken the floor in 66 games, playing just under 300 minutes. Chris's career had certainly not gone the way he had planned, but he had never once complained. Instead, he practiced as hard as any of his teammates, and he was the first player off the bench to celebrate a big moment with them.

Toby didn't pause a moment before deciding that Chris would join his fellow seniors in the starting five. How different was his attitude from that of his sulking teammates?

This is what happened that night, when the Saints hosted Saint Joseph's:

#5 St. Michael's 69, Saint Joseph's 47

---------------------------------------------------------
Saint Joseph's (14-14, 5-10):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Lionel Culley C 24 2-8 4-5 2 8 0 1 8
Lyle Vermillion PF 29 2-3 0-2 0 3 0 1 4
Basil Hare SF 29 1-6 2-2 0 2 3 1 4
Kyle Clausen SG 17 2-5 2-2 0 2 0 4 7
Darius Fields PG 23 4-6 2-2 1 4 1 2 10
Daniel Hudson SG 24 3-12 4-4 6 10 3 2 11
Winfred Truett PG 16 1-3 0-0 0 0 0 0 3
David Tracy PF 16 0-4 0-0 0 3 0 1 0
Bert Villalobos C 11 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
F. Holifield C 2 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
Mark Manson SG 8 0-4 0-0 1 1 0 0 0

Turnovers: 16 (L.Culley 2, L.Vermillion 2, B.Hare 3,
K.Clausen 4, D.Fields 1, D.Hudson 1, W.Truett 1,
B.Villalobos 1, M.Manson 1)
Blocked Shots: 3 (L.Vermillion 1, D.Tracy 1,
B.Villalobos 1)
Steals: 5 (L.Culley 1, B.Hare 1, D.Fields 2, D.Hudson 1)
3P FGs: 3-17 (B.Hare 0-3, K.Clausen 1-3, D.Fields 0-1,
D.Hudson 1-7, W.Truett 1-1, D.Tracy 0-1, M.Manson 0-1)

St. Michael's (24-6, 10-5):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brendan O'Shea C 25 2-10 0-0 7 11 0 3 4
Andre Cartwright PF 28 4-7 3-4 4 10 0 1 11
Kyle Whitworth SF 32 11-20 0-1 1 4 1 3 23
Chris Donnelly SG 25 6-10 1-1 0 3 0 3 14
Seth Kaplan PG 25 0-1 2-2 0 2 8 1 2
M.J. Tillery PG 15 1-5 0-0 1 1 6 1 2
Brandon Coles PF 20 0-2 0-0 1 4 0 2 0
Trey Hammond SG 15 5-10 0-0 1 4 0 0 13
Brian Kowalski C 8 0-0 0-0 0 2 2 0 0
Walter Lozano SF 6 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 0 0
Devon Carraway SG 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 12 (B.O'Shea 4, K.Whitworth 2, S.Kaplan 1,
M.Tillery 1, B.Coles 2, T.Hammond 2)
Blocked Shots: 7 (B.O'Shea 1, A.Cartwright 3, M.Tillery
1, B.Coles 2)
Steals: 7 (A.Cartwright 1, K.Whitworth 3, C.Donnelly 1,
M.Tillery 1, T.Hammond 1)
3P FGs: 5-15 (K.Whitworth 1-5, C.Donnelly 1-5,
M.Tillery 0-2, T.Hammond 3-3)

Player of Game: SF Kyle Whitworth (STMIC)

What had been planned as a cameo appearance turned into much more. Chris Donnelly played so well that any coach would have given him a starter's minutes.

"I'm thrilled to have played so well and contributed so much," a smiling Donnelly told the press after the game. "I wish I hadn't missed all those threes, though." He flashed them a playful wink.

Toby had seen something like this happen before. Five years ago, seldom-used Randolph Querry played like a star on his Senior Night. Like Donnelly, Querry had been a model teammate, a player everyone rooted for. Toby and his staff decided to roll with Randolph for the rest of the season, a run that ended when he started the national championship game. That's why Toby told his players that Donnelly would start again at Penn State.

#5 St. Michael's 88, Penn State 72

---------------------------------------------------------
St. Michael's (25-6, 11-5):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brendan O'Shea C 24 3-5 4-4 1 9 1 4 10
Andre Cartwright PF 30 6-8 4-7 5 10 1 4 16
Kyle Whitworth SF 36 6-17 1-2 0 6 2 1 14
Chris Donnelly SG 28 7-12 6-8 3 4 2 2 20
Seth Kaplan PG 26 1-2 5-6 0 0 4 0 7
M.J. Tillery PG 14 2-3 2-2 0 0 1 0 6
Brandon Coles C 20 3-3 1-1 2 6 0 1 7
Trey Hammond SG 13 3-8 0-0 1 2 0 0 6
Brian Kowalski C 6 0-0 2-2 0 2 1 0 2
Walter Lozano SF 2 0-0 0-0 0 0 1 0 0

Turnovers: 16 (B.O'Shea 3, A.Cartwright 1, K.Whitworth
2, C.Donnelly 3, S.Kaplan 3, M.Tillery 1, T.Hammond 2,
W.Lozano 1)
Blocked Shots: 5 (B.O'Shea 2, A.Cartwright 1, B.Coles
1, B.Kowalski 1)
Steals: 9 (A.Cartwright 1, K.Whitworth 3, C.Donnelly 1,
S.Kaplan 1, M.Tillery 3)
3P FGs: 1-13 (K.Whitworth 1-7, C.Donnelly 0-4, S.Kaplan
0-1, T.Hammond 0-1)

Penn State (9-20, 4-12):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
W. Countryman C 20 2-7 1-1 0 4 0 4 5
Marcus Wyche PF 17 4-7 2-2 0 2 2 4 10
David Latour SF 31 4-9 0-0 3 8 3 1 8
Gino Wooley SG 36 7-12 1-1 1 2 3 3 18
Boyce Reich PG 33 5-11 1-2 0 2 7 2 13
Gary Thrash PG 13 2-4 0-0 0 0 1 2 6
Kirk Robinson PF 21 1-3 1-2 3 6 0 2 3
Thad Distefano C 15 2-6 0-0 2 3 0 3 4
Leo Westbrooks SG 2 1-1 0-0 0 0 0 0 3
Brian Fawcett PF 11 1-5 0-1 1 1 1 1 2

Turnovers: 17 (D.Latour 4, G.Wooley 2, B.Reich 7,
G.Thrash 2, K.Robinson 1, T.Distefano 1)
Blocked Shots: 1 (B.Fawcett 1)
Steals: 5 (G.Wooley 1, B.Reich 1, G.Thrash 1,
K.Robinson 1, T.Distefano 1)
3P FGs: 8-19 (D.Latour 0-3, G.Wooley 3-3, B.Reich 2-6,
G.Thrash 2-3, L.Westbrooks 1-1, B.Fawcett 0-3)

Player of Game: PF Andre Cartwright (STMIC)

Kyle Whitworth couldn't wait to talk about his classmate and friend. “Man, Chris has been waiting for that moment, and he showed everybody what we already knew in our locker room. That’s not luck—that’s a senior who’s been grinding for four years and was ready when his number got called.

What I loved most was how calm he was. No nerves, no forcing anything, just playing his game. He rebounds, he defends, he cuts hard, he hits shots—he makes winning plays. You can trust him on the floor.

And honestly? It fired all of us up. Seeing a guy who’s put in that much work finally get his shot and deliver like that… it lifts the whole team. Chris earned those starts, and he made us better in both games.”

Would this be the moment that caused all fifteen Saints to pull together for the first time all season?

Even Trent Voss didn't put a cynical spin on this story.

[MoonlightGraham]

03/11/16 vs. La Salle 13-18 198 W 64-53 26-6
03/12/16 vs. #10 St. Bonaventure 25-9 9 W 76-67 27-6
03/13/16 vs. Pittsburgh 22-12 19 W 82-51 28-6

Toby continued to ride with his three seniors as the Saints moved into the Mid-Atlantic tournament. As the #2 seed, the Saints first faced a La Salle team that had beaten them during the regular season.

(2) #4 St. Michael's 64, (7) La Salle 53

---------------------------------------------------------
La Salle (13-18, 6-10):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Jose Bautista C 30 2-4 0-0 1 5 1 3 4
Joseph Hubbs PF 32 1-6 4-4 4 11 1 1 6
Dustin Nelson SF 28 3-11 1-1 1 7 1 5 7
Douglas Smith SG 31 3-8 0-0 0 3 1 1 9
Justin Steiner PG 37 6-14 0-0 0 2 4 3 14
Fredric Mott C 23 3-7 2-2 0 1 1 2 8
Cornelius Parks PG 12 2-4 1-2 0 1 1 4 5
Kevin Rubenstein PG 4 0-2 0-0 1 2 0 1 0
Chung Parrott C 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 10 (D.Nelson 3, D.Smith 1, J.Steiner 3,
C.Parks 2, K.Rubenstein 1)
Blocked Shots: 5 (J.Bautista 1, F.Mott 4)
Steals: 2 (D.Nelson 1, F.Mott 1)
3P FGs: 5-20 (J.Bautista 0-1, J.Hubbs 0-2, D.Nelson
0-5, D.Smith 3-5, J.Steiner 2-5, F.Mott 0-1,
K.Rubenstein 0-1)

St. Michael's (26-6, 11-5):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brendan O'Shea C 28 3-9 2-4 1 10 3 1 8
Andre Cartwright PF 31 1-2 2-2 1 7 0 4 4
Kyle Whitworth SF 36 4-12 7-8 2 8 5 2 17
Chris Donnelly SG 31 6-12 0-1 3 4 1 1 13
Seth Kaplan PG 28 2-5 0-0 0 1 4 0 5
M.J. Tillery PG 12 1-4 1-2 1 1 0 1 3
Brandon Coles PF 16 3-4 0-0 3 6 3 0 6
Trey Hammond SG 13 2-4 3-4 1 2 1 0 8
Brian Kowalski C 5 0-2 0-0 1 3 0 0 0
Walter Lozano SF 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 1 0

Turnovers: 12 (B.O'Shea 1, A.Cartwright 2, C.Donnelly
2, S.Kaplan 3, B.Coles 1, T.Hammond 2, B.Kowalski 1)
Blocked Shots: 6 (A.Cartwright 3, K.Whitworth 1,
B.Coles 1, B.Kowalski 1)
Steals: 5 (A.Cartwright 1, S.Kaplan 1, M.Tillery 3)
3P FGs: 5-16 (K.Whitworth 2-4, C.Donnelly 1-5, S.Kaplan
1-3, M.Tillery 0-2, T.Hammond 1-2)

Player of Game: SF Kyle Whitworth (STMIC)

It was a gritty, defensive game, one for which the Saints put their hard hats on and approached with a mindset the three seniors generated. Two of them, Kyle Whitworth and Chris Donnelly, were the only Saints to score in double figures, while the third, Andre Cartwright, asserted himself by rebounding and blocking shots.

Next came a rematch with St. Bonaventure, who had already beaten them twice.

(2) #4 St. Michael's 76, (3) #10 St. Bonaventure 67

---------------------------------------------------------
St. Bonaventure (23-8, 10-6):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Edward Drummond C 8 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 5 0
Tyree Land PF 26 4-10 3-4 1 3 3 1 11
Brent Gonzales SF 34 11-21 2-3 3 5 4 3 25
Ronald Pellegrini SG 33 7-11 0-0 4 7 8 5 18
K. Dominquez PG 36 2-10 0-0 0 4 3 3 5
Tony Johnson PG 11 1-3 0-0 2 2 2 2 3
Wilton Wall C 19 1-7 1-2 0 1 1 5 3
Clyde Green PF 20 0-2 0-0 0 5 1 1 0
Charles Arnold C 7 1-1 0-0 0 1 0 1 2
Joaquin Chester SG 7 0-1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 13 (E.Drummond 1, B.Gonzales 3, R.Pellegrini
1, K.Dominquez 3, T.Johnson 1, W.Wall 1, C.Green 2,
J.Chester 1)
Blocked Shots: 11 (T.Land 2, T.Johnson 1, W.Wall 4,
C.Green 2, C.Arnold 1, J.Chester 1)
Steals: 7 (R.Pellegrini 2, K.Dominquez 3, W.Wall 1,
C.Arnold 1)
3P FGs: 7-18 (B.Gonzales 1-5, R.Pellegrini 4-4,
K.Dominquez 1-5, T.Johnson 1-3, J.Chester 0-1)

St. Michael's (27-6, 11-5):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brendan O'Shea C 22 3-6 3-9 1 7 0 3 9
Andre Cartwright PF 24 1-1 2-2 2 9 1 3 4
Kyle Whitworth SF 37 7-12 2-2 0 6 1 0 17
Chris Donnelly SG 29 5-6 7-8 1 4 2 2 17
Seth Kaplan PG 26 1-2 8-9 0 1 3 1 11
M.J. Tillery PG 14 2-10 0-0 1 1 3 0 5
Brandon Coles PF 23 0-3 3-4 5 7 0 2 3
Trey Hammond SG 14 3-5 0-0 1 2 1 0 6
Brian Kowalski C 10 0-2 4-4 1 5 0 1 4
Walter Lozano PF 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 20 (B.O'Shea 3, A.Cartwright 1, K.Whitworth
5, C.Donnelly 2, S.Kaplan 3, M.Tillery 1, B.Coles 2,
T.Hammond 1, B.Kowalski 2)
Blocked Shots: 8 (B.O'Shea 1, A.Cartwright 2,
K.Whitworth 2, B.Coles 3)
Steals: 6 (K.Whitworth 2, C.Donnelly 3, T.Hammond 1)
3P FGs: 3-10 (K.Whitworth 1-4, S.Kaplan 1-1, M.Tillery
1-4, T.Hammond 0-1)

Player of Game: SG Chris Donnelly (STMIC)

This was the game Chris Donnelly dreamed of playing when he shot alone in his high school game, the one he worked for when he showed up for 6 a.m. lifting sessions at The Pavilion.

Pitt's upset of top-seeded Temple spoiled the Saints' chance to avenge all their conference losses. Still, Toby and his team had lots to play for.

(2) #4 St. Michael's 82, (4) Pittsburgh 51

---------------------------------------------------------
St. Michael's (28-6, 11-5):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brendan O'Shea C 22 0-2 4-6 0 1 0 1 4
Andre Cartwright PF 28 0-5 0-0 0 6 2 1 0
Kyle Whitworth SF 34 11-20 2-2 2 11 2 0 28
Chris Donnelly SG 25 4-7 2-2 1 3 4 3 10
Seth Kaplan PG 24 3-4 4-6 1 2 6 1 11
M.J. Tillery PG 16 1-3 0-0 0 0 2 0 3
Brandon Coles PF 23 2-2 0-0 4 10 2 1 4
Trey Hammond SG 16 6-10 4-8 0 1 0 1 18
Brian Kowalski C 7 0-0 0-0 1 3 1 0 0
Walter Lozano SF 4 1-1 2-2 0 2 0 1 4
Devon Carraway SG 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 5 (K.Whitworth 4, B.Kowalski 1)
Blocked Shots: 5 (B.O'Shea 2, A.Cartwright 1,
K.Whitworth 1, B.Coles 1)
Steals: 4 (K.Whitworth 1, S.Kaplan 1, M.Tillery 1,
B.Coles 1)
3P FGs: 8-17 (K.Whitworth 4-9, C.Donnelly 0-1, S.Kaplan
1-1, M.Tillery 1-1, T.Hammond 2-5)

Pittsburgh (22-11, 9-7):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Alden Yarber C 28 1-4 0-0 2 4 1 0 2
John Porter PF 8 2-3 0-2 0 0 0 4 4
Daniel Castle SF 26 1-4 0-0 2 11 2 4 3
Hermann Braun SG 31 8-16 0-0 1 1 0 4 20
Scott Peter PG 25 4-10 0-0 2 3 6 4 8
Tod Westlake PF 20 2-6 0-1 0 4 1 1 4
Erich Langlois PG 20 0-4 0-0 0 1 1 0 0
Caleb Pilkington C 19 2-6 0-0 0 2 4 2 4
Max Melson PF 11 0-1 2-2 1 2 0 2 2
Omar Rowley SG 11 2-5 0-0 1 2 2 2 4

Turnovers: 12 (A.Yarber 1, J.Porter 1, D.Castle 2,
H.Braun 2, S.Peter 3, T.Westlake 1, E.Langlois 2)
Blocked Shots: 3 (D.Castle 1, H.Braun 1, M.Melson 1)
Steals: 3 (D.Castle 2, C.Pilkington 1)
3P FGs: 5-20 (D.Castle 1-3, H.Braun 4-8, S.Peter 0-3,
T.Westlake 0-1, E.Langlois 0-2, M.Melson 0-1, O.Rowley
0-2)

Player of Game: SF Kyle Whitworth (STMIC)

Ahead by 15 points at halftime, the Saints doubled their advantage in the second half and grabbed the Mid-Atlantic Conference tournament trophy with both hands.

"We're playing our best basketball of the season at the right time," assistant Rod Wheaton pointed out. "We're looking forward to seeing how long we can make this run last."

[MoonlightGraham]

St. Michael’s 2016 NCAA Tournament run was the kind of March surge that stamped the Saints—again—as one of college basketball’s true heavyweights. Entering as the #2 seed in the East Region, they brought a hardened edge from three straight Elite Eight trips, a seasoned senior core, and a rapidly rising sophomore center in Brendan O’Shea.

Their opening-round win over Belmont was a showcase of senior firepower. Kyle Whitworth scored 24, attacking relentlessly off the bounce, while Chris Donnelly poured in 25 in his NCAA Tournament debut as a starter. The Saints rolled, 87–64, and looked every bit the juggernaut many expected.

Two days later, #17 Pepperdine nearly derailed the run, but St. Michael’s clawed out a 73–69 win behind late-game poise and defense. The Saints moved on to the Sweet Sixteen—again.

The second weekend was where their stars erupted. Against LSU, Whitworth authored one of the greatest performances in school history: 38 points, including a school-record 18-for-18 at the free-throw line. His closing stretch—getting downhill, absorbing contact, and sinking every foul shot—dragged the Saints to an 85–77 win that left the arena buzzing.

Then came Duke, and the emergence of unexpected hero Trey Hammond. The sophomore guard came off the bench firing, hitting threes, attacking gaps, and finishing with 15 points as St. Michael’s smothered the Blue Devils, 77–56. It was a statement win—defensive, decisive, and emblematic of the program Whittaker had built.

The Saints reached the Final Four, where Cinderella 10-seed Notre Dame finally halted their run. Hammond again shone with 20 points, keeping the Saints afloat on a night when nothing came easily. But ND’s physicality and timely shot-making proved too much, and St. Michael’s fell 76–63, finishing the season 32–7. The Fighting Irish went on to defeat Temple in the national championship game.

In the postgame room, Toby Whittaker spoke with a mix of pride and sorrow:

“March is cruel, but it’s also beautiful,” Whittaker said. “Kyle, Chris, Trey—every guy in that locker room earned this run. We didn’t get the ending we wanted, but they represented this program the right way. They played like Saints.”

The loss stung. But the journey—highlighted by career-making performances and another national semifinal appearance—cemented St. Michael’s as a program built not just to compete in March, but to belong there.

03/18/16 vs. Belmont 17-16 179 W 87-64 29-6
03/20/16 vs. #17 Pepperdine 24-10 26 W 73-69 30-6
03/25/16 vs. Louisiana State 22-11 13 W 85-77 31-6
03/27/16 vs. #12 Duke 27-9 16 W 77-56 32-6
04/02/16 vs. Notre Dame 27-10 20 L 76-63 32-7

[MoonlightGraham]

It's time to meet the character forum member Greyfriars Bobby created for our story. Thanks for the idea, GB.

Father Robert Grey, C.S.C. is one of the most recognizable faces on the St. Michael’s campus—not just in the chapel, but in the stands of The Pavilion.

A young priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Father Rob enrolled at St. Michael’s in the early 2000s, graduating just a few years before Toby Whittaker returned to his alma mater to take over the Saints program. Even as a student, Rob was known for a rare blend of warmth, humor, and a deep intellectual curiosity about faith, community, and, of course, basketball.

After discerning a call to religious life during his senior year, he entered formation with the Holy Cross Fathers and was ordained in his early thirties. His first assignment brought him back home to the place that shaped him. Now in his first year in service as a campus chaplain, he oversees student spiritual life, mentors student-athletes, and maintains an open-door policy that makes him a fixture in the daily rhythm of St. Michael’s.

What sets Father Rob apart is that he is, by universal admission, an avid and unusually knowledgeable basketball fan. He grew up studying box scores with his father, can recite Saints stats from the 1980s by memory, and watches film with the same analytic sharpness as any assistant coach. During the season, he attends nearly every practice—always careful to keep a respectful distance—but he’s the quiet, steady figure players turn to when pressure mounts or a tough loss stings a little too deeply.

Known for his breezy conversational style and for quoting both Scripture and KenPom with equal enthusiasm, Father Rob embodies the Holy Cross mission of educating the whole person: mind, heart, and soul. And on winter nights, when the Saints take the floor, he cheers with the fervor of someone who loves the game, the program, and the young people he serves.

Father Rob enjoyed taking a deep dive into these statistics:
#4 ST. MICHAEL'S TEAM INFO

Current Performance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Team Prestige: 95 Record Vs 1-50: 11-5 Poll Rank: #4
Season Record: 32-7 Record Vs 51-100: 3-0 RPI Rank: #2
Conference Record: 11-5 Record Vs 101-200: 13-2
Home Record: 15-2 Record Vs 200+: 5-0


Team Stats CR NR Opp. Stats CR NR Margin CR NR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points 72.2 4 111 Points 61.3 1 11 Points 10.9 2 6
O.Reb 11.2 3 168 O.Reb 9.2 2 38 O.Reb 1.9 2 55
D.Reb 27.9 1 24 D.Reb 22.8 2 26 D.Reb 5.1 1 3
Rebounds 39.1 1 45 Rebounds 32.0 1 12 Rebounds 7.1 1 3
Assists 16.1 4 33 Assists 13.1 2 136 Assists 3.0 4 27
Steals 7.2 1 49 Steals 5.5 3 114 Steals 1.7 2 42
Blocks 5.2 4 46 Blocks 3.9 8 286 Blocks 1.3 4 65
Turnovers 14.0 5 189 Turnovers 14.5 4 128 Turnovers -0.5 5 139
Fouls 15.9 1 1 Fouls 18.0 4 324 Fouls -2.1 2 41
FG% .456 4 34 FG% .398 2 17 FG% .058 3 12
FT% .740 2 11 FT% .685 5 234 FT% .055 1 27
3P% .349 7 128 3P% .312 1 38 3P% .036 2 58
PPS 1.27 3 84 PPS 1.08 1 6 PPS .189 2 6
Adj. FG% .506 4 80 Adj. FG% .447 1 7 Adj. FG% .059 3 20

#4 ST. MICHAEL'S Averages

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kyle Whitworth SF 39 39 33.5 19.4 1.4 6.7 2.7 2.1 0.5 3.2 2.4 9.2
Seth Kaplan PG 39 39 26.2 6.3 0.3 1.4 4.4 1.3 0.1 1.7 1.7 5.5
Brendan O'Shea C 39 39 25.6 8.7 1.8 7.2 1.2 0.3 1.0 1.9 2.2 5.8
Brandon Coles PF 39 15 23.1 5.0 2.2 6.6 1.1 0.3 1.1 1.2 2.0 6.5
Andre Cartwright PF 36 23 21.5 4.6 2.1 6.8 0.8 0.4 1.2 0.8 1.8 5.2
Trey Hammond SG 27 10 19.5 10.4 0.7 1.9 1.3 0.7 0.1 1.9 1.7 3.2
Devon Carraway SG 33 19 18.6 8.6 0.8 2.3 1.1 1.3 0.1 1.8 1.9 6.0
Chris Donnelly SG 21 10 14.5 7.9 0.9 2.5 1.2 0.5 0.0 0.9 1.0 5.4
M.J. Tillery PG 39 0 14.1 3.7 0.2 0.7 2.3 0.7 0.0 0.7 1.0 5.4
Brian Kowalski C 36 1 9.6 2.2 0.8 3.3 0.4 0.1 1.1 0.7 0.5 3.5
Walter Lozano SF 39 0 8.1 2.6 0.6 1.5 0.6 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.6 2.4
Luka Vukovic SG 25 0 7.4 2.4 0.5 1.6 0.4 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.6 2.6
Otto Bruno SG 5 0 1.6 0.4 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.2 -0.8
Jonathan Whitcomb C 1 0 1.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

#4 ST. MICHAEL'S Totals

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kyle Whitworth SF 39 39 1307 755 56 260 105 80 19 126 95 357
Seth Kaplan PG 39 39 1020 246 11 54 173 51 2 67 68 213
Brendan O'Shea C 39 39 998 341 69 281 46 10 40 73 84 228
Brandon Coles PF 39 15 902 196 85 256 41 13 43 47 78 254
Andre Cartwright PF 36 23 775 165 77 246 27 16 43 28 64 188
Trey Hammond SG 27 10 526 280 18 50 36 20 2 51 47 86
Devon Carraway SG 33 19 615 283 28 77 37 42 2 59 62 198
Chris Donnelly SG 21 10 305 165 19 53 25 11 0 19 22 114
M.J. Tillery PG 39 0 548 143 7 29 91 26 1 29 40 211
Brian Kowalski C 36 1 346 80 29 117 14 3 38 24 17 126
Walter Lozano SF 39 0 316 100 24 58 22 6 11 13 25 93
Luka Vukovic SG 25 0 185 59 12 41 10 3 3 7 16 66
Otto Bruno SG 5 0 8 2 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 -4
Jonathan Whitcomb C 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

#4 ST. MICHAEL'S Shooting

Player Pos Fgm Fga Fg% Ftm Fta Ft% 3pm 3pa 3p% PPS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kyle Whitworth SF 269 552 .487 132 155 .852 85 224 .379 1.37
Seth Kaplan PG 77 169 .456 71 85 .835 21 75 .280 1.46
Brendan O'Shea C 124 289 .429 93 153 .608 0 1 .000 1.18
Brandon Coles PF 77 175 .440 42 72 .583 0 0 .000 1.12
Andre Cartwright PF 65 129 .504 35 50 .700 0 1 .000 1.28
Trey Hammond SG 100 207 .483 44 65 .677 36 84 .429 1.35
Devon Carraway SG 99 228 .434 44 54 .815 41 117 .350 1.24
Chris Donnelly SG 62 108 .574 29 35 .829 12 41 .293 1.53
M.J. Tillery PG 46 133 .346 33 36 .917 18 58 .310 1.08
Brian Kowalski C 28 61 .459 24 28 .857 0 0 .000 1.31
Walter Lozano SF 44 107 .411 11 19 .579 1 7 .143 0.93
Luka Vukovic SG 19 57 .333 14 21 .667 7 26 .269 1.04
Otto Bruno SG 1 1 1.000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 2.00
Jonathan Whitcomb C 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0.00

“Well,” Father Rob began, leaning back in his chair in his office at O'Connell House, “if you looked at the whole picture, this team was exactly who we thought they were by the end: a group that defended like grown men and rebounded like their lives depended on it.”


On the Team Profile

“The first thing that jumped off the page,” he said, tapping the table, “was the defensive consistency. Holding teams to 61 points a night in modern college basketball—that wasn’t normal. That was discipline. That was buy-in. That was a group that played for each other.”

He pointed to the rebounding margins.

“Rebounding? My goodness. +7 on the glass? Number three in the country in defensive rebound margin? That was identity. You don’t stumble into that. That was O’Shea, Coles, Cartwright, even Whitworth, all doing their jobs every night.”

Then he gave a warm, knowing laugh.

“I know folks got anxious about the 11–5 conference mark. But from a priest: sometimes the hardest stretches are the ones that form you. And they stopped the bleeding when it counted.”


On the Offense

“Offensively, they were efficient without being flashy,” he explained.
“They didn’t turn it over at an elite rate, but they shot it well enough, and they got to the free-throw line. The adjusted field goal percentage was top-10 territory. That wins in March.”

He looked over the shooting table with approval.

“Free throws at 74 percent—thank heavens. A few years earlier we would’ve prayed for that.”


On Whitworth

Father Rob smiled as if speaking about a former student he admired.

“Kyle’s numbers were… well, they were All-America numbers. He scored 19 a night, rebounded, defended, shot almost 40% from three, and did it while carrying the biggest workload on the team. And he didn’t pad anything—he took the right shots.”


On O’Shea and the Frontcourt

“O’Shea was the quiet engine,” he said.
“Seven boards in 26 minutes, a block per game, reliable touches… he wasn’t perfect at the line, bless him, but everything else was sturdy.”

He gestured to Coles and Cartwright.

“And look at this: two power forwards, both rebounding at starting-center levels. That’s why the Saints lived on second possessions.”

On the Guards

He nodded as he reviewed the backcourt.

“Kaplan didn’t score a lot, but he controlled the game. Four-and-a-half assists, low turnovers, and he guarded. Every team needed a steady hand like that.”

His finger tapped Hammond’s row.

“Trey Hammond’s efficiency was outstanding—48% from the field, 43% from three. That was the profile of a guy who won you a tournament game. And, well… he literally did.”

Carraway and Donnelly brought out a broad, fatherly smile.

“Those two? Just solid, team-first wings. They gave you offense when you needed it and didn’t force a thing.”


Final Thoughts

Father Rob folded his hands.

“When you stepped back, the story of that team was pretty clear: guard the daylights out of people, rebound the misses, trust your star, and let everyone else play to their strengths. That formula took them all the way to Houston.”

He shrugged gently.

“Some teams won with fireworks. This one won with habits. And that,” he added with a friendly grin, “was a very Holy Cross way to win a basketball game.”

[MoonlightGraham]

April 4, 2016

2015 OVERALL AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

SR SG Jeffrey Caron Saint Mary's 21.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 4.1 APG 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR SF Chris Budde Memphis 16.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.6 APG 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Dorian Johanson Virginia Tech 25 - 8 (12 - 2)

All-league 1st Team:
C JR Charles Gallego Louisville 17.5 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, 1.8 BPG
PF JR Reno Smith Florida 12.1 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 3.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 3.0 BPG
SF SR Arthur Morley Connecticut 13.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 4.8 APG, 2.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SG SR Jeffrey Caron Saint Mary's 21.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 4.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG SR Efrain Blakeney San Diego 10.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 9.2 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C SR Steve Navarrette Rhode Island 13.8 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.8 BPG
PF SR Gerhold Hechenberger Kentucky 16.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.6 SPG, 3.0 BPG
SF SR Kyle Whitworth St. Michael's 19.4 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.7 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG
SG SR Octavio Crouse Temple 26.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG
PG SR Jeromy Baughman Massachusetts 15.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 7.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG

All-league 3rd Team:
C SR Donnell Bernard Temple 8.2 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, 2.3 BPG
PF SR John Ong Iona 17.6 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 4.2 BPG
SF SR Daniel Keefe South Florida 24.7 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SG SR Henry Varney Cornell 27.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG
PG SR James Seidel Pepperdine 17.1 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 5.4 APG, 2.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Johnathon Smith Valparaiso 12.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PF FR Randal Miceli Boise State 11.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.2 BPG
SF FR Chris Budde Memphis 16.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SG FR John Kato Kent State 18.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG FR John Villegas Maryland 9.1 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 5.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Father Rob was right about Kyle Whitworth, All American.

2015 MID-ATLANTIC AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

SR SG Octavio Crouse Temple 26.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.8 APG 1.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR SG Basil Hare Saint Joseph's 13.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.5 APG 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Michael Hall Temple 32 - 6 (13 - 3)

All-league 1st Team:
C SR Donnell Bernard Temple 8.2 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, 2.3 BPG
PF JR Wilford Caudell Duquesne 12.4 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SF SR Kyle Whitworth St. Michael's 19.4 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.7 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG
SG SR Octavio Crouse Temple 26.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG
PG JR Scott Peter Pittsburgh 16.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 6.9 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C SR Robert Campuzano Rutgers 8.3 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.2 BPG
PF SO Lynwood Harrington Temple 8.4 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.0 BPG
SF JR Josh Dixon Temple 12.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.3 BPG
SG SR Ronald Pellegrini St. Bonaventure 14.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG SR Michael Embry Temple 6.8 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 7.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Edward Drummond St. Bonaventure 5.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.2 SPG, 1.5 BPG
PF FR Brandon Coles St. Michael's 5.0 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.3 SPG, 1.1 BPG
SF FR Jerome Clay Duquesne 6.3 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SG FR Basil Hare Saint Joseph's 13.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG FR Noe Liddle Duquesne 1.5 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.1 SPG, 0.0 BPG

All-Freshman choice Brandon Coles joined Kyle as the only Saints to win post-season honors from the Mid-Atlantic Conference. I think that says a lot about the balance of this year's team, which reached the Final Four with only one tru star.

Brendan O'Shea decided to heed the call of professional scouts, who told him he had a chance to be picked in the first round. He'll forgo his final two years of eligibility. Several of his teammates, who spent the year being disgruntled about one thing or another, might follow him out of the program.


April 9, 2016
Center Brendan O'Shea was, indeed, a first round pick in the pro draft. He was selected #19 overall. Brendan was the second Mid-Atlantic player to hear his name; Temple big man Donnell Bernard, a senior who was third team All-American, was picked at #17.

None of the unhappy players--Walter Lozano, Brian Kowalski, Luka Vuković--decided to transfer, much to Toby's surprise. He hoped they would return to campus with an improved attitude. "They're talented players, and they're good guys," he said. "We recruited them for a reason. We want them to be here, but only if they want to be here, too."

2015 Recruiting Rankings

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. North Carolina ACC SG Andrew Horne ***** 1 3 1 0 0
2. UTEP Southwest SF Gerry Leader ***** 2 2 1 0 0
3. St. Bonaventure Mid-Atlantic PG Bastien Hellin ***** 2 1 1 0 0
4. Saint Mary's WCC PG Daniel Kendall ***** 1 2 1 0 0
5. Memphis Conference USA PF Jason Argo **** 0 3 2 0 0
6. Georgia Tech ACC SG Désiré Petitpas **** 0 2 5 0 0
7. North Carolina State ACC C Clemente Haile ***** 1 2 1 0 0
8. Illinois-Chicago Great Lakes PG Gary Frisch ***** 1 2 0 0 0
9. Tennessee SEC PG Leon Breeden ***** 2 1 0 0 0
10. St. Michael's Mid-Atlantic PF Liam Whitworth ***** 1 2 0 0 0
11. Clemson ACC PG Royal Bays **** 0 2 3 0 0
12. San Diego WCC PG Larry Lange **** 0 2 2 0 0
13. Villanova Big East PF Allan Cornell ***** 1 0 2 0 0
14. Kentucky SEC SF Daniel Steinke ***** 1 1 1 0 0
15. Pepperdine WCC SF Jewel Parkinson ***** 1 0 2 0 0
16. Charlotte Blue Ridge PF Sandy Simpson ***** 1 1 3 0 0
17. Auburn SEC SG Luke Stillwell ***** 1 2 1 0 0
18. Temple Mid-Atlantic SG Sylvester Gowen **** 0 3 0 0 0
19. Houston Southwest PF Wyatt Garcia ***** 1 1 1 0 0
20. San Francisco WCC SF Billy Twigg ***** 1 1 1 0 0

2015 Recruiting Rankings

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. St. Bonaventure Mid-Atlantic PG Bastien Hellin ***** 2 1 1 0 0
10. St. Michael's Mid-Atlantic PF Liam Whitworth ***** 1 2 0 0 0
18. Temple Mid-Atlantic SG Sylvester Gowen **** 0 3 0 0 0
62. Rutgers Mid-Atlantic SG Merrill Churchill **** 0 1 1 0 0
69. Duquesne Mid-Atlantic PG Tanner Haviland *** 0 0 4 0 0
142. Penn State Mid-Atlantic PG Colton Cook *** 0 0 3 0 0
213. Saint Joseph's Mid-Atlantic SG Cyrille Dupretz *** 0 0 2 0 0
260. Pittsburgh Mid-Atlantic PF Robert Webb *** 0 0 1 0 0
353. La Salle Mid-Atlantic 0 0 0 0 0

Toby and his staff pulled in a Top 10 recruiting class for the first time, highlighted by hometown star Liam Whitworth. All three new Saints look like they will be ready for playing time as freshmen.

St. Bonaventure won the services of Bastien Hellin, a French point guard who is said to be the best young player in the world. They also landed a five-star center and shooting guard Clinton Rucker, whom the Saints also recruited hard.

[MoonlightGraham]

May 1, 2016

Carl Wilson called Toby late in the afternoon, the tone of his voice a mixture of frustration and resignation.

“Toby,” Carl said, clearing his throat, “I just… I wanted you to hear it from me first. They let me go at Hartford. I’m done.”

Toby felt a knot in his stomach.

“Carl… I—” he started, struggling for the right words.

“I know,” Carl interrupted gently. “It’s just the way it goes sometimes. I wanted to tell you because you’ve been a friend through all of this.”

There was a long pause on the line. Toby could hear the quiet behind Carl’s words—the weight of four years of effort ending suddenly.

“I appreciate that, Carl. I really do,” Toby finally said. “I’m going to miss having you around. You know that.”

Carl chuckled softly, tinged with bitterness.

“Yeah… I know. Don’t worry, I’ll land on my feet. I always do. Just… don’t forget about me, okay?”

“Never,” Toby promised. “Never.”

The conversation ended with both men quietly acknowledging the hard realities of the coaching world—but also the enduring bond of friendship that neither firing nor career moves could erase.

***

Carl Wilson was one of Toby's closest friends—someone he’d coached with, someone whose son he’d known since the boy was in grade school, someone who had always spoken well of the Saints program. Seeing Carl get fired after four tough seasons hurt.

“I didn’t like it,” Toby said flatly. “Carl’s a good coach and a better man. Sometimes this business just chews people up.”

Then Hartford turned around and hired his own head recruiter, Rod Wheaton. Toby felt something very different—pride, mostly, and a little bit of that bittersweet sting that comes when you lose someone who mattered to your staff.

“Rod deserved another shot,” Toby said. “He’s been a head coach before. He's put in the years, he’d recruited at a high level, he’d built real relationships. I was proud of him. I still am.”

He acknowledged the awkward optics—one friend pushed out, another promoted in his place—but Toby refused to entertain any narrative that pitted the two against each other.

“There wasn’t any politics in it,” he said. “Carl and Rod are different coaches. One guy’s tough break shouldn’t take away from another guy’s opportunity.”

More than anything, Toby emphasized that both men mattered to him.

“I love Carl. I love Rod. I wanted success for both of them. And if Rod gets Hartford rolling, I’d bet Carl will be one of the first guys to call and congratulate him.”

He paused, then added with a quieter sincerity:

“It’s a small world in coaching. You don’t root against your own people.”

***

Soon after, the St. Michael's athletic department issued a press release.

Ethan Pearson, 28, joins St. Michael’s as the program’s head recruiter for the 2016/17 season, marking his first position in collegiate basketball. A native of Portland, Maine, Pearson attended Portland High School, where he was a three-time all-conference guard and team captain. He went on to Colby College, earning four varsity letters and serving as team captain in his senior year while graduating with a degree in economics.

After college, Pearson spent several years working in basketball operations and player development for elite AAU and prep school programs in the Northeast. During that time, he honed his eye for talent, built a broad network among high school coaches, and developed a reputation for identifying prospects who excel on and off the court.

Pearson now brings that expertise to St. Michael’s, helping head coach Toby Whittaker assemble rosters capable of competing for national championships while emphasizing character, academics, and team fit.

"I’m thrilled to step into the college game," Pearson said. "St. Michael’s has a tradition of excellence on and off the court, and I want to find players who will thrive here—not just as athletes, but as students and future leaders."

[MoonlightGraham]

September 1, 2016

The autumn of 2016 brought changes to the Whittaker family in ways that rooted it more firmly to the world of St. Michael's.

Claire had spent three weeks of the summer before her senior year at St. Michael's assisting with a children's art camp on campus. Her mentor, Sister Marianne Keating, realized something as she watched Claire working with the young artists.

“Claire, you have the hands of an artist—but more importantly, you have the heart of a teacher. Don’t ignore that. You make people believe they can create.”

Claire laughed it off at the time, insisting she just enjoyed helping the younger students shade their charcoal drawings or mix colors properly. Sister Marianne shook her head.

“There’s a difference between enjoying something and being called to it. You guide without pushing. You never rush them. You give them permission to be brave. That’s a gift in this world.”

At the time, Claire had her mind on other things: becoming an acclaimed painter, perhaps a curator at a leading art museum. But Sister Marianne saw another future for her. “One day, you’ll have a studio of your own here—or somewhere just like it," she said. "And the students will look to you the way they look to me now. I hope you’ll let yourself imagine that future.”

Now that her children were older, Claire felt a tug at her heart, one that pulled her in the direction Sister Marianne had described. In spring 2016, a long-standing member of the art faculty at St. Michael's College School announced his retirement. Claire applied for the position and, to her surprise and delight, was hired.

As August turned to September. Mrs. Whittaker was teaching Drawing & Painting, Foundations of Studio Art, and the upper-lever Portfolio Seminar at SMCS. Her classroom—sunlit, warm, and cluttered with sketchbooks, drying canvases, and jars of mismatched brushes—was one of the few quiet corners of campus where students felt at ease to wander in after hours.

Nora, soon to turn fifteen, had just started high school, wide-eyed but quietly confident. She spent her early weeks figuring out the rhythm of SMCS—new teachers, a bigger campus, and a lot more homework—but she already loved her English class. Her notebooks were filling up with story ideas, poem fragments, and observations about her classmates. She joined the freshman writing club and hoped to submit something to the school literary magazine by winter. When Saints home games rolled around, she sometimes brought a journal instead of a foam finger.

Grace, almost thirteen, always the social one, settled easily into her last two years at St. Aloysius. She was thriving in her art elective, where her teachers praised both her creativity and her willingness to help younger students. She’d also taken an interest in volleyball and was trying out for the middle-school team. At home, she split her time between drawing in her sketchbook and shadowing her mom in the art room, soaking up whatever techniques she could.

Eli was weeks away from his eleventh birthday. He marched into 5th grade with his usual mix of curiosity and boundless energy. He had become a math and engineering kid—constantly showing the family new contraptions he’d built from LEGO or poring over basketball statistics. He played CYO basketball in the winter--quite well--and insisted on wearing his Saints hoodie at least three times a week. As the youngest, he remained the family comedian, always ready with a joke, especially when a long school day needed some lightening up. At the same time, he was a remarkably sensitive boy, one who demonstrated empathy and kindness with his classmates.

And Toby was about to begin his tenth season as the coach of the Saints. Eli could quickly figure in his head that his Dad's "average" team had posted a 31-6 record. Most Saints fans could tell you their team had made it as far as the Elite Eight six straight times. The list of teams that were regarded as highly as St. Michael's was had grown very, very short: Temple, St. Bonaventure, Marquette, Houston. The first two were the Saints' conference opponents, which made Toby's task all the more challenging.

A few wrinkles had appeared at the corners of Toby's eyes, and there was a shading of grey hair at his temples now. Meanwhile Claire, looked like she was ten years younger, with only a few light laugh lines at the corners of her eyes that she wore very well.

Life was good.

[MoonlightGraham]

November 6, 2016

#2 ST. MICHAEL'S General

Player # Pos Yr Ht Wt Sch Acd Status Hometown
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brandon Coles 0 PF So 6-10 233 Yes 76 OK Philadelphia, PA
Devon Carraway 4 SG So* 6-4 204 Yes 79 OK Chester, PA
Liam Whitworth 10 PF Fr 6-9 231 Yes 80 OK Elmridge, PA
M.J. Tillery 11 PG Jr 6-1 189 Yes 74 OK Philadelphia, PA
John Delk 12 PG Fr 6-2 201 No 79 OK Worcester, MA
Aaron Voelker 14 SG Fr 6-5 211 Yes 97 OK Fond du Lac, WI
Seth Kaplan 21 PG Sr 6-2 197 Yes 96 OK Haddonfield, NJ
Trey Hammond 23 SG Jr* 6-6 218 Yes 72 OK Edison, NJ
Walter Lozano 30 SF So* 6-7 253 Yes 94 Unhappy Dix Hills, NY
Cristobal Winfrey 41 PF Fr 6-6 231 No 35 OK Portsmouth, VA
Marcus Brantley 44 C Fr 6-10 253 Yes 59 OK Reading, PA
Brian Kowalski 45 C Sr 6-10 244 Yes 73 Unhappy Scranton, PA
Luka Vukovic 55 SG So 6-9 234 Yes 74 Unhappy Philadelphia, PA

Toby Whittaker wasn't used to seeing his team ranked so high at the beginning of a season. For a while, the experts had seemed to be unable to get past the image they had of the Saints as a plucky mid-major, punching above its weight. Now they were a national power, perennially among the favorites to win one of the toughest conferences in the nation. "The days of sneaking up on people are long gone," he pointed out with a smile and a shake of his head.

"Almost everyone on the roster is going to have to get used to a new role," assistant Brant Fleischer said. "Our success will depend on how easily everyone settles into those roles."

The role of Talisman would possibly be played by sophomore Brandon Coles. It wasn't common for the Saints to rely so heavily on a player with 19 career starts, but Coles was not a common player. He was an elite rebounder and a fearsome shot blocker, an interior anchor on whom a successful team could rely. Scoring would probably never be Brandon's forte, but pro scouts were already speculating about whether he would enter the draft in the spring.

The role of Senior Leader would be played by Seth Kaplan, but he might be coming off the bench to do so. Junior M.J. Tillery had understudied Seth for two years, gaining the experience that enabled him to make the most of his talent. M.J. could now do everything Seth could do, most of them at a higher level.

Seth handled the news exactly the way everyone around the program expected—calmly, maturely, and with the kind of perspective a lot of seniors never quite reach.

“Look, starting is great, of course,” he said with an easy shrug, “but winning is better. M.J. earned this. He’s had an unbelievable offseason, and he brings something special to the floor. My job doesn’t change just because I check in at the eight-minute mark instead of the twenty-minute mark. I’m here to steady us, to lead, to make sure the ball finds the right guy. If that helps us win, that’s all I care about. That’s the privilege of being a senior—you stop worrying about your name in the lineup and focus on the scoreboard.”

Devon Carraway and Trey Hammond had both enjoyed some success in the role of Go-To Scorer, and Toby decided to see if both players could star in the same show. Both were very good shooters, and Carraway was turning into a premium defender on the perimeter. Toby worried a bit about teams matching a big wing against them, a player who would post them up. Liam Whitworth, whose 6'9" frame would allow him to guard this kind of player, might be just what the team needed.

Whitworth, the Highly Touted Freshman, was proving himself ready to play college basketball. At this stage, his defense was his most valuable skill, but Toby could afford to be patient while he learned to score against college players. His classmate, Aaron Voelker, was already ready to do just that. "He's perhaps the best pure shooter we've had here since George Bergman," Toby said to his staff one night after he'd won another shooting contest at practice. Aaron might be able to shoot his way into the rotation.

Another freshman, Marcus Brantley, would compete for playing time with senior Brian Kowalski. Toby was leaning toward placing Brian ahead of Marcus on the depth chart. "It doesn't help anyone to have a senior displaying too much frustration," he pointed out. "Brian has worked hard, and this is his last chance to show what he can do. Marcus has more time. It doesn't hurt to have a young guy waiting his turn, developing as a player so he's ready when we need him."

And then there was Luka Vukovic. Luka's development had seemed to stall somewhat. Was that because he'd never been truly happy with his situation? But he'd had the chance to transfer, and never had done so. He liked everything else about St. Michael's.

According to the preseason poll, the Philadelphia suburbs were the center of the college basketball universe. Villanova was ranked #1, with St. Michael's right behind them. The Wildcats returned a roster with almost 200 collegiate starts among them. The Saints had barely half that many, and 75 of those were on the record of a single player: Seth Kaplan. That's why Coach Fleischer believed the season would depend on the adjustments that nearly every Saint had to make.

[MoonlightGraham]

The holiday season brought an additional level of magic to the always-charming town of Elmridge and the St. Michael's College campus.

A stately Norway spruce that was planted near Callahan Hall in the early 1950s was transformed into The Saints' Tree right after Thanksgiving each year. Students and faculty came together to decorate the Tree, often with hand-made ornaments. Carolers toured campus almost every night, bringing much-needed joy to stressed students facing exams.

The streets of Elmridge were strung with garlands and twinkling lights. The town's Holiday Parade took place on the first Saturday in December, featuring local marching bands and the arrival of Santa, riding an antique fire truck. Everyone loved the College-Community Holiday Concert, a collaboration between ensembles from St. Michael's and the local high school.

And early December brought even more excitement than usual, as the Saints held their place as the #2 team in the nation. Seeded first in the prestigious Preseason NIT, the Saints won four straight games and the tournament title, walloping a Minnesota team that was then ranked #7 by over twenty points. A victory over Valparaiso at The Pavilion and a rout of Pepperdine (in Malibu :) ) completed the schedule to date. Trey Hammond and Devon Carraway led a balanced scoring attack, while Brandon Coles dominated the post.

The Saints' recruiting efforts brought even more joy. New assistant Ethan Pearson was settling in perfectly, and by the first of December, the Saints had landed three recruits with whom they were delighted.

The first to sign was Ethan Rosenzweig, a four-star shooting guard from nearby Harriton High School.

Coach Pearson said, “Ethan was one of the first players in this class who made us stop the tape and say, ‘We need to see more.’ His shooting ability is the headline—he’s one of the cleanest, most natural perimeter shooters we saw all year. The form, the balance, the confidence… it’s all there. But what really sold us was how he kept expanding his game.

He’s grown into a smart, patient scorer who understands how to move without the ball, how to work out of screens, how to get to his spots. And defensively, he’s made real strides. He competes, he anticipates well, and he’s learning how to use his length to bother people.

Ethan is also incredibly coachable. He asks the right questions, he wants to be pushed, and he cares about the details. For us, he’s a perfect cultural fit: humble kid, high-character family, hungry to grow. His shooting is going to open up the floor right away, but long-term, we think he can become a complete two-way guard in our program. We’re thrilled he chose St. Michael’s.”

The program's increased budget--the Saints could now spent nearly $25,000 per month on recruiting--enabled them to evaluate, visit, and sign five-star player Mindaugas Kairys from Vilnius, Lithuania.

“Now that Mindaugas is officially part of our program, I can say this with confidence: we landed a cornerstone, Coach Pearson said. "At 7’1” with that strength already built into his frame, he gives us a physical presence we simply haven’t had in a while. His inside scoring is advanced for his age, and as he continues to refine his touch and footwork, he’s going to be a real option on the block from day one.

What really jumps out is his ceiling on the glass and as a rim protector. His rebounding motor is exceptional, and when you pair that with his potential as a shot-blocker, he can change the geometry of the court defensively. He’s still learning the finer points—angles, timing, anticipation—but the tools are there in a big way.

And he’s a smart, coachable kid. He picks things up quickly, he asks the right questions, and he’s hungry. That matters. We don’t just expect him to contribute—we expect him to grow into one of the best big men this program has seen. Having him committed feels like a major piece falling into place.”

The third signee was perhaps the most exciting of all. Colton Reddick, from the small town of Whitehall, New York, was a 6'1" combo guard, the #9 player in the nation.

Ethan Pearson couldn't contain his praise. “Colton is the kind of guard whom opponents need to account for from the moment he crosses half court. His shot-making is truly elite—deep range, a fast release, and the confidence to take the biggest shots on the floor. You have to stretch your defense to account for him, and that opens everything else up.

What people sometimes overlook is how skilled he is with the ball. Colton’s not just a shooter—he’s a creator. His handle is tight enough to get him into gaps, and he sees the floor well. He makes the right pass, keeps the ball moving, and doesn’t play with blinders on. That combination of perimeter scoring and playmaking is why he’s so dangerous.

Athletically, he’s explosive. Quick first step, real lift, great energy—he can beat you multiple ways. Defensively, he’s still developing, but he has the speed and bounce to grow into someone who can guard his position effectively with coaching and time.

What sold us as much as the talent was his mindset. For a kid with his reputation, he works like someone fighting for minutes. He wants to be challenged. He wants to get better.

Colton is a special, multi-dimensional guard—one who can anchor a class and elevate a program.”

There was a fourth scholarship available if Toby found the right player, but with Rosenzweig, Kairys, and Reddick already aboard, he felt no sense of panic. And even if he had, those thoughts would have been far from his mind right now.

The snow had started falling lightly, dusting the steps of Callahan Hall in a soft, white blanket. Families and students gathered in the courtyard, their breath steaming in the cold evening air. At the center stood the Saints’ Tree, tall and proud, its branches twinkling with thousands of white lights.

Toby wrapped his scarf tighter and nudged Claire. “Nothing beats this,” he said, watching students laugh as they adjusted strings of ornaments on the lower branches.

Claire held a small box of handcrafted decorations. One was a painted wooden angel she had made back when she was a student at St. Michael’s. “It’s the kids who make it magical,” she said, placing the ornament carefully in a spot where it caught the light. She glanced toward the courtyard stage, where the St. Michael’s choir began their traditional carol sing-along, a mix of old favorites and new.

Nora clutched a notebook, scribbling furiously as she watched the choir. She had been sketching little designs for the tree all week, trying to capture the glow of each bulb and the swirl of falling snow. “I want to remember every detail,” she murmured, eyes wide with excitement.

Grace tugged on Toby’s sleeve. She had brought a tiny knitted mitten ornament she had made in 7th grade, insisting it go right in the middle so it would be visible to everyone. “Can we check out the gingerbread houses afterward? I heard there’s one shaped like The Pavilion!” In the corner of the courtyard, local families had set up a gingerbread village display, a tradition that had grown from a small bake sale into a full-blown community exhibit, complete with miniature lights and candy pathways.

Eli, his cheeks pink from the cold, ran ahead with a small red-and-gold bell he had made in art class. He jingled it loudly as he waved to friends collecting candy canes from a nearby float. “Look! Santa’s here!” he shouted, laughing. At the same time, a group of students led a lantern walk down the snowy streets of Elmridge, the warm glow reflecting off shop windows and drawing passersby into the festive atmosphere.

Toby laughed, watching his family spread out across the quad. The lights reflected off the snow, and for a moment, all the stress of the season, the pressures of basketball, and the noise of campus life faded. Here, in the glow of the Saints’ Tree, with each Whittaker adding a little piece of themselves to the celebration, it felt like the whole town of Elmridge—students, families, and alumni—was sharing in their joy.

[MoonlightGraham]

The Drake Bulldogs made the trip from Des Moines to face the Saints on December 3. Here's Ray Kessler's radio call of the game's final half-minute:

“Twenty-two seconds left… Saints down two… Kaplan brings it across midcourt, Coach Whittaker's out of time-outs. Crowd on its feet here at the Pavilion—nobody sitting now. Kaplan drifts right… finds Carraway on the wing. Devon sizing up his man… fifteen seconds… Carraway steps back… he’s going to take the three… for the lead—IT’S UP—

…no good! Off the back rim!

Loose rebound—tipped—Lozano’s got it! Walter Lozano pulls it down under the basket, eight seconds! He goes back up—contested—puts it up—

…and it rolls off! No good!

Scramble for it—ball still loose—Carraway diving—time winding down—

and that’s it. That’s the horn.

Drake 74, St. Michael’s 72.

A stunned Pavilion crowd watching the Saints drop their first game of the season. They had two looks at it—Carraway with the clean three, Lozano with the second chance—but the basketball gods weren’t with them tonight.

Saints fall to 6–1, and Drake earns a hard-fought road win. We’ll step aside for the postgame show… Stay with us.”

Toby was gracious, but honest, in his post-game interview.

“Yeah… tough one. You never like to lose in this building, and certainly not when you give yourself enough chances to win it late. But look, Drake earned it. They were the tougher team for longer stretches tonight, and that matters.

Our guys competed. They played hard. Effort wasn’t the issue. Execution was. You go 14-for-22 at the line and 8-for-27 from deep—well, that’s a lot of empty possessions. In a two-point game, those add up real fast.

We got the shots we wanted at the end. Devon’s hit that step-back plenty of times. Walter made a great play to get the offensive board. I’ll take both of those looks again. They just didn’t fall.

We’re not going to panic over one night. We’ve been really good at the line this year, really disciplined offensively. Tonight wasn’t that. So we’ll own it, we’ll learn from it, and we’ll get better. If this group responds the way I think they will, this’ll end up being a game that makes us stronger.

But credit to Drake. They came in here ready, and they deserved to walk out with a win.”

Toby was right. Going into the game, the Saints had made nearly 80 percent of their free throws. Devon Carraway was making half his threes. Walter Lozano was shooting nearly as well, particularly from inside the paint. Toby and his team refused to let this loss define them...or ruin their holiday season.

[MoonlightGraham]

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S Schedule

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
11/10/16 vs. Kennesaw State 6-6 178 W 70-58 1-0
11/12/16 vs. Illinois State 7-5 163 W 78-56 2-0
11/19/16 vs. Louisiana State 8-5 28 W 66-40 3-0
11/21/16 vs. #6 Minnesota 12-1 2 W 73-49 4-0
11/25/16 Valparaiso 8-3 27 W 77-66 5-0
11/29/16 at Pepperdine 6-6 240 W 85-57 6-0
12/03/16 Drake 9-5 14 L 74-72 6-1
12/07/16 Ursinus 9-6 125 W 82-50 7-1
12/10/16 at Davidson 8-6 20 W 89-56 8-1
12/14/16 Holy Cross 8-5 230 W 88-53 9-1
12/17/16 Creighton 5-10 228 W 70-48 10-1
12/20/16 St. Francis-PA 3-10 246 W 94-45 11-1
12/28/16 Duke 9-4 54 W 91-72 12-1
12/31/16 Brown 3-9 303 W 57-42 13-1

The Saints spun off seven straight wins after the loss to Drake, a stretch that saw them ascend to the top of the polls.

While Toby's team could, and did, score, it was the quality of their defense that was making them special. The Saints were leading the nation in points allowed, scoring margin, defensive efficiency, and three-point percentage allowed, and were in the top five or ten in almost every other defensive category.

This wasn't an accident. "Almost every player we recruit distinguished himself with his ability to play defense in high school," Toby pointed out. "And if they didn't, they almost always demonstrated the ability to step it up once they got here."

Redshirt sophomore Devon Carraway echoed his coach's sentiment. "We take a lot of pride in our defense here. If you want to get playing time at St. Michael's, you need to put the work in at that end of the floor."

Only two teams had scored as many as 70 points against the Saints: the Drake team that beat them, and a Duke squad that was ranked #17 when they visited The Pavilion. Meanwhile, the Saints were dropping nearly 80 a game themselves, led by Trey Hammond (15.9 PPG) and Carraway (14.1). The third double-figure scorer was freshman Aaron Voelker, who averaged 11.3 points in 16 minutes per contest.

2016 Mid-Atlantic Conference Standings

TEAM CW CL Pct W L Pct RPI Prestige
------------------------------------------------------------------
#1 St. Michael's 0 0 .000 13 1 .929 1 99
#2 St. Bonaventure 0 0 .000 13 0 1.000 18 99
#5 Temple 0 0 .000 13 1 .929 41 100
Pittsburgh 0 0 .000 10 3 .769 148 71
#16 Saint Joseph's 0 0 .000 9 2 .818 42 71
La Salle 0 0 .000 8 6 .571 95 75
Duquesne 0 0 .000 8 5 .615 199 72
Rutgers 0 0 .000 7 5 .583 164 60
Penn State 0 0 .000 6 7 .462 183 61

The Big Three of the Mid-American Conference were all riding high, with an aggregate record of 39-2 in pre-conference play.

Top 25

# Team FPV Record Points Prv Conference
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. St. Michael's (47) 13-1 1775 3 Mid-Atlantic Conference
2. St. Bonaventure (25) 13-0 1751 2 Mid-Atlantic Conference
3. Villanova 14-1 1648 1 Big East Conference
4. Boston College 14-0 1563 4 Big East Conference
5. Temple 13-1 1540 5 Mid-Atlantic Conference
6. Minnesota 12-1 1430 8 Big Ten Conference
7. Miami 10-1 1358 9 Conference USA
8. Georgia Tech 14-1 1282 6 Atlantic Coast Conference
9. Louisville 12-1 1184 11 Conference USA
10. Saint Louis 11-2 1146 7 Conference USA
11. Georgetown 12-1 1066 12 Big East Conference
12. Southern Methodist 12-2 1037 13 Southwest Conference
13. Wake Forest 12-1 1003 10 Atlantic Coast Conference
14. North Carolina 10-2 801 14 Atlantic Coast Conference
15. East Carolina 10-2 793 18 Conference USA
16. Saint Joseph's 9-2 719 20 Mid-Atlantic Conference
17. Portland 13-2 563 21 West Coast Conference
18. UTEP 11-2 524 22 Southwest Conference
19. Tulsa 9-2 521 24 Conference USA
20. St. John's 10-3 471 NR Big East Conference
21. St. Peter's 12-2 242 NR Empire Conference
22. Missouri 13-2 221 15 Big Eight Conference
23. Kentucky 10-3 187 NR Southeastern Conference
24. Mississippi 11-2 152 NR Southeastern Conference
25. Duke 9-4 145 17 Atlantic Coast Conference

Others Receiving Votes:
Maryland 8-3 145 Atlantic Coast Conference
Florida 11-3 97 Southeastern Conference
Pittsburgh 10-3 13 Mid-Atlantic Conference
Rice 10-3 9 Southwest Conference
Auburn 9-3 8 Southeastern Conference
Toledo 10-2 6 Mid-American Conference

And once again, Philadelphia was the epicenter of college hoops. Three of the nation's top five teams played their home games within a dozen miles from Independence Hall. Saint Joseph's was nationally ranked, too. And Boston College had a very special connection to Saints' basketball through their newest assistant coach.

Carl Wilson didn't remain unemployed for long after Hartford fired him. Within weeks, he was planning a short move to Boston, where the Eagles decided his defensive acumen was just what they needed to return to the national prominence they'd achieved a decade ago.

"If there's a better defensive coach out there than Carl, I don't know who it is," said Brant Fleischer, who was no slouch himself. "He's been gone for a few years now, but his legacy is still very much alive here."

Perhaps it was the winning that did it, but the mood around the team was much lighter and happier than it had been the season before. Only Luka Vukovic seemed disgruntled now. "Honestly? Luka's a good guy, but he could work harder," a teammate pointed out. "He gets lazy at practice sometimes. He doesn't buy in on defense the way other guys do. He'd play more if he'd do that."

***

Toby had said that he would only hand out the Saints' final scholarship if he found the right player. That's exactly what happened. Reese Malloy, a point guard from Hampton Roads Academy in Virginia, was ranked third at his position nationwide. After nearly committing to N.C. State, Reese decided to head northeast instead.

His future college coach was excited to welcome him. “We’re thrilled about Reese. The first thing you notice with him isn’t the scoring—it’s the way he sees the game. He’s got that rare feel you just can’t teach. Every possession looks calmer when he has the ball. His ability to read a defense, hit the right guy at the right time, and take care of the basketball…that’s exactly what we value in this program.

What impressed me even more was how he controls games without needing to shoot twenty times. Ten assists a night at the high school level is no small thing. That speaks to poise, decision-making, and an unselfish mindset. And defensively, he’s already farther along than most guards his age—great hands, great anticipation, just a real knack for disrupting plays.

He’s coming from a strong school, a strong family, and he’s serious about academics. Reese fits who we are. He’s going to make our offense more efficient the moment he steps on the floor, and he’s going to make the guys around him better. That’s the highest compliment I can give a point guard.”

[MoonlightGraham]

January 28, 2017

#1 St. Bonaventure 84, #3 St. Michael's 76

--------------------------------------------------------
St. Michael's (18-4, 5-3):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brandon Coles C 26 1-6 1-3 4 13 2 4 3
Walter Lozano PF 30 3-4 3-4 2 5 1 3 9
Trey Hammond SF 30 3-8 3-3 0 4 2 4 10
Devon Carraway SG 27 7-13 3-3 0 1 0 1 21
M.J. Tillery PG 22 1-3 2-2 0 0 6 5 4
Seth Kaplan PG 16 1-5 2-2 1 2 4 2 5
Aaron Voelker SG 12 4-9 2-2 1 2 2 3 13
Brian Kowalski C 15 1-1 0-0 2 6 1 1 2
Marcus Brantley PF 9 1-1 1-2 0 1 0 0 3
Liam Whitworth SF 5 2-4 0-0 0 2 0 0 4
John Delk PG 8 0-1 2-2 0 0 0 1 2

Turnovers: 15 (B.Coles 1, W.Lozano 1, T.Hammond 2,
D.Carraway 4, M.Tillery 2, S.Kaplan 1, M.Brantley 1,
L.Whitworth 1, J.Delk 2)
Blocked Shots: 5 (B.Coles 2, B.Kowalski 3)
Steals: 3 (D.Carraway 1, S.Kaplan 1, M.Brantley 1)
3P FGs: 9-27 (T.Hammond 1-4, D.Carraway 4-8, M.Tillery
0-2, S.Kaplan 1-4, A.Voelker 3-8, J.Delk 0-1)

St. Bonaventure (20-1, 6-1):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Edward Drummond C 36 7-12 6-11 5 10 0 3 20
Charles Arnold PF 35 5-9 2-3 4 11 1 2 13
Brent Gonzales SF 31 8-10 5-8 1 3 2 3 21
K. Dominquez SG 34 5-10 0-0 2 4 5 3 11
Bastien Hellin PG 30 4-11 3-7 1 4 4 3 11
Clinton Rucker SG 20 2-5 3-4 0 4 3 2 8
Richard Crockett PF 9 0-2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
Dale Marsh SF 4 0-1 0-0 0 0 2 2 0
Kirby Yates PG 1 0-1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 8 (E.Drummond 1, B.Gonzales 1, K.Dominquez
1, B.Hellin 5)
Blocked Shots: 3 (E.Drummond 2, C.Arnold 1)
Steals: 6 (B.Gonzales 2, K.Dominquez 2, B.Hellin 2)
3P FGs: 3-13 (C.Arnold 1-1, K.Dominquez 1-4, B.Hellin
0-4, C.Rucker 1-3, D.Marsh 0-1)

Player of Game: SF Brent Gonzales (STBN)

A weary Toby Whittaker met the media after the Saints' loss at St. Bonaventure. The game was described as "the most important game of the college basketball season to date" and as "a possible preview of the Mid-Atlantic and NCAA tournament finals."

“Well, first off, credit to St. Bonaventure. That’s a veteran, disciplined team, and tonight they made the plays you have to make in a game like this. Gonzales was terrific, and their front line really controlled the glass for long stretches," Toby said.

"For us… look, we didn’t lose for lack of effort. Our guys fought. Devon was aggressive, Walter gave us toughness, Aaron came in and gave us a real spark. But we made too many mistakes to beat the number-one team in the country in their gym.

The two numbers that stand out are the turnovers and the free throws. Fifteen turnovers, and several of them unforced, really hurt our rhythm. And 14-for-21 at the line—on the road, in this kind of environment—you just can’t leave points there. That’s the difference between playing from in front and chasing.

Defensively, we weren’t sharp enough. They shot a high percentage, and we let them get too comfortable early. When we did string stops together, we looked like ourselves. But it came in flashes, not for 40 minutes.

The good news is everything we struggled with is fixable. We’ll go home, we’ll watch the film, and we’ll get better. This group has a lot of pride. They know we didn’t play our cleanest basketball tonight.

This loss doesn’t change who we are. It just tells us where we need to grow.”

Many Saints players addressed the media, too. To a man, they owned up to their performance...perhaps too much, in some cases.

Devon Carraway (R-SO)
(21 points, 4 turnovers, 4–8 from three)
"We didn’t fold, but we didn’t finish our possessions the way we needed to. They’re the number one team for a reason, and they made us pay for every mistake. I’ve gotta be better with the ball. Four turnovers? That’s on me. The good news is everything we messed up is fixable. We’ll see them again — and we’ll be better next time."

Walter Lozano (R-SO)
(9 points, 5 rebounds)
"We didn’t match their physicality on the glass for stretches, and it cost us. I’ve gotta take that personally — Drummond got too comfortable. Nobody in our locker room is discouraged, though. We know who we are. It’s January, not March. You either learn from nights like this or you fold. We’re gonna learn."

Brandon Coles (SO)
(3 points, 13 rebounds, 2 blocks)
"I let my offense affect me a little. I can’t go 1-for-6 and expect us to beat the top team in the nation on the road. I’m proud of how we battled, but we didn’t impose our style. They sped us up, and we didn’t respond well enough. We’ll own that."

Trey Hammond (R-JR)
(10 points, 4 fouls)
"We let Gonzales get way too much room to work. He was the difference tonight. But this doesn’t shake our confidence. We stepped into the toughest building in the country--except ours--and we were right there until the last three minutes. We just didn’t execute. But it’s nothing we can’t fix."

M.J. Tillery (JR)
(6 assists, 5 fouls, 4 points)
"The foul trouble killed my rhythm, and it killed our offensive flow. I take responsibility for that. Their guards are good, but I know I’m better than what I showed."

Seth Kaplan (SR)
(5 points, 4 assists)
"We didn’t take care of the ball — 15 turnovers isn’t us. We’re usually the ones dictating tempo. Tonight they turned us into a hurry-up team, and we forced shots. But if this is the worst we play? I’ll take that. We’re still right in the mix for everything we want."

Aaron Voelker (FR)
(13 points off the bench)
"We’re not hanging our heads. We scored 76 on their court even without our best stuff. I liked my aggression tonight, but the bench has to give us more defensively. We can’t let their second unit win their minutes. That one’s on me too."

Brian Kowalski (SR)
(2 points, 6 rebounds)
"We walked into a championship environment tonight, and that’s what it felt like — a March game in late January. I love that. And I think we needed it. Losses like this tell you exactly what needs tightening."

Marcus Brantley (FR)
"We’re not undefeated superheroes — we’re a basketball team learning how to be great. We’ll bounce back."

Liam Whitworth (FR)
"I just wanted to bring energy. This one hurts, yeah, but it’s a good hurt. It means we care. And we do."

John Delk (walk-on FR)
"We’ll get another shot at them. And we’ll be ready."

[MoonlightGraham]

2016 Mid-Atlantic Conference Standings

TEAM CW CL Pct W L Pct RPI Prestige
------------------------------------------------------------------
#14 Pittsburgh 9 2 .818 19 5 .792 12 71
#2 Temple 9 2 .818 22 3 .880 5 100
#1 St. Michael's 8 3 .727 22 4 .846 3 99
#4 St. Bonaventure 7 4 .636 21 4 .840 1 99
Rutgers 4 8 .333 12 13 .480 79 60
Penn State 3 7 .300 10 14 .417 145 61
La Salle 3 7 .300 11 13 .458 72 75
Saint Joseph's 3 8 .273 14 10 .583 41 71
Duquesne 3 8 .273 11 13 .458 101 72

Nobody could say the Mid-Atlantic Conference season was boring. Matchups between the conference's four powerhouses gained national attention, and the five other teams added further dramatic flair by playing the role of spoiler.

"You can't sleep on any team in this league," Temple head coach Michael Hall said. "Any of the nine teams can beat any of the others, especially in their gym. If you look ahead and underestimate an opponent you're going to pay."

St. Bonaventure's experience provided an excellent example. The Bonnies spent weeks ranked #1, and defended their position with a win over then-#3 St. Michael's at home. But four days earlier, they'd lost at La Salle, and three days later they lost at Penn State. Their loss at Temple, which wouldn't qualify as an upset, knocked them down to fourth in the league.

Temple and Pitt, with only two conference losses, sat atop the table. The Saints were a game back at 8-3; Toby's team had been in fourth place a week earlier.

"Every game has the potential to turn the standings over," Saints assistant Josh Morales pointed out. "The Pitt game on Thursday will be a big one. They're all big ones."

The St. Michael's campus vibrated with energy.

Kayla Munroe – Junior, Biology major, from Germantown, MD
"I've seen some big games at The Pavilion, and this one feels like it's going to be another in the series. Pitt’s good, we all know that, but this team feels different from past years. You don’t just get back to number one in mid-February by accident, especially after losing at St. Bonaventure. Everyone I know is planning to camp out, even though it’s freezing. I already warned my genetics professor I’m showing up to lab hoarse on Friday."

Evan DeRosa – Freshman, future Marketing major, from Albany, NY
"My RA keeps telling us, ‘Welcome to real Saints basketball.’ This is my first taste of a top-level home game. The vibe on campus this week? Electric. People were literally chanting ‘Beat Pitt!’ in the dining hall last night. Pitt’s guards scare me a little, but man, when Walter [Lozano] and B-Coles are locked in, we can bully anybody. I need this win. The whole campus needs this win."

Simone Hollister – Senior, Political Science major, from Raleigh, NC
"Look, I’ve been here four years. I’ve seen some loud Pavilion nights. But this one already feels like a borderline religious event. My group chat of seniors is calling it 'a great pilgrimage.’ Pitt’s ahead of us in the standings, which is rude, and we all need closure before graduation. I want to see M.J. Tillery throw one of those ridiculous alley-oop passes to [Devon] Hammond, and I want the place to explode. That’s my agenda."

#1 St. Michael's 78, #14 Pittsburgh 73

---------------------------------------------------------
Pittsburgh (19-6, 9-3):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Alden Yarber C 27 4-6 2-3 0 4 0 5 10
Caleb Pilkington PF 34 0-5 0-0 4 8 2 3 0
Daniel Castle SF 36 8-12 0-0 2 4 2 1 18
Hermann Braun SG 36 11-21 0-0 3 3 2 3 22
Scott Peter PG 36 5-11 4-4 4 10 11 2 15
Erich Langlois PG 8 0-0 0-0 0 0 1 0 0
Max Melson PF 15 1-4 3-4 2 4 0 3 5
Dean Dean SG 4 0-0 1-2 0 0 1 0 1
William Landis PF 3 1-1 0-0 0 2 0 1 2

Turnovers: 20 (A.Yarber 4, C.Pilkington 2, D.Castle 2,
H.Braun 5, S.Peter 6, E.Langlois 1)
Blocked Shots: 3 (A.Yarber 3)
Steals: 9 (D.Castle 2, H.Braun 4, S.Peter 2, M.Melson 1)
3P FGs: 3-14 (D.Castle 2-5, H.Braun 0-5, S.Peter 1-4)

St. Michael's (23-4, 9-3):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brandon Coles C 24 4-4 2-3 2 10 1 4 10
Walter Lozano PF 33 2-9 2-3 1 3 0 3 6
Trey Hammond SF 33 2-9 4-4 1 4 2 4 9
Devon Carraway SG 29 10-19 0-0 3 5 2 0 23
M.J. Tillery PG 26 3-4 2-2 2 2 7 0 10
Seth Kaplan PG 16 1-3 2-2 1 1 3 3 5
Aaron Voelker SG 8 3-5 2-2 0 0 0 1 10
Brian Kowalski C 20 1-2 1-2 2 5 1 0 3
Marcus Brantley PF 3 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 1 0
Liam Whitworth SF 2 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
John Delk PG 5 1-1 0-0 0 0 0 0 2

Turnovers: 18 (B.Coles 1, W.Lozano 1, T.Hammond 9,
D.Carraway 2, M.Tillery 1, S.Kaplan 3, A.Voelker 1)
Blocked Shots: 5 (W.Lozano 1, S.Kaplan 1, B.Kowalski 2,
M.Brantley 1)
Steals: 8 (B.Coles 1, D.Carraway 5, S.Kaplan 1,
B.Kowalski 1)
3P FGs: 9-20 (T.Hammond 1-6, D.Carraway 3-7, M.Tillery
2-2, S.Kaplan 1-3, A.Voelker 2-2)

Player of Game: SG Devon Carraway (STMIC)

Here's what these three proud Saints had to say after the game:

Kayla Munroe
"My heart rate has not returned to baseline. And I study heart rates. The Pavilion was shaking—like, I swear the bleachers were vibrating under us. [Devon] Carraway was unreal. Twenty-three points and five steals? That dude just hijacked every Pitt possession late. And M.J. Tillery… those two threes? Surgical.

How many turnovers did Pitt have? If this team defends like we did tonight in March? Oh, we’re cooking."


Evan DeRosa
"Okay, I haven’t been alive for many truly important sporting events, but this one goes straight to the personal hall of fame.
When [Aaron] Voelker hit that corner three? I levitated. I’m pretty sure I actually left my body for a second. He lives down the hall from me. And did anyone see Brandon Coles throwing dudes around on the glass?

Scott Peter is the real deal. I've never seen a triple-double in person. It's even better when it doesn't keep us from winning. Full credit to him, though.

The turnovers… yeah, that part was painful. But Pitt had even more, so mathematically (I’m a numbers guy), we won the chaos battle.

This was the moment one of the seniors I know from church meant when he said, ‘Saints basketball will ruin you for other sports.’"


Simone Hollister
"I want this preserved in the Library of Congress: the Pavilion tonight was a cathedral of noise. A sacred rite. A civic event.

I’ve been here four years, and I don’t think I’ve seen a player take over a game the way Carraway took over the last five minutes. Every time he touched the ball, Pitt looked spiritually concerned.

And can we talk about the defense? This team legislated chaos.

As a senior, I’m telling you right now: I’m buying one of those overpriced bookstore hoodies. I’ve earned it."

[MoonlightGraham]

February 18, 2017

And then, it got even bigger.

Temple at St. Michael's. #2 at #1. The Battle of Brotherly Love. Saturday night. Prime time. National television.

The campus celebration over the Pitt win was perhaps even more intense because it was so short. Everyone--coaches, players, students, alumni, townies--had to gear up for the Temple game.

M.J. Tillery was a Philly guy, a graduate of Germantown Friends School. He understood the rivalry as well as anyone.

"Growing up in Philly, Temple was always right there—like, literally in the air," he said. "You hear the fight song on the news, you see their guys around the city, you go to games with your friends. If you play ball in Philadelphia, Temple is one of the schools you dream about getting that call from.

They recruited me, and I’ve got a ton of respect for their program. But once I committed to St. Michael’s, the rivalry changed for me. It got personal, in a good way.

When we play Temple now, it feels like a measuring stick. I know people back home are watching—old coaches, friends, guys I played pickup with, even the Temple staff. It’s that little extra fire in your chest. It’s not about proving them wrong; it’s about showing who I’ve become.

And honestly? I love the energy. Philly hoops is all about competition, all about stepping on the court and letting people know you’re ready. So every time Temple’s on the schedule, it’s like… yeah, circle that one. It means something."

Eleven-year-old Eli Whittaker understood, too.

"Temple games are, like, the BEST. They’re super loud, and everyone gets all nervous—even Dad, even though he pretends he’s not. I can tell because he does this thing where he taps his pen on the white board a million times.

I don’t have anything against Temple, but I kinda do on game day. They always act like they’re the big dogs, and we gotta show ’em St. Michael’s is better. Also, we recruit a lot of the same players and I think that’s cool, but it also means we definitely have to beat them.

Last year, Temple fans behind us were yelling stuff, and Grace told me not to yell back, but I didn’t even yell—I just glared at them. Really hard. Dad says rivalries are part of college basketball, but for me it’s simple: Temple week means no wearing anything red at home, and we stay up late if the game’s close.

If we beat Temple, it feels like winning two games at once. If we lose… well, we don’t lose. Not to Temple."

When Claire Dempsey Whittaker was at St. Michael's, Temple was not a conference opponent. She understood well how the dynamic had changed in the last twenty-odd years.

"Temple week always feels a little different in our house. Toby gets this extra layer of focus—he’s not tense, exactly, just… tuned in. The girls notice it, Eli definitely notices it, and I do too. There’s more film, more pacing, more quiet moments where he’s thinking through matchups instead of reaching for his coffee.

I’ve learned over the years that rivalries aren’t really about disliking the other school—they’re about history, pride, and the way a community gathers around a moment. St. Michael’s has its traditions, its spirit, its sense of who we are, and Temple is the opponent that always seems to test that the most now.

I enjoy it in my own way. The campus gets lively, the students buzz around The Pavilion, and my art students turn everything into poster designs and window chalk. Our kids get swept up in it—Eli’s intensity, Grace’s eye rolls at his intensity, Nora writing half a story in her journal about the ‘epic clash’ between the Saints and the Owls.

For me, Temple week is a reminder of how much this community cares. And when the game is over, win or lose, Toby always comes home and gives me that same tired smile—the one that says he gave his whole heart to it. Rivalries matter… but they also bring us together. And there’s something beautiful in that."

[MoonlightGraham]

February 18, 2017

#2 Temple at #1 St. Michael's
Dan Kessler, the radio Voice of the Saints

"Good evening, Saints fans, and welcome to a thunderous Pavilion here on the campus of St. Michael’s College in beautiful Elmridge, Pennsylvania! I’m Dan Kessler, alongside my partner, the maestro of matchups and the dean of defensive wisdom, Ray DiPietro—and tonight, folks, we have an absolute classic in the making.

It’s #2 Temple visiting #1 St. Michael’s in a showdown between two of the most successful coaches of their generation. Temple’s legendary Michael Hall, owner of 631 career wins and a national championship banner, brings a battle-tested Owls team at 22–3 into one of the toughest buildings in America. On the other bench, Saints head coach Toby Whittaker, fourteen years Hall's junior, already at 301 career victories, and himself a national champion, leads a 23–4 St. Michael’s squad that has clawed its way back to the top of the polls.

This isn’t just a game—it’s a collision of pedigrees. The Owls and Saints know each other well, they respect each other, and they absolutely know what’s at stake. You can feel the electricity in The Pavilion tonight—the students packed in shoulder to shoulder, the alumni loud and proud, and both teams warming up like they’re ready to play 40 minutes of postseason basketball in mid-February.

M.J. Tillery facing the program that nearly signed him, Devon Carraway playing like a man who wants every big moment, Brandon Coles and Walter Lozano set for a heavyweight fight in the paint… and two coaches with rings on their fingers standing across from each other.

Settle in, Saints Nation. If you want intensity, history, and championship-caliber basketball… you’ve got it right here. It’s #2 Temple. It’s #1 St. Michael’s. And it’s next, on the Saints Radio Network."

***

Earlier this season, veteran public address announcer Frank Calderone announced that he would retire at the end of the season, his 35th on the mic at The Pavilion. Frank was nearly eighty years old now, and tonight, he had the pleasure of welcoming a man whose Saints history was even longer.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please direct your attention to center court," Calderone said, his voice already heavy with emotion. "Retired Navy Captain Jim Voorhees graduated from St. Michael's College in the Class of 1940. Captain Voorhees served our nation as an aviator during World War II, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Captain Voorhees lives in Bryn Mawr, and he has returned to his beloved campus for tonight's game. With him are his son-in-law, Grant Respert, his grandson, Paul Respert, and his great-grandson, Luke Respert. Please join me in welcoming and honoring Captain Voorhees, a true Saint for over seventy-five years."

As Jim Voorhees waved from the wheelchair in which his grandson had brought him to the floor, the Pavilion crowd responded with a roar. Then, Capt. Voorhees rose from his chair, smiled, and waved again. "When he stood up, the roof came off The Pavilion," Saints Pep Band member Caroline Claussen remembered.

Coach Hall and his Temple players rose to applaud Capt. Voorhees, too. "That man is a hero," Temple senior Josh Dixon said. "He deserves our respect. It doesn't matter which side you're on tonight. I'm not ashamed to say I got tears in my eyes."

Saints players and their coach felt the same way. "I've had the pleasure of meeting Capt. Voorhees a number of times over the years," Toby said. "He never fails to inspire me. He has such joy for life, even at what? age 98? He's a true patriot and a true Saint."

***

Ray Kessler, at halftime:
“Well, folks, if you like defense, you’re getting your money’s worth tonight in Elmridge. At the break, Temple holds a slim 26–25 lead over top-ranked St. Michael’s in what’s been a bruising, possession-by-possession first half.

Jahlil Morrison has been the steadiest offensive presence on the floor, leading all scorers with eight hard-earned points for the Owls. The Saints, meanwhile, are still waiting for Devon Carraway to find some daylight—Temple’s length has walled him off and held him to just four so far.

And the biggest difference might be Lynwood Harrington. He has absolutely owned the glass on both ends, giving Temple extra chances while limiting the Saints to one-and-done trips.

It’s tense, it’s tight, and it looks like we’re headed for a classic in the second half.”

[MoonlightGraham]

February 18, 2017

Dan Kessler again:

"There are 13.3 seconds remaining in the second half. The score: Temple 62, St. Michael's 61. Toby's just called his last time out. Coach Hall is also out of time outs. The Saints will inbound the ball in their frontcourt.

Lozano to inbound, guarded by Harrington. Walter gets it to Hammond. Trey has it, dribbles right, hands to Tillery. M.J. holds; clock winding down.

Now back to Hammond. Trey puts it up...

IT'S GOOD! IT'S GOOD!

Less than a second left. Temple tries a long inbounds pass...there's the buzzer!

Your final score from The Pavilion: St. Michael's 63, Temple 62!

What a finish in Elmridge! Trey Hammond’s rainbow floater over the outstretched arms of Lynwood Harrington beats the horn, and the top-ranked Saints survive an instant classic, 63–62 over second-ranked Temple.

St. Michael’s trailed nearly the entire night, but when they needed it most, Hammond delivered—cool, composed, and clutch. That shot hit the front iron, climbed the air, and fell straight through as this building exploded. Temple had no timeouts, tried the desperation heave, and that was all she wrote.

Toby Whittaker’s Saints move to the top of the Mid-Atlantic standings in heart-stopping fashion. Michael Hall’s Owls showed why they’re one of the nation’s toughest outfits, but tonight the final bounce belonged to St. Michael’s.

From The Pavilion, for Ray DiPietro, I’m Dan Kessler saying so long, stay safe, and we’ll see you next time on Saints Basketball.”

#1 St. Michael's 63, #2 Temple 62

---------------------------------------------------------
Temple (22-4, 9-3):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Truman Sessions C 34 1-7 0-0 1 4 0 3 2
L. Harrington PF 34 5-12 4-6 3 14 1 0 14
Josh Dixon SF 29 6-14 1-3 2 5 2 4 13
Jeremy Harden SG 29 0-7 0-0 1 4 2 4 0
Jahlil Morrison PG 34 5-9 2-2 2 4 3 0 14
Tony Herbst PG 12 2-2 0-0 0 1 2 2 4
Jeremiah Willis SG 5 2-2 1-1 0 0 0 1 5
Sylvester Gowen SF 13 2-3 0-0 1 4 1 4 4
Jerald Huie C 4 2-3 0-0 2 2 0 0 6
Beau Vang SF 6 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 14 (T.Sessions 1, L.Harrington 2, J.Dixon 4,
J.Harden 2, J.Morrison 3, T.Herbst 1, S.Gowen 1)
Blocked Shots: 6 (T.Sessions 3, L.Harrington 3)
Steals: 5 (J.Dixon 1, J.Morrison 2, T.Herbst 1, S.Gowen
1)
3P FGs: 4-13 (J.Dixon 0-1, J.Harden 0-3, J.Morrison
2-5, S.Gowen 0-1, J.Huie 2-3)

St. Michael's (24-4, 10-3):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brandon Coles C 24 2-5 1-1 1 12 0 2 5
Walter Lozano PF 28 1-6 0-0 4 4 0 3 2
Trey Hammond SF 31 4-13 1-2 0 4 2 3 10
Devon Carraway SG 25 5-13 5-6 2 3 1 0 16
M.J. Tillery PG 24 4-7 2-2 0 2 5 1 11
Seth Kaplan PG 14 2-3 0-0 1 1 1 3 4
Aaron Voelker SG 15 1-3 2-5 0 0 2 0 5
Brian Kowalski C 25 2-2 0-1 2 7 0 2 4
Marcus Brantley PF 2 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 1 0
Liam Whitworth SF 5 0-0 3-4 0 1 1 0 3
Luka Vukovic SF 1 1-1 0-0 0 0 0 0 3
John Delk PG 7 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 0 0

Turnovers: 12 (B.Coles 2, T.Hammond 5, D.Carraway 1,
S.Kaplan 1, B.Kowalski 2, L.Whitworth 1)
Blocked Shots: 6 (B.Coles 2, W.Lozano 1, D.Carraway 1,
B.Kowalski 2)
Steals: 7 (T.Hammond 1, M.Tillery 2, S.Kaplan 3,
B.Kowalski 1)
3P FGs: 5-20 (T.Hammond 1-5, D.Carraway 1-6, M.Tillery
1-4, S.Kaplan 0-1, A.Voelker 1-3, L.Vukovic 1-1)

Player of Game: PG M.J. Tillery (STMIC)

[MoonlightGraham]

February 28, 2017

The Saints had clinched the Mid-Atlantic Conference regular season championship before they played their last home game: another marquee matchup against #3 St. Bonaventure.

#1 St. Michael's 75, #3 St. Bonaventure 61

--------------------------------------------------------
St. Bonaventure (24-5, 10-5):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Edward Drummond C 36 5-12 2-3 1 7 3 2 12
Charles Arnold PF 36 0-1 2-4 4 12 1 2 2
Brent Gonzales SF 30 7-17 8-13 3 6 2 3 22
K. Dominquez SG 33 1-9 0-0 2 4 3 0 2
Bastien Hellin PG 30 3-8 0-0 0 0 1 2 8
Tony Johnson PG 10 1-3 2-2 1 1 1 1 5
Clinton Rucker SG 12 2-6 0-0 1 3 0 2 4
Richard Crockett C 5 0-1 0-1 0 0 1 1 0
Dale Marsh SF 5 2-2 1-2 0 1 0 0 6
David Casiano PF 3 0-1 0-0 0 2 0 0 0

Turnovers: 16 (E.Drummond 2, C.Arnold 2, B.Gonzales 5,
K.Dominquez 3, B.Hellin 1, T.Johnson 1, C.Rucker 2)
Blocked Shots: 5 (E.Drummond 3, C.Arnold 1, K.Dominquez
1)
Steals: 8 (C.Arnold 2, B.Gonzales 3, K.Dominquez 2,
B.Hellin 1)
3P FGs: 4-16 (B.Gonzales 0-2, K.Dominquez 0-4, B.Hellin
2-5, T.Johnson 1-3, C.Rucker 0-1, D.Marsh 1-1)

St. Michael's (27-4, 13-3):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brian Kowalski C 25 4-6 0-0 3 14 1 2 8
Walter Lozano PF 33 2-5 0-0 2 7 0 4 5
Trey Hammond SF 13 2-3 4-4 0 0 1 5 8
Devon Carraway SF 33 7-18 0-0 3 5 2 4 17
Seth Kaplan SG 29 2-6 0-0 0 3 4 1 4
Brandon Coles C 21 5-6 4-5 2 9 0 3 14
M.J. Tillery PG 30 5-12 0-0 0 5 9 1 11
Aaron Voelker SG 10 3-6 0-0 0 0 0 0 8
Marcus Brantley C 2 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
Liam Whitworth SF 3 0-1 0-0 0 0 1 0 0
John Delk PG 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 17 (B.Kowalski 2, W.Lozano 1, T.Hammond 2,
D.Carraway 3, B.Coles 2, M.Tillery 4, A.Voelker 3)
Blocked Shots: 6 (B.Kowalski 2, B.Coles 3, A.Voelker 1)
Steals: 4 (D.Carraway 1, B.Coles 1, M.Tillery 2)
3P FGs: 7-27 (W.Lozano 1-1, T.Hammond 0-1, D.Carraway
3-12, S.Kaplan 0-3, M.Tillery 1-5, A.Voelker 2-5)

Player of Game: C Brandon Coles (STMIC)

Brian Kowalski, post-game Senior Night interview (Saints Radio):

“Man… what a night. I’m trying to take all of this in right now. You dream about your Senior Night, but you never really picture what it’s gonna feel like until you’re out there, hearing your name, seeing your family on the court, seeing this place packed like always. It meant a lot.

But the best part? We got the win, and we did it playing our style. St. Bonaventure’s a tough team—they’re physical, they rebound, they make you earn every inch. So for us to control the boards the way we did, to hold them to sixty-one… that’s something I’m really proud of.

Honestly, I just wanted to give us juice early. Coach always says seniors set the tone, so I tried to be aggressive on the glass, keep possessions alive, do the dirty work. Fourteen boards—hey, I’ll take it. And Brandon was unbelievable tonight. That’s my guy. He dominated in there. I told him after the game, ‘If this is my Senior Night, you stole half the show,’ and he laughed.

You look around this locker room, though—everybody contributed. Devon hit big shots, Seth and M.J. ran the show, Voelker gave us a spark… it was just a complete team effort. That’s what I’m gonna miss the most. These dudes have become my family. It wasn't always easy for me here. I went through times when I was unhappy because I wanted to play more. I thought about transferring, but now I'm really glad I stuck with it.

And the fans… I can’t thank them enough. Four years of support, loud every night, believing in us. Walking off this floor as a senior with a win over the No. 3 team in the country? I mean, that’s a memory I’m gonna carry forever."


Seth Kaplan, post-game Senior Night interview:

“Yeah, this one meant a lot. Senior Night’s emotional anyway, but when you’re playing a top-three team and there’s so much on the line for seeding and momentum, once the game starts, you don’t really have time to get sentimental. During the game, it was all business. Now? That's another story.

St. Bonaventure pressures you, they get into your passing lanes, they try to speed you up. I didn’t shoot it great tonight, but my job was to keep us organized, keep the ball moving, and make sure our spacing held up when they were flying around. M.J. and I talked all week about handling their guards, and I thought we did a good job sticking to the plan.

What I’m proudest of is how we responded to their runs. Every time they cut it to single digits, somebody stepped up. Devon hit some big threes, Brandon was a force in the paint, Brian played like a monster on the glass, and Voelker gave us instant offense off the bench. That’s been the theme of our whole senior year—whoever’s number gets called, we trust each other to make a play.

Personally, it was just cool to be out there one more time in this building, hearing the crowd, feeling that energy. When you’re a senior, you appreciate the little things differently—the huddles, the defensive rotations, the moments where everyone’s locked in together. I’m grateful I got to share that with this group.

We know March is coming fast, and games like this show we’re trending in the right direction. But tonight, for me, was just about enjoying the ride and being proud of how we handled our business.”

We’re not done, though. We’ve got bigger goals. But tonight? Tonight was special.”


[Their media responsibilities completed, Seth and Brian walk toward the tunnel, the crowd still buzzing behind them.]

Brian:
(smiling, a little breathless)
Man… that felt good. Couldn’t have asked for a better Senior Night.

Seth:
Yeah. You were everywhere out there. Looked like freshman-year legs again.

Brian:
Freshman-year legs? Please. Those were terrible legs.
(laughs)
But thanks. You ran the show tonight, like always.

Seth:
Hey, as long as we kept our heads and didn’t let them speed us up, that was the plan. And it worked.

Brian:
It really did. Feels like this team just… knows who it is now.

Seth:
Yeah. We’ve come a long way. Four years of grinding, getting yelled at about screens, surviving those monster preseason workouts…

Brian:
And the film sessions. Never forget the film sessions.

Seth:
Never. But honestly? All of it led to nights like this. A game like that, in this building, with these fans? That’s special.

Brian:
(glances back at the court)
Hard to believe it’s our last one here. I’m trying to soak it in.

Seth:
Same. Part of me wishes we could freeze it for a second, just stay out there a little longer.

Brian:
Freshman us would’ve been losing our minds right now.

Seth:
Freshman us didn’t know how to tie our shoes, man.

Brian:
(laughs)
True. But we figured it out. Together.

Seth:
Yeah. And we’re not done yet, either. Still more to write.

Brian:
Absolutely. Let’s make the rest count.

[They share a quiet fist-bump, the kind that says everything they don’t need to.]

[MoonlightGraham]

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S Schedule

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
01/03/17 at Duquesne 13-17 98 W 76-67 14-1 (1-0)
01/07/17 Rutgers 15-16 63 W 77-49 15-1 (2-0)
01/12/17 Saint Joseph's 18-13 27 W 84-46 16-1 (3-0)
01/14/17 at #17 Pittsburgh 23-9 12 L 83-75 16-2 (3-1)
01/19/17 at #5 Temple 25-7 8 L 83-73 16-3 (3-2)
01/21/17 La Salle 14-18 81 W 83-56 17-3 (4-2)
01/24/17 Penn State 11-20 151 W 80-64 18-3 (5-2)
01/28/17 at #3 St. Bonaventure 25-6 2 L 84-76 18-4 (5-3)
02/04/17 Duquesne 13-17 98 W 101-68 19-4 (6-3)
02/07/17 Pennsylvania 10-19 341 W 78-59 20-4
02/09/17 at Rutgers 15-16 63 W 75-54 21-4 (7-3)
02/11/17 at Saint Joseph's 18-13 27 W 94-51 22-4 (8-3)
02/16/17 #17 Pittsburgh 23-9 12 W 78-73 23-4 (9-3)
02/18/17 #5 Temple 25-7 8 W 63-62 24-4 (10-3)
02/23/17 at La Salle 14-18 81 W 93-81 25-4 (11-3)
02/25/17 at Penn State 11-20 151 W 62-49 26-4 (12-3)
02/28/17 #3 St. Bonaventure 25-6 2 W 75-61 27-4 (13-3)
03/10/17 vs. La Salle 14-18 81 W 83-70 28-4
03/11/17 vs. #5 Temple 25-7 8 W 74-68 29-4
03/12/17 vs. #17 Pittsburgh 23-9 12 W 75-50 30-4


2016 Mid-Atlantic Conference Standings

TEAM CW CL Pct W L Pct RPI Prestige
-----------------------------------------------------------------
#1 St. Michael's 13 3 .813 30 4 .882 1 99
#17 Pittsburgh 11 5 .688 23 9 .719 12 71
#3 St. Bonaventure 11 5 .688 25 6 .806 2 99
#5 Temple 11 5 .688 25 7 .781 8 100
Rutgers 6 10 .375 15 16 .484 63 60
Saint Joseph's 6 10 .375 18 13 .581 27 71
La Salle 5 11 .313 14 18 .438 81 75
Duquesne 5 11 .313 13 17 .433 98 72
Penn State 4 12 .250 11 20 .355 151 61

After discussing the matter with his assistant coaches and the players involved, Toby decided to continue the mini-tradition of honoring the seniors for their Senior Night victory by letting them start each game in the Mid-Atlantic Conference tournament.

Brandon Coles, one of the underclassmen who yielded his place in the starting five, understood. "Brian [Kowalski] has worked hard. He's paid his dues for four years, and he can play. I know how much better I am because I go against him in practice every day. It feels right to honor him this way. I'm fine coming off the bench and providing a lift."

Kowalski and Seth Kaplan, who had started 79 games in his Saints career, both played well as the Saints defeated La Salle, Temple, and Pitt to win the tournament. The second game turned out to be the closest, although it didn't look like it would be at halftime. The Owls battled back from a 42-20 deficit, outscoring the Saints 48-32 in the last 20 minutes.

"Coach Whittaker let us know that was unacceptable," Kaplan recalled with a smile. "That's all I'll say about it."

Toby almost certainly sprinkled a few profanities in his postgame lecture--he was a Saint, but he was no saint--but he almost certainly was no worse than that. It wasn't his style.

Top 25

# Team FPV Record Points Prv Conference
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[B][COLOR="Navy"]1. St. Michael's (72) 30-4 1800 1 Mid-Atlantic Conference[/COLOR][/B]
2. Villanova 30-3 1728 2 Big East Conference
3. St. Bonaventure 25-6 1621 3 Mid-Atlantic Conference
4. Tennessee 28-5 1607 5 Southeastern Conference
5. Temple 25-7 1496 4 Mid-Atlantic Conference
6. Marquette 25-6 1410 11 Great Lakes Conference
7. Georgia Tech 28-5 1373 10 Atlantic Coast Conference
8. Houston 25-7 1306 6 Southwest Conference
9. Saint Louis 25-8 1208 9 Conference USA
10. Loyola Marymount 26-6 1077 12 West Coast Conference
11. East Carolina 24-6 1056 7 Conference USA
12. Boston College 26-7 1042 8 Big East Conference
13. North Carolina 25-7 972 13 Atlantic Coast Conference
14. Southern Methodist 26-7 938 15 Southwest Conference
15. Minnesota 26-7 787 14 Big Ten Conference
16. Tulsa 24-9 713 24 Conference USA
17. Pittsburgh 23-9 661 17 Mid-Atlantic Conference
18. Louisville 22-8 562 16 Conference USA
19. UTEP 24-8 487 18 Southwest Conference
20. St. John's 23-10 407 19 Big East Conference
21. Georgetown 23-9 315 23 Big East Conference
22. San Diego State 26-7 298 21 Mountain West Conference
23. Rice 23-9 202 20 Southwest Conference
24. Missouri 26-7 145 NR Big Eight Conference
25. Boise State 25-7 89 22 Western Athletic Conference

Others Receiving Votes:
Kentucky 22-11 40 Southeastern Conference
Maryland 19-11 30 Atlantic Coast Conference
Franklin & Marshall 25-8 11 Centennial Conference
Saint Joseph's 18-13 7 Mid-Atlantic Conference
Miami 19-11 4 Conference USA
College of Charleston 26-6 3 Southern Conference
Niagara 25-9 3 Empire Conference
San Francisco 22-9 1 West Coast Conference
Wake Forest 21-10 1 Atlantic Coast Conference

The final poll of the season confirmed the Saints as the unanimous pick for the #1 team in the nation. Local rival Villanova was right behind them, with conference foes St. Bonaventure and Temple also in the top five.

Toby offered a measured response when he was asked what the ranking meant to him and his team.

“Look, it’s flattering. Any time your peers and the media think that highly of your group, it means you’ve done something right over the course of a long season. I’m proud of our guys for the consistency they’ve shown, the toughness they’ve shown, and the way they’ve represented this program. That part matters.

But a ranking doesn’t grab a rebound in March. A ranking doesn’t make a rotation, or take a charge, or hit a free throw with twenty seconds left. Being No. 1 today doesn’t help you one bit when the ball goes up on Thursday. So it’s nice, sure—but it doesn’t change our preparation.

What I’m focused on is how connected we are, how sharp our habits are, and how committed we are to the details. That’s what wins in the tournament. We’ve got veteran leadership, we’ve got guys who’ve been through big moments, and we’ve been tested. Those things travel.

So we’ll enjoy the recognition for about five minutes, and then we’ll get back to work. Because once this thing starts, everyone is 0–0 again. And we want to earn whatever comes next the hard way.”

[MoonlightGraham]

If you polled college basketball coaches and asked them who among their peers, active or retired, they respected the most, Gale Lines' name would almost certainly come up more than anyone else's.

Coach Lines retired in 2008, after a 42-year head coaching career. The genial, well-traveled coach guided seven different programs to the NCAA tournament. His 1984 Pittsburgh team won it all, and his '86 Pitt and '02 Auburn squads reached the final. His 1052 career victories (against 409) defeats were almost 300 more than his nearest competitor.

He was enjoying retirement in a lovely lakeside house in his native Wisconsin with his wife Betsy when he was asked what he thought about Toby Whittaker.

"I remember him first as a player," Coach Lines recalled. "I never coached against him. I think our careers only overlapped for a year or two. But I've been following what he's doing at St. Michael's.

You coach long enough, you start to recognize the real thing when you see it. Coach Whittaker’s got the real thing.

What impresses me isn’t the record, or the ranking, or any of that. I’ve had teams that were No. 1 and teams that backed into the tournament, and I can tell you none of it means a thing if your kids don’t play for each other. Toby’s kids do. Every possession. They play with purpose, and that comes straight from the head coach.

He’s found that balance every coach chases—structure without stiffness, freedom without chaos. They defend with their heads and score with their hearts. That’s coaching.

And I’ll tell you something else: they don’t rattle. You can see it in their eyes late in tight games. That’s when a team reveals who they really are. St. Michael’s looks like a group that’s been through the fire together. That doesn’t happen by accident.

People ask me all the time: ‘Do they have what it takes to win it all?’ Sure, they do. But talent doesn’t make you a champion—habits do. Toby’s built habits you can take into March and trust.

Whether they cut the nets or not, that program is in as good a place as any in the country. And Toby? He’s one of the best teachers we’ve got in this game today. I’d say that anywhere.”

Coach Whittaker was humbled by Coach Lines' words.

“Honestly, that means a lot. Coach Lines is one of the giants of this sport. You don’t win a thousand games by accident, and you don’t stay relevant for as long as he did unless you understand how people work, not just how basketball works.

I grew up studying some of his Pitt teams—how hard they guarded, how connected they were, how disciplined they were in late-game situations. If you told teenage me that Gale Lines would ever say something nice about my coaching, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Wait: no "probably" about it. I would have said "Yeah, right."

But I’ll tell you this: whatever he sees in us starts with our guys. They show up every day, they play for one another, and they buy into the idea that habits matter more than highlights. If an "old coach" like Gale can recognize that, it’s a credit to our locker room.

At the same time, compliments don’t win you a single game in March. They’re appreciated, deeply, but they don’t change the work. They just remind you to keep doing things the right way.

Coach Lines has earned the right to say whatever he wants about this sport. For him to put us in that conversation—yeah, I’m grateful. But now we get back to preparing. That’s what he’d expect, and that’s what we’ll do.”


03/16/17 vs. Central Connecticut State 16-17 196 W 64-48 31-4
03/18/17 vs. #21 Georgetown 24-10 38 W 73-61 32-4
03/23/17 vs. Canisius 24-11 92 W 77-66 33-4
03/25/17 vs. #15 Minnesota 29-8 9 W 78-41 34-4

The Saints were the tournament's #1 seed, assigned to the East Region. They first traveled to chilly Buffalo. There they faced play-in winner Central Connecticut State, who gave them a tough battle for 20 minutes before the Saints' superior depth proved decisive. The Saints shot poorly--Devon Carraway went 3-16 from the field--but they played good enough defense to win.

Two reserves were the Saints' best players. Senior Seth Kaplan was the game MVP on the strength of 8 assists (with 1 turnover) and 6 rebounds. Freshman big man Marcus Brantley came off the bench to grab 10 boards.

"That game woke us up," Carraway recalled. He tallied 13 points against Georgetown, providing quality support for Trey Hammond (20 points) in the win over the Hoyas that sent the Saints back to the Sweet Sixteen. Youngster Brantley was active again, this time scoring 10 points.

The team traveled downstate to Madison Square Garden next. By now, the internet was buzzing with rumors concerning the future plans of the Saints' sophomore stars, Carraway and Brandon Coles. St. Bonaventure center Edward Drummond and Saint Joseph's guard Basil Hare, also finishing their second years, had already announced they were entering the draft. Both were rated higher in mock drafts than the Saints duo, who were projected as early second-round picks if they went pro.

Devon was quick to reply. "I love it here. I came to St. Michael’s to win big, to get better, and to be part of something. We’re not done. I’m not done. I'm staying."

Brandon replied more cautiously. “I haven’t made any decision yet," he said. “Right now my focus is on this team and this season. I owe that to my coaches and my teammates. When the year’s over, I’ll sit down with my family and Coach Whittaker and figure out what’s best.”

The Saints were a likeable powerhouse, but they were not the neutrals' favorite in their Sweet Sixteen matchup. Thirteen-seed Canisius upset UTEP in the first round and knocked off another Cinderella, twelve-seed Colby. The Griffins earned their ticket to the Dance by winning the Centennial Conference tournament--the same path Toby's teams had once followed. Their coach, Caron Wescott, was a well-liked journeyman who had waited years for his chance to run his own program.

Toby smiled when he was asked about the game. "I'm used to the David-Goliath scenario. For a long time, we were David. And everyone wants David to win; I get that. Canisius has had a great season. Coach Wescott is going to have them ready to play."

Devon Carraway was ready, too. His decision about staying at St. Michael's for another season seemed to set him free. Devon nailed five three-pointers and shot 13-for-17 overall, scoring a career-best 35 points. M.J. Tillery handed out 10 assists, and the Saints ended Cinderella's night at the ball.

St. Michael's faced Minnesota for the East Region championship and a berth in the Final Four. The Golden Gophers were a formidable opponent, with 29 victories and a Big Ten regular season championship. Toby Whittaker's team swarmed them from the opening tip. The score was 37-18 at halftime. Minnesota shot less than 30 percent from the floor, and ended the game as the tenth opponent who failed to score at least 50 points against the Saints.

So Toby and his team would be returning to the Final Four, matching the achievement of last year's squad. Would this team be able to go farther?

[MoonlightGraham]

April 1, 2017

The composition of the 2017 Final Four reflected the accuracy of the tournament seeding committee's work. Two of the survivors were #1 seeds: St. Michael's and East Carolina. The others were #2s: Saint Louis and St. Bonaventure. The Billikens were the first opponent Toby and his team would face.

Saint Louis was one of the A-list programs in college basketball. Since 1960, the Billikens had made 41 trips to the NCAA tournament, reaching the Sweet Sixteen 16 times and the Final Four on eight occasions. Three times, they'd played for the national championship, without success. (The Billikens' Prestige has been higher than 90 since 1987, one of the most significant runs of success in my universe.)

This year's team was worthy of its heritage. Coach Reggie Morgan had assembled a roster filled with talented players, including All-American wing Ed Weir. The Billikens were one of the nation's highest-scoring teams, one that would put the Saints' highly acclaimed defense to the test.

Toby and his staff had their charges ready. They had flown out to Phoenix two days earlier, hoping to get over their jet lag before game time. Toby assigned Devon Carraway the task of guarding Weir. "Don't let 25 touch the ball," he instructed Devon, referencing Weir's jersey number.

Twenty-five did touch the ball, but he managed to take only nine shots and finished with 10 points. Meanwhile, Devon scored 22 himself, and Trey Hammond added 20. The Saints forced the Billikens into 21 turnovers and held them to 22 points below their season average.

#1 St. Michael's 69, #9 Saint Louis 58

---------------------------------------------------------
St. Michael's (35-4, 13-3):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brandon Coles C 30 2-8 0-0 5 11 1 2 4
Walter Lozano PF 24 3-4 0-0 1 3 1 4 6
Trey Hammond SF 27 7-11 2-3 1 3 2 3 20
Devon Carraway SG 30 9-13 2-4 1 3 4 2 22
M.J. Tillery PG 24 1-3 2-2 0 2 5 1 4
Seth Kaplan PG 16 0-0 0-0 1 1 2 3 0
Marcus Brantley C 14 1-5 0-3 0 3 0 2 2
Brian Kowalski C 8 0-2 0-0 1 3 0 0 0
Aaron Voelker SG 15 3-7 0-0 0 0 0 0 9
Liam Whitworth PF 8 0-1 1-2 0 3 0 1 1
Luka Vukovic SF 2 0-2 0-0 0 1 0 0 0
John Delk PG 3 0-0 1-2 1 1 1 0 1

Turnovers: 14 (B.Coles 2, W.Lozano 2, T.Hammond 1,
M.Tillery 3, S.Kaplan 1, M.Brantley 1, A.Voelker 2,
L.Whitworth 1, L.Vukovic 1)
Blocked Shots: 4 (B.Coles 1, T.Hammond 1, D.Carraway 1,
B.Kowalski 1)
Steals: 8 (B.Coles 2, W.Lozano 1, D.Carraway 2,
M.Tillery 2, S.Kaplan 1)
3P FGs: 9-20 (T.Hammond 4-7, D.Carraway 2-5, M.Tillery
0-1, A.Voelker 3-6, L.Vukovic 0-1)

Saint Louis (29-9, 12-6):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Tony Ober C 33 2-4 2-6 5 6 0 1 8
John Andrews PF 30 0-1 3-4 0 4 1 1 3
Ed Weir SF 20 4-9 0-0 1 6 0 5 10
Charles Young SG 33 3-10 4-5 4 8 2 4 11
Jamel Svoboda PG 28 4-9 1-1 1 2 4 3 11
Jonathan Brown PG 12 1-4 0-0 1 1 2 1 3
Brian Woodworth PG 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
Abel Quillen SF 19 1-6 2-2 1 3 0 1 4
Wallace Houchens SG 6 2-4 0-0 0 1 0 0 5
Wesley Birmingham C 14 1-4 0-0 0 2 0 2 3
Mack Tsai SF 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
Grant Bingham PF 3 0-0 0-0 0 3 1 0 0

Turnovers: 21 (T.Ober 1, J.Andrews 3, E.Weir 4, C.Young
6, J.Svoboda 5, W.Houchens 1, W.Birmingham 1)
Blocked Shots: 4 (J.Andrews 3, W.Birmingham 1)
Steals: 6 (C.Young 3, J.Svoboda 3)
3P FGs: 10-27 (T.Ober 2-3, E.Weir 2-4, C.Young 1-7,
J.Svoboda 2-5, J.Brown 1-3, A.Quillen 0-1, W.Houchens
1-2, W.Birmingham 1-2)

Player of Game: SG Devon Carraway (STMIC)

Team Whittaker was present and accounted for at the game. Claire had secured a substitute for Friday and Monday, and the kids had asked their teachers for their assignments. On Friday evening, Claire proctored Nora's World History test, while Grace wrote an essay for her English class and Eli completed two math worksheets.

Then came Saturday night. Claire felt the tension of a national semifinal from the opening tip, but for most of the night she found herself struck by something calmer, steadier: they looked ready. St. Michael’s didn’t panic when Saint Louis punched first. They didn’t flinch when the Billikens hit a couple of threes that sent the building buzzing. Every time the game threatened to tilt, the Saints answered—not with anything flashy, but with that familiar, almost stubborn poise Toby’s teams always carried.

She got the sense early that Saint Louis was playing as hard as they possibly could, throwing bodies at the glass, diving into passing lanes, trying to make it a messy, uneven fight. And yet St. Michael’s kept nudging the game back onto their terms. The defense tightened just when it needed to. The ball movement sharpened when it started to bog down. Claire didn’t need a box score to recognize the difference: one team was hanging on; the other was directing traffic.

She could tell that the star of the evening's show would be Devon Carraway. She’d watched him enough to know when he had that look — not cocky, not even overly fired-up, just completely dialed in. When he created separation, hit a jumper in rhythm, or slipped through a gap in transition, it felt inevitable. Not effortless, but inevitable.

She also noticed the contributions that don’t end up on highlight reels: Brandon Coles' work in the paint to keep Saint Louis from getting comfortable; Trey Hammond finding soft spots on the wings; the bench giving them just enough at just the right moments. Claire had sat through plenty of these games over the years, and she knew how fragile a semifinal can be. One bad stretch, one cold six minutes, and everything you’ve built can fall apart.

But tonight, watching from her seat with her hands curled around a cup of arena coffee gone lukewarm, she felt something close to relief more than anything else.

They looked like the team she’d hoped they would be in March—experienced, collected, and unwilling to let the moment shake them.

When the buzzer finally sounded, Claire exhaled for what felt like the first time in an hour.

They were one win away.
And, she thought as she gathered her things, they earned every inch of it.

[MoonlightGraham]

April 3, 2017
The National Championship Game

Coach NCAA Championships Records

# NAME SEASON RECORD CURRENT TEAM
-----------------------------------------------------------
1. Cleveland Nieves 1970 3 Retired
2. Chase Harris 1984 3 Retired
3. Robert Calvert 2000 3 Retired
4. Albert Ashe 1966 2 Retired
5. Pete Hoagland 1978 2 Retired
6. Enoch Mather 1985 2 Retired
7. Alex Brinkman 1986 2 Retired
8. Jamar Currie 1987 2 Retired
9. Gregory Mauk 2003 2 Retired
10. Andrew Walker 2011 2 Retired

Ten coaches since 1960 had won at least two national championships. None of them were active. Toby knew Andrew Walker, who retired five years earlier, very well; Coach Walker finished his career with a successful nine-year tenure at Villanova, where he'd won his second ring in 2009. Toby coached against him twice, losing to him twice. "Andrew is one of the best people I've met in college basketball," Toby said. "I met him at a coaching clinic right after he won the tournament with Akron. He proved that a mid-major program can win it all if it does things the right way. I never forgot that."

However, one of the men on this list had a much closer tie to St. Michael's: one of the only three coaches to win three national championships.

Cleveland Nieves was born in 1910 in the town of Annville, Pennsylvania, the son of Spanish immigrants. Young Cleveland seriously considered going into the priesthood, and he enrolled at St. Michael's College with that intention. But he was also a star athlete, earning varsity letters in football, basketball, and track and field before his graduation with the Class of 1933.

https://i.imgur.com/OowUnjb.jpeg
The house where Cleveland Nieves grew up, in Annville, Pennsylvania

Nieves found his vocation in the classroom, rather than in the cloister. He taught history and coached football and basketball at St. Michael's College School for five years, served as an artilleryman in World War II, and served as an assistant coach for several college teams before Michigan State hired him as their head man in 1960. His Spartans were immediately successful, winning 29 games and making the Sweet Sixteen in his first season, and winning it all in 1962. They repeated in 1964, lost in the national final in 1966 and 1967, and cut down the nets a third time in 1969.

Coach Nieves was at the top of his game, but his health began to suffer. His doctors tried to convince him to retire after the Spartans won the 1969 tournament. He refused their advice. His 1969/70 team lost in the Elite Eight, and his 70/71 edition exited in the second round. Still, those squads combined for a 49-21 record.

On May 22, 1971, Coach Nieves' warm heart finally failed him. The St. Michael's campus mourned the loss of the College's most acclaimed athletic hero. He was buried in the cemetery of his home parish in Annville.

St. Michael's College School created the Nieves Prize, awarded to the School's most outstanding student-athlete (Kyle and Liam Whitworth each won it as seniors). And while Coach Nieves was a giant in the world of college basketball, his accomplishments took place in Michigan, not in Elmridge. While he was still considered the best coach with ties to the College, he was not the College's best coach. For decades, Fr. James Reilly was the unquestioned holder of that title.

Was it time to add Toby Whittaker to that conversation?

Forty-three coaches had led at least one team to the title since 1960. Six of them were still active. If the Saints won tonight, Toby would become the only active coach with two championships to his credit.

[MoonlightGraham]

April 3, 2017
The National Championship Game

Toby never treated championship day like something sacred or theatrical. That was part of why his players trusted him—he didn’t suddenly reinvent himself just because there was a trophy waiting at the end of the night.

So the afternoon before St. Michael’s faced East Carolina, he kept it simple, quiet, and purposeful.

He went for his usual walk.
Not a long one, just enough to clear his head—twenty minutes around the hotel’s perimeter, hands in his jacket pockets, nodding to a few early-arriving fans who recognized him. He wasn’t studying ECU on that walk. He was studying his own nerves, making sure they stayed in line.

He watched a little film—just a little.
A few specific clips on ECU’s spacing when they went small, and a reminder of how their drive-and-kick rhythm looked when they got comfortable. Nothing new, nothing dramatic—just reinforcing the cues his guys had seen all week.

He checked in with his staff.
A quick meeting in the hotel conference room, mostly to confirm rotations, defensive triggers, and to make sure everyone was on the same page regarding ECU’s energy. Toby acknowledged—privately, not as bulletin board material—that a mid-major in this game can be dangerous. The Pirates were a lot like St. Michael's once had been: a roster of three-star players with something to prove. Those recruiting stars--or the lack of them--didn't matter at all today; what mattered was that they were here, which meant they had belief, cohesion, and momentum. Toby knew he and his assistants viewed ECU with full respect.

He sent a couple of texts to Claire and the kids.
Nothing profound, just: “Love you. See you after.” He liked grounding himself with that.

He checked in with his players.
No speeches. Just tapped on the hotel room doors where they were staying. Trey Hammond and Devon Carraway were hanging in their room. “All good?” They nodded. That was enough.

He took thirty minutes alone.
Sat on the edge of the hotel bed with a notepad—not writing plays, just jotting a few principles:
Poise. Two feet in the paint. Communicate early. Win the effort plays.
He read the list twice, folded it, slipped it into his jacket pocket. He didn’t need the paper; the ritual helped.

Then he rested.
Not sleep—his mind never quite settled that far—but eyes closed, shoes off, breathing steady. Ten minutes of quiet before the storm.

Toby didn’t romanticize the afternoon. He didn’t pace or pray dramatic prayers or rehearse speeches. He handled championship day the same way he handled November road trips: prepare, check on his people, and stay level.

Because he knew this much: if St. Michael’s played like themselves—like the team that had survived Temple and St. Bonaventure, Minnesota and Pittsburgh, matured under pressure, and learned how to win close games—then stars, ratings, and prestige wouldn’t decide this thing.

Execution would.

And when the elevator doors closed as he headed down to meet the team bus, Toby finally allowed himself the smallest smile.

They were ready.

[MoonlightGraham]

April 3, 2017
The National Championship Game

If you lived in southeastern Pennsylvania, you could choose to bypass the national television and radio broadcasts and listen to the familiar voice of the Saints' own Dan Kessler's call of the championship game.

Kessler and the Saints broadcast team had a special treat for their listeners. When it was time to announce the Saints starters, Kessler passed the mic to Frank Calderone.

Frank had announced his final Saints game last month, on Senior Night. Tonight, he returned for one final greeting.

"And now, the starting lineup for...our St. Michael's Saints.
At center: a 6'10" sophomore from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania...number zero, Brandon Coles...
At forward: a 6'7" redshirt sophomore from Dix Hills, New York...number 30, Walter Lozano...
At guard: a 6'4" redshirt sophomore from Chester, Pennsylvania...number 4, Devon Carraway...
At guard: a 6'1" junior from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania...number 11, M.J. Tillery...
And at forward: a 6'6" redshirt junior from Edison, New Jersey...number 23, Trey Hammond.

And the head coach of the Saints, in his tenth season...from St. Michael's Class of 1996...Toby...Whittaker."

The rich baritone of Mr. Calderone, as Toby always called him, filled the airways of the Saints Radio Network. His voice faltered just a bit when he reached Toby's name. It had done the same thing on the night of Toby's head coaching debut, and for the very same reason: the depth of emotion the announcer was feeling.

Dan Kessler felt it, too. He took the mic back from the beloved Voice of The Pavilion, and his voice broke. "Thank you, my friend. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Frank Calderone."

[MoonlightGraham]

April 3, 2017
The National Championship Game
Watching With the Whittakers

Claire, Nora, Grace, and Eli are seated a few rows behind the Saints bench, as usual.


FIRST HALF — SAINTS BUILD THEIR LEAD

The building buzzes in that familiar championship game way: equal parts excitement and nerves. Claire sits between Nora and Grace, with Eli leaning forward so far that Toby would’ve told him to sit back if Toby weren’t, well, coaching a national title game.

Devon Carraway pulls up in rhythm from the elbow—splash.

GRACE
He’s dialed in early. Somebody woke up with main-character energy.

CLAIRE
(smiling)
He looks steady. When Devon’s steady, the whole place breathes easier.

A few possessions later, Trey Hammond buries a transition three from well beyond the arc. The State Farm Arena crowd—very pro-St. Michael’s tonight—erupts.

ELI
HOLY— Trey shot that from Texas!

NORA
(smirking)
Close. Give or take two states.

CLAIRE
That’s the shot he takes only when he feels the game tilting our way.

Then Brandon Coles swats an ECU layup attempt off the glass, and M.J. Tillery beats everyone down the floor for an easy layup to push the lead to nine.

NORA
Okay. Okay. Everybody breathe.

GRACE
But not too much. We know how second halves go.

Claire squeezes her hands together as the Saints move the ball crisply on the next trip. Carraway drives, absorbs contact, spins it in. Timeout ECU.

Scoreboard flips: 37–27, Saints.

ELI
TEN! We’re up TEN!

CLAIRE
(gentle but pleased)
It’s a great start, sweetheart. But you don’t win titles in the first half.

NORA
We’ll take it, though.

GRACE
(grinning)
Yes. Accepting all donations of double-digit leads.


SECOND HALF — ECU STRIKES BACK

The Pirates return from halftime like they’ve been shot out of a cannon. An 8–0 run in two minutes.

NORA
See? Someone plugged them in.

GRACE
Mom, you’re banned from saying anything negative for the next ten minutes.

CLAIRE
Firm but fair warning: ECU is never going to quit. They’re too scrappy.

A corner three from Kevin Ehlers cuts the lead to two.

ELI
(voice cracking)
Um. …Mom?

CLAIRE
It’s okay. Long game. Just settle possession by possession.

But when ECU finally ties it, the arena trembles. Claire closes her eyes for one long, steadying breath.


MID-SECOND HALF — BLOW FOR BLOW

Hammond counters with a drive and finish. Then Carraway rattles in a three to restore a sliver of calm.

GRACE
(clutching Nora’s arm)
Okay. That’s a grown-up shot.

NORA
I felt that in my spine.

But ECU keeps coming—Ehlers refuses to miss, and Vicente Jose is everywhere at once: assists, rebounds, the kind of plays that quiet a crowd.

CLAIRE
He’s their heartbeat. If we can slow him even a little, we get oxygen back.

ELI
Can we maybe slow him a lot?


FINAL MINUTES — EVERYTHING ON A KNIFE’S EDGE

The game edges into the final two minutes. East Carolina leads by a point.

Seth Kaplan drives, fouled—makes both free throws. 76–75 Saints.

ECU answers with a strong post finish by Johnny Davis. 77–76 Pirates.

The Whittaker family collectively stops breathing.

GRACE
(to Claire)
This is why you make us go on walks during conference play, isn’t it?

CLAIRE
I didn’t hear you complaining then.

NORA
Guys. Quiet. Dad looks like a cryptid when he’s stressed.

ELI
What’s a cryptid?

NORA
You’ll learn when you’re older.


THE LAST POSSESSION

Hammond hits a midrange pull-up: 78–77 Saints.
ECU misses a jumper. Loose ball. Coles gobbles it.

Shot clock off. Toby holds up a fist. No shots.

Claire rests her hands lightly on Eli’s shoulders.

CLAIRE
Soft voices, everyone. Let them work.

NORA
They're gonna foul somebody.

Tillery dribbles up top. Then to Kaplan. He's fouled. One-and-one.
SWISH. SWISH. Saints up 80–77 with seconds left.

ELI
Those were HUGE!!

GRACE
Night-night, Pirates!

CLAIRE
(teary, proud)
That’s composure. That’s growth. That’s… that’s beautiful.

ECU gets off a desperate three at the horn. It bounces off the back rim.

BUZZER.

Saints win.


POSTGAME — FAMILY EXHALE

Claire finally sits back, heart pounding as confetti begins to fall.

CLAIRE
(soft, overwhelmed)
They did it. They really did it.

NORA
Your husband is a national champion.

GRACE
Again. For the record.

ELI
We’re going down there, right? We’re going on the court?

CLAIRE
(smiling through tears)
Yeah, sweetheart. We’re going down.
Your dad earned this.
And we should be right there with him.

***

On the court, Toby Whittaker staggered backward like someone had taken out his knees. Assistant coach Brant Fleischer caught him in a half-embrace as Toby bent over, hands on his head, laughing once, sharply—half joy, half relief.

Brandon Coles tackled Devon Carraway to the floor. Trey Hammond ran in circles, laughing with pure glee. Seth Kaplan just stood still with both arms raised, eyes glassy.

Toby straightened, looked to the St. Michael’s section—and found his family. Claire didn’t even realize she was waving both arms until he mirrored her, tapping his chest twice, pointing right at her and the kids.

“There he is,” Nora said, voice wobbling.

Eli pumped both fists. “He did it! He actually did it!”

Claire finally broke. She caught all three kids at once, pulling them into the tightest group hug she’d given in years—laughing and crying into Grace’s hair.

“We’re national champions again,” Claire whispered, voice trembling. “Your dad… your dad did it.”

Eli squeezed her hard. “And Devon was awesome! And Brandon with the blocks! And—”

“Yes, sweetheart,” Claire said, brushing tears off her cheeks, “but look at your father.”

Down below, Toby hugged each assistant, then grabbed Devon Carraway in a bear hug that lifted the Player of the Game off his feet.

He turned to the bench, fists clenched, eyes blazing—the look of a man who had climbed a mountain and finally exhaled at the summit.

Claire pressed a hand to her heart. “I knew they had it in them… I just didn’t know if I could survive it.”

Nora snorted through her tears. “Mom, your halftime notes said we were in control.”

“We were!” Claire protested. “And then East Carolina decided to be… well… East Carolina!”

Grace wiped her eyes. “I’m never going to forget this.”

“None of us are,” Claire said softly.

And in the background, Toby kept looking up toward them—even in victory, even in chaos—because he knew exactly who he wanted to share that moment with first.

The family rises, joining the swelling tide of Saints fans as the players hug, the staff cheers, and Toby Whittaker finally—finally—lets himself smile.

***

After the trophy ceremony photos, after the interviews, after the Alma Mater—Toby finally broke away long enough to find his family.

He spotted the kids first, waiting behind the barricade with a staffer who’d guided them down from the stands. Eli sprinted to him full-speed, nearly knocking him backward when Toby scooped him up. Grace hugged him tight around the waist; Nora threw her arms around both of them.

He kissed the tops of their heads one by one. “I love you. I love you all. And I’m so proud of you for surviving that second half.”

“We were dying, Dad!” Eli said. “I think Mom almost fainted.”

That made Toby laugh…and look up.

Claire was a step behind the kids.

Still in her navy sweater, still wearing Toby’s old St. Michael’s scarf, still blotting the corner of her right eye where tears had dried. When their eyes met, the noise of the arena seemed to fall away—just for that flicker of a moment.

The kids stepped aside instinctively, as if they understood something unspoken.

Claire walked into him.

Toby didn’t hug her so much as collapse into her arms—arms around her shoulders, forehead pressed to hers, eyes closed as if he needed to feel something solid after an hour of chaos.

“You did it,” Claire whispered, fingers curled into the back of his jacket. “Toby… you really did it.”

He let out a long breath, almost a shudder. “I was so scared we were going to let it slip. I kept thinking—don’t let the kids fly home heartbroken. Don’t let Claire…” He swallowed, voice cracking in a way she hadn’t heard in years. “Don’t let Claire watch me fall short again.”

She pulled back just enough to cup his cheek. “Hey. You never fall short to me.”

He blinked fast, trying to recover the coach’s composure he’d worn all night. Didn’t work. Claire brushed her thumb under his eye where it glistened.

“Look around, Toby,” she said softly. “This is yours. You built this team. You brought them here. You deserve every piece of this.”

He looked over her shoulder at the players—Devon Carraway hugging his mom, Brandon Coles lifting Seth Kaplan off his feet, Walter Lozano cutting down the net with trembling hands. A century of confetti drifted down like snow.

“It’s still not real,” Toby murmured.

Claire rose on her toes and kissed him—quick but certain. “It’s real. And I’m so proud of you I can barely breathe.”

Toby exhaled a little laugh, forehead resting against hers again. “Thank you for getting me through all of this.”

She smiled. “You got us through it.”

A pause. A long one. The kind where two people who have lived decades together don’t need words to say a thing.

Then Grace yelled from behind them, “Dad! Come on! They’re cutting the rest of the net!”

Toby laughed through the last of the tears, wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, and squeezed Claire’s waist.

“Go be a champion, Coach Whittaker,” she said, nudging him gently toward the ladder.

He kissed her once more before he went.

And as he jogged to rejoin the team—smiling wider than she’d seen all evening—Claire stood there on the championship floor knowing she’d just watched a moment she--and her husband--would remember forever.

#1 St. Michael's 80, #11 East Carolina 77

--------------------------------------------------------
St. Michael's (36-4, 13-3):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brandon Coles C 34 3-10 3-5 2 10 2 2 9
Walter Lozano PF 34 1-5 2-2 2 5 1 3 4
Trey Hammond SF 32 8-17 1-3 2 3 2 1 19
Devon Carraway SG 32 7-12 1-2 3 8 4 2 17
M.J. Tillery PG 22 3-6 0-0 0 2 4 3 7
Seth Kaplan PG 20 1-2 6-6 1 2 5 0 9
Marcus Brantley C 16 0-3 2-2 1 4 1 2 2
Brian Kowalski C 8 1-1 0-0 1 2 0 0 2
Aaron Voelker SG 12 2-4 0-0 0 2 1 0 4
Liam Whitworth SF 13 3-8 1-2 1 4 0 1 7
John Delk PG 4 0-1 0-0 0 0 1 0 0

Turnovers: 15 (W.Lozano 3, T.Hammond 4, D.Carraway 1,
M.Tillery 1, S.Kaplan 1, M.Brantley 4, J.Delk 1)
Blocked Shots: 8 (B.Coles 3, W.Lozano 3, M.Brantley 2)
Steals: 6 (D.Carraway 1, M.Tillery 3, M.Brantley 1,
L.Whitworth 1)
3P FGs: 6-19 (T.Hammond 2-6, D.Carraway 2-5, M.Tillery
1-3, S.Kaplan 1-2, A.Voelker 0-2, J.Delk 0-1)

East Carolina (29-7, 15-3):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Joseph Gravely C 39 1-4 1-2 3 7 0 3 4
Johnny Davis PF 32 5-10 2-2 3 7 3 3 12
Vicente Jose SF 28 4-8 0-0 3 11 10 5 10
Kevin Ehlers SG 32 10-22 3-4 1 4 5 3 27
Phil Hersh PG 33 3-7 0-0 3 6 0 2 6
Mathew Fulton SF 23 5-10 2-2 1 2 1 2 14
Rob Keene SG 13 1-8 0-0 1 5 1 2 2
Steven Baker PF 10 1-4 0-0 1 2 0 2 2
Chris Dupuis PF 2 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
Steven Alvarez PG 10 0-1 0-0 0 1 0 0 0
Edgar Quinn SF 3 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 20 (J.Gravely 2, J.Davis 1, V.Jose 2,
K.Ehlers 5, P.Hersh 4, M.Fulton 4, R.Keene 1,
S.Alvarez 1)
Blocked Shots: 9 (J.Gravely 4, J.Davis 5)
Steals: 8 (J.Davis 1, V.Jose 1, K.Ehlers 2, P.Hersh 1,
M.Fulton 1, S.Baker 1, S.Alvarez 1)
3P FGs: 9-23 (J.Gravely 1-2, V.Jose 2-4, K.Ehlers 4-7,
P.Hersh 0-2, M.Fulton 2-3, R.Keene 0-4, S.Alvarez 0-1)

Player of Game: SG Devon Carraway (STMIC)

[MoonlightGraham]

Champions.

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S TEAM INFO

Current Performance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Team Prestige: 99 Record Vs 1-50: 14-3 Poll Rank: #1
Season Record: 36-4 Record Vs 51-100: 11-1 RPI Rank: #1
Conference Record: 13-3 Record Vs 101-200: 6-0
Home Record: 16-1 Record Vs 200+: 5-0


Team Stats CR NR Opp. Stats CR NR Margin CR NR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points 77.7 2 28 Points 59.9 1 4 Points 17.8 1 2
O.Reb 10.9 6 175 O.Reb 11.0 8 189 O.Reb -0.1 6 178
D.Reb 26.0 7 150 D.Reb 22.2 2 9 D.Reb 3.8 2 13
Rebounds 36.9 6 159 Rebounds 33.2 2 33 Rebounds 3.7 4 42
Assists 18.1 2 9 Assists 12.6 1 67 Assists 5.5 1 2
Steals 7.8 3 33 Steals 5.3 2 72 Steals 2.5 3 24
Blocks 5.7 4 24 Blocks 3.8 3 271 Blocks 1.9 3 39
Turnovers 13.3 2 92 Turnovers 17.1 3 13 Turnovers -3.8 2 12
Fouls 17.2 4 20 Fouls 17.5 7 345 Fouls -0.2 8 156
FG% .481 2 2 FG% .397 2 17 FG% .084 1 1
FT% .753 1 4 FT% .685 5 227 FT% .068 1 14
3P% .391 2 9 3P% .264 1 1 3P% .127 1 1
PPS 1.33 1 16 PPS 1.07 1 2 PPS .255 1 3
Adj. FG% .553 1 1 Adj. FG% .437 1 2 Adj. FG% .116 1 1

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S Averages

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Walter Lozano PF 40 40 27.4 8.1 2.2 5.7 0.9 0.1 1.0 1.1 2.7 13.4
Devon Carraway SG 40 40 25.8 15.9 1.2 3.4 1.5 2.3 0.2 2.1 2.4 12.4
Trey Hammond SF 40 40 25.6 15.4 0.8 3.1 2.2 1.3 0.2 2.3 2.8 14.7
Brandon Coles C 40 36 24.6 5.4 2.8 8.8 1.3 0.3 1.7 1.2 1.9 10.8
M.J. Tillery PG 40 36 22.4 6.3 0.5 1.5 5.2 1.5 0.0 1.0 1.8 10.8
Brian Kowalski C 40 4 19.7 4.3 1.5 6.2 0.5 0.1 1.9 1.3 1.1 8.2
Seth Kaplan PG 40 4 18.7 5.7 0.4 1.5 4.0 1.2 0.1 1.2 1.7 8.7
Aaron Voelker SG 40 0 16.1 11.0 0.5 2.0 1.4 0.6 0.1 1.6 1.5 3.9
Marcus Brantley PF 40 0 8.0 1.7 0.3 2.0 0.3 0.2 0.6 0.5 0.5 2.8
Liam Whitworth SF 40 0 6.9 2.6 0.4 1.8 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.6 0.4 1.4
John Delk PG 38 0 5.6 1.3 0.3 0.7 0.6 0.1 0.0 0.4 0.4 1.9
Luka Vukovic SG 17 0 1.7 0.8 0.2 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.9

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S Totals

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Walter Lozano PF 40 40 1094 323 88 228 36 5 38 44 108 535
Devon Carraway SG 40 40 1030 634 46 136 61 92 6 83 97 497
Trey Hammond SF 40 40 1024 614 30 125 88 52 6 93 110 586
Brandon Coles C 40 36 983 216 111 352 51 12 67 48 76 431
M.J. Tillery PG 40 36 897 250 18 60 206 58 0 41 70 431
Brian Kowalski C 40 4 788 172 61 247 20 5 74 50 44 328
Seth Kaplan PG 40 4 749 228 16 59 161 46 2 46 69 348
Aaron Voelker SG 40 0 642 439 20 79 56 24 4 64 60 155
Marcus Brantley PF 40 0 318 68 12 81 11 6 25 20 20 112
Liam Whitworth SF 40 0 276 102 17 71 11 7 4 25 17 55
John Delk PG 38 0 212 49 11 28 24 4 1 17 16 71
Luka Vukovic SG 17 0 29 13 4 8 0 0 0 1 2 15

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S Shooting

Player Pos Fgm Fga Fg% Ftm Fta Ft% 3pm 3pa 3p% PPS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Walter Lozano PF 129 272 .474 64 90 .711 1 5 .200 1.19
Devon Carraway SG 233 462 .504 73 101 .723 95 228 .417 1.37
Trey Hammond SF 227 460 .493 74 101 .733 86 208 .413 1.33
Brandon Coles C 83 184 .451 50 75 .667 0 2 .000 1.17
M.J. Tillery PG 90 203 .443 44 48 .917 26 94 .277 1.23
Brian Kowalski C 69 124 .556 34 49 .694 0 0 .000 1.39
Seth Kaplan PG 74 144 .514 45 48 .938 35 86 .407 1.58
Aaron Voelker SG 141 312 .452 75 89 .843 82 210 .390 1.41
Marcus Brantley PF 21 48 .438 26 40 .650 0 0 .000 1.42
Liam Whitworth SF 38 81 .469 26 35 .743 0 4 .000 1.26
John Delk PG 15 33 .455 7 13 .538 12 23 .522 1.48
Luka Vukovic SG 4 15 .267 2 2 1.000 3 9 .333 0.87

[MoonlightGraham]

2016 MID-ATLANTIC AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

SR PG Scott Peter Pittsburgh 17.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 7.3 APG 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR PG Bastien Hellin St. Bonaventure 8.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 4.1 APG 1.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Ronald Scurry Pittsburgh 24 - 10 (11 - 5)

All-league 1st Team:
C JR Lynwood Harrington Temple 11.3 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 3.0 BPG
PF SR Josh Dixon Temple 14.8 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.5 BPG
SF SR Daniel Castle Pittsburgh 9.0 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.4 BPG
SG SO Devon Carraway St. Michael's 15.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 2.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG SR Scott Peter Pittsburgh 17.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 7.3 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C JR Charles Arnold St. Bonaventure 8.8 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.9 BPG
PF SO Edward Drummond St. Bonaventure 11.6 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.5 SPG, 2.7 BPG
SF SR Lyle Vermillion Saint Joseph's 10.6 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.9 BPG
SG SR Hermann Braun Pittsburgh 15.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.4 BPG
PG SR Kristopher Dominquez St. Bonaventure 11.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 5.0 APG, 2.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Eric Black Penn State 7.7 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PF FR Marcus Brantley St. Michael's 1.7 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.6 BPG
SF FR Lynwood Glasgow Penn State 8.8 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
SG FR Tate Crenshaw La Salle 15.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG FR Bastien Hellin St. Bonaventure 8.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG

The award selection committe (computer algorithm) isn't terribly flexible in its thinking.


It shows slavish devotion to position designations. A human coach wouldn't need the savvy of Toby Whittaker to include Aaron Voelker (11.0 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG) to a five-man lineup for Mid-Atlantic Conference freshmen. But, because Aaron is listed at SG, just like Tate Crenshaw, he loses his spot. We love you, Marcus Brantley, but you weren't the Saints' most influential first year player.

It prefers the overachieving coach of a team that went 11-5 in conference play and lost on the first weekend of the NCAA tournament to the coach of a powerhouse who won the league with an 11-3 record and won the national championship. Sorry, Toby.


Devon Carraway's emergent second season was capped off with an All-Conference honor. Saints Nation is delighted to know Devon's coming back to complete his undergraduate degree and lead the 2017/18 Saints.

[MoonlightGraham]

April 4, 2017
The Pavilion, St. Michael's College


Toby had just stepped out of his office when he saw Brandon Coles waiting for him near the door—backpack on, hood up, hands tucked into the straps like he was keeping himself anchored.

“Toby, uh… Coach,” Brandon said, clearing his throat. “Can I talk to you a minute?”

Toby knew that tone instantly. He nodded and gestured back into his office.

“What’s up, big man?”

Brandon lowered his hood, took a breath—deep, steadying. “Coach… I’m gonna enter the draft.”

Toby didn’t react right away. He let the words settle. Brandon kept talking, almost rushing now.

“I’ve been thinking about it a long time. I talked to my family, some people back home… and after this run, after the way things went for me this year, I just… I feel like this is the right time. I’m ready to take that step.”

Toby finally nodded, slow and thoughtful. “Are you sure? Not anyone else—you.”

Brandon met his eyes. “Yeah. I’m sure.”

Toby shifted his weight and let a small smile creep in. “Then I’m happy for you. Really happy.”

Brandon blinked, surprised. “You… you’re not disappointed?”

“Disappointed?” Toby snorted softly. “You just helped win a national championship. You anchored our defense all year. And you kept us together in some damn tough moments. I’m proud of you. If the next chapter’s calling, you’ve earned the chance to answer it.”

Brandon’s shoulders dropped an inch, as if he’d been bracing for something harder. “I didn’t want you thinking I was bailing on the guys.”

“You aren’t,” Toby said, putting a hand on his shoulder. “You’re moving forward. That’s what we’re supposed to prepare you for. And look—everybody knows you’d stay if you didn’t believe this was the right moment. They’ll respect that.”

Brandon swallowed. “I’ll still finish the semester. I promised my mom I would do that. And I’ll be around if the younger bigs need anything. Brantley, Whitworth—any of them. I want to help them get ready.”

“That means a lot,” Toby said quietly. “And I’ll tell you this: when you walk across that draft stage, I’ll be sitting somewhere grinning like an idiot.”

That got a laugh out of Brandon—real, relieved. “Thanks, Coach. For… you know. Everything.”

Toby squeezed his shoulder once more. “Just promise me one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Don’t forget the little school in Pennsylvania that made you a champion.”

Brandon smiled widely now. “Never.”

They exchanged a quick hug before Brandon headed down the hallway.

Toby watched him go, equal parts proud and wistful, knowing he’d just seen another career begin.

[MoonlightGraham]

April 8, 2017

The scene Toby described for Brandon Coles became reality on Draft Night. Brandon was among the players invited to the Green Room, those who were considered certain draft picks. He didn't don his deep navy suit, crisp white shirt, and gold silk tie and pocket square for nothing. Brandon heard his name called as the #21 pick in the draft; he was the third St. Michael's player to be chosen in the first round.

2016 Recruiting Rankings

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. St. Michael's Mid-Atlantic SG Colton Reddick ***** 3 1 0 0 0
2. Temple Mid-Atlantic C Mason Tolver ***** 2 3 0 0 0
3. North Carolina State ACC SF Tyler Martinez ***** 2 1 0 0 0
4. St. Bonaventure Mid-Atlantic SG Whitney Kirschner ***** 1 2 1 0 0
5. Marquette Great Lakes C Zachary Donner ***** 2 1 1 0 0
6. Loyola Marymount WCC SG Dennis Lankford ***** 1 2 2 0 0
7. St. Peter's Empire SG J.T. Madigan **** 0 2 3 1 0
8. Cleveland State Great Lakes SG Carl Knight ***** 1 1 1 0 0
9. Houston Southwest SG Joshua Coombs ***** 2 1 0 0 0
10. Pepperdine WCC SF Jerry Fox ***** 1 1 1 0 0
11. Saint Louis Conference USA SG Don Bickford **** 0 4 0 0 0
12. Duke ACC C David Thomas **** 0 3 2 0 0
13. St. John's Big East PG Earl Brown ***** 1 2 1 0 0
14. Florida SEC SG James Marriott ***** 1 1 2 0 0
15. Southern Methodist Southwest C Werner Clark ***** 1 1 2 0 0
16. North Carolina ACC PF Donovan Blakeney ***** 1 1 0 0 0
17. Kentucky SEC SG George Elliott ***** 2 0 0 0 0
18. Tennessee SEC C James Petty **** 0 3 0 0 0
19. Gonzaga WCC PF Jack Scruggs **** 0 1 3 2 0
20. Maryland ACC C David Tillotson **** 0 2 2 0 0

For the first time, the Saints' recruiting class was ranked first in the nation. Colton Reddick, Mindaugas Kairys, Reese Malloy, and Ethan Rosenzweig all arrived on campus with "shouldn't miss" reputations...and they looked like they were ready to play from the day they arrived.

Reddick played very well in the High School All-America Game, leading all scorers with 16 points for his victorious East squad.

They would need to be. Temple and St. Bonaventure also landed deep, talented classes, with the Owls signing five players with four or five recruiting stars.

COACH DETAILS

Toby Whittaker - Head Coach - St. Michael's
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Age: 43
High School: St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School
Hometown: Alexandria, VA
Alma Mater: St. Michael's

Current Level: 11
Career Record: 313 - 59

Recruiting: 100
Scouting: 63
Offense: 78
Defense: 79


Coaching History:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season Team Position W L CW CL Postseason
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2016 St. Michael's Head Coach 36 4 13 3 NCAA Champion
2015 St. Michael's Head Coach 32 7 11 5 Loss in NCAA Final Four
2014 St. Michael's Head Coach 32 4 14 2 Loss in NCAA Elite Eight
2013 St. Michael's Head Coach 28 8 12 4 Loss in NCAA Elite Eight
2012 St. Michael's Head Coach 31 5 13 1 Loss in NCAA Elite Eight
2011 St. Michael's Head Coach 36 2 14 0 NCAA Champion
2010 St. Michael's Head Coach 35 5 13 1 Loss in NCAA Championship Game
2009 St. Michael's Head Coach 30 5 12 2 Loss in NCAA Round of 32
2008 St. Michael's Head Coach 28 7 13 1 Loss in NCAA Round of 32
2007 St. Michael's Head Coach 25 12 12 2 Loss in CBI Finals

Awards & Achievements:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season Award
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2016 NCAA Champion
2016 Mid-Atlantic Conference Champion
2014 Conference Coach of the Year (Mid-Atlantic Conference)
2014 Mid-Atlantic Conference Champion
2013 Mid-Atlantic Conference Champion
2012 Conference Coach of the Year (Centennial Conference)
2012 Centennial Conference Champion
2011 Conference Coach of the Year (Centennial Conference)
2011 NCAA Champion
2011 Centennial Conference Champion
2010 Centennial Conference Champion
2009 Conference Coach of the Year (Centennial Conference)
2009 Centennial Conference Champion
2008 Conference Coach of the Year (Centennial Conference)
2008 Centennial Conference Champion

Job Movement:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season Move
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2007 Hired by St. Michael's (Head Coach)


Toby leveled up, joining a select group of Level 11 coaches in my universe. I peeked under the hood to discover there are two Level 12 coaches: Francis Miller of Wake Forest and Rod Scurry of Pittsburgh. Other Level 11 coaches of note include Michael Hall (Temple), Levi Parks (St. Bonaventure), and Sal Davis (Villanova).

Toby's assistant, Brant Fleischer, is now at Level 9. He's been with the Saints for three years. That makes me almost certain Coach Fleischer will be hired away by a team that wants to make a change this spring.

[MoonlightGraham]

May 1, 2017

The Cincinnati Bearcats won the race to sign Brant Fleischer to his first head coaching contract. Since 1979, the Bearcats had made the field of a post-season tournament exactly once. The 1998 team lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Coach Fleischer would have his work cut out for him.

The Saints hired a replacement with deep Philadelphia roots. Mark Graham graduated from Roman Catholic High School in 2008, and La Salle University in 2012. He was a decent high school player, a 6'6" post player who was good enough that he'd received sincere praise from Toby Whittaker at a Saints basketball camp one summer.

Mark could have played Division III ball, but he chose to attend La Salle and serve four years as a basketball manager before stepping straight into a job as a graduate assistant. From there, Mark moved to assistant coaching positions at Immaculata University and Archbishop Wood High School, before returning to La Salle as a video coordinator.

When Toby first watched Mark run a summer workout at La Salle, he saw a 27-year-old doing something that most young assistants don’t even realize matters:

He wasn’t trying to impress anyone.

He wasn’t trying to sound smart on the court, or show off that he knew analytics, or insert himself into conversations where Toby or the La Salle staff might notice him.

He was just teaching.
Clear, patient, relentless.

And the big men listened. All of them — the starter, the redshirt kid, the project forward who could barely catch the ball. Mark didn’t talk down to them, didn’t bark, didn’t try to be funny or cool. He broke things down the way Toby used to break things down at Penn Charter or Bucknell, when nobody expected he’d ever be more than an ex-college player who couldn't do much else.

Toby knew that look — of somebody who didn't know yet that he was good.

The industry was full of climbers, résumé-polishers, and guys who wanted top-tier jobs before earning them. Mark wasn’t one of them. He loved the work more than the ladder.

And privately, Toby admired that.

Because it reminded him of a younger Toby Whittaker — the one who loved coaching before the Final Four runs, before the awards, before the pressure. The one who lived in film rooms and drove two hours to recruit a kid nobody else bothered to see.

Hiring Mark was Toby’s way of protecting that part of himself.
Keeping someone on staff who still had that spark.

Someone who could help him stay grounded, hungry, and honest.

Someone who believed coaching was about teaching kids to get better, not polishing his own career.

So Toby brought him to St. Michael’s for one private, unspoken reason:

Mark Graham still coached like the game was enough.

And Toby needed that on his staff — maybe more than he needed anything else.

[MoonlightGraham]

Summer 2017
Slices of life

In some ways, Toby Whittaker was in a very different place after ten years at St. Michael's. His first contract paid him $350,000. Now, his total compensation package, including his base salary and various performance-based incentives, would pay him close to three million dollars.

As Toby's income grew, so did the Whittaker children. As much as Toby and Claire loved 55 Orchard Street, it was beginning to feel a bit cramped. In the summer of 2017, they decided to sell and move.

Claire talked about it with the kind of calm honesty she always had—no drama, just a little nostalgia tucked into her voice.

"That house raised us," she said. "Every wall has a pencil mark somewhere from when we were measuring the kids' heights. It’s the place where Toby came home hoarse after wins and quiet after losses, and where we learned how to be a family while everything else was changing around us."

She admitted the decision wasn’t easy.

"We never bought it thinking it was temporary. It was just home. But at some point you realize the house doesn’t quite fit your life anymore—even though the memories always will."

Claire smiled when she talked about locking the door for the last time.

"I cried a little. I think you’re supposed to. But I also felt grateful. We didn’t leave anything unfinished there. That house did exactly what it was meant to do for us."

Then, almost as an aside, she added:

"We didn’t sell a house. We handed off a chapter."

And for Claire, that was enough.

Their new home was in Fox Hollow, the finest neighborhood in Elmridge. Fox Hollow sat just west of campus, tucked into rolling, tree-lined hills that felt older than the college itself. The roads curved instead of running straight, stone walls edged long driveways, and the houses were set back on well-tended lawns. It was quiet in a way that felt deliberate.

The homes were mostly custom colonials, stone Tudors, and updated farmhouses, built over decades rather than all at once. Nothing looked brand new, but everything looked cared for. Mature oaks and maples arched over the streets, and in the fall the neighborhood smelled of leaves and fireplaces.

Fox Hollow was where senior faculty lived, where a few retired coaches and administrators had settled, and where local surgeons, attorneys, and business owners raised their families. It was also where Toby and Claire Whittaker eventually found themselves—close enough to campus to be practical, far enough away to feel like a refuge.

It wasn’t flashy. There were no gates or guards, and nobody drove anything showy. It felt like a neighborhood.

On game days, Fox Hollow grew a little louder—cars pulled out early, flags appeared discreetly on front porches, neighbors nodded as they headed toward The Pavilion. After big wins, porch lights stayed on late, and faint cheers sometimes drifted up from campus.

The new Whittaker residence was 412 Fox Hollow Lane, a beautiful stone house with a welcoming porch, built in 1898. The yard featured mature trees that might have been as old as the house itself.

https://i.imgur.com/Z0U9UqS.jpeg
412 Fox Hollow Lane

Neither did the Whittakers spend outrageously on "toys," like cars or boats. Both Toby and Claire drove high-end SUVs--Toby's was a BMW, Claire's a Range Rover--but they'd chosen them for reasons other than showing off. Their family needed every bit of the room their vehicles provided.

That summer, Toby, Claire, and the kids piled into them for two vacations: one to the shore, one to the mountains. For Toby, whose time had been spoken for even more than usual since the Saints won the championship, these getaways were precisely what he needed: a chance to relax and surround himself with the people who mattered most. He could truly be himself.

https://i.imgur.com/jMMOX2q.jpeg
Toby at the beach (taken by Nora)

Toby's dark hair was showing a bit of grey at the temples, but he looked like he could still give the Saints 15 good minutes off the bench. Both he and Claire paid attention to health and fitness. Claire took after her mother, who had always been mistaken for a woman ten years younger.

https://i.imgur.com/aXISUFQ.jpeg
Claire, smiling for Toby's camera in their new neighborhood

The Whittaker children were growing faster than either of their parents could believe. Nora was 15 now, a rising sophomore at St. Michael's College School. She ran cross country in the fall and track in the spring, excelled in English and history, wrote for the school's literary magazine, and sang in the Chorale.

https://i.imgur.com/yVwolcZ.jpeg
Nora at the lake

Grace, now 13, was entering her eighth grade year, her last at St. Aloysius. She had always been a bit louder, a bit more colorful than her older sister, and she was determined to embrace everything she could before she joined Nora at SMCS. Soccer was Grace's sport of choice, and while her grades were good across the board, she was especially talented in math. She planned to audition for a play for the first time this year.

https://i.imgur.com/mE86VW1.jpeg
Grace at the beach

Eleven-year-old Eli was going into sixth grade. Tall for his age, Eli was the only Whittaker child who played basketball, although he also enjoyed soccer and track and field, like his Dad had done as a boy. He enjoyed hands-on learning, projects, and experiments; science was his best subject. His energy sometimes translated itself into mischief, but he was never disrespectful to his teachers.

https://i.imgur.com/cwVSKJl.jpeg
Eli, the same day

The Whittaker kids were each growing into themselves in their own ways: thoughtful and measured, curious and social, energetic and fearless. Together, they filled the house with laughter, chaos, and the unmistakable hum of a family alive and tightly knit.

[MoonlightGraham]

The state of Wisconsin had long punched above its weight when it came to producing outstanding high school basketball players. The state's college basketball programs could count on a steady flow of local talent--Marquette, in particular, had grown into a powerhouse that way--and other top teams in the region usually featured a star from America's Dairyland, too. Saint Louis was another favorite destination for Wisconsin stars.

The Class of 2018 was, nonetheless, extra special. Two of the nation's top five players were Wisconsin natives. Jamari Stokes was the #1 point guard in the class, and Darius Kincaid was its top power forward.

Jamari and Darius went to school about a hundred miles apart--Jamari at East High School in Green Bay, Darius at the University School of Milwaukee--but they had become best friends as teammates on the AAU circuit. Both young men had spoken of their desire to possibly play together in college, too.

Their team, Midwest Elite, was one of the best grassroots teams in the country. Dozens of college coaches watched them at the national tournament, including Toby Whittaker, his lead recruiter, Ethan Pearson, and scout Josh Morales.

Coach Morales had Midwest roots, and he'd been aware of the Stokes-Kincaid duo for several years. He admitted, however, that the Saints were unlikely to sign them. "Every school in the area has been recruiting them since they were in middle school. Marquette isn't going to let them get away without a real fight. Saint Louis is on both their lists.

"We're not doing this right if we don't recruit them, but let's face it: we're a long shot."

Still, the Saints were national champions, and that impressed the best players in the country. When Jamari and Darius released their lists, St. Michael's was right there. Toby had three scholarships to offer. Two of them immediately went to the Wisconsin boys. "We're going all in," he told his staff.

***

When Toby Whittaker visited Darius and Jamari in early October 2017, his approach was unusually personal for a recruiting trip. He didn’t start with stats, rankings, or national titles—he started with the players themselves.

"I know you two have options—plenty of options," Toby said, sitting across from them at a modest Wisconsin prep gym. "But what I want you to know is this: at St. Michael’s, we understand your game, your family, and where you come from. Josh Morales has been watching Midwest talent for years—he knows you. David Simpson and Dan Bartley coached here. They're Midwest guys, too. They know the style, the work ethic, the kind of players that thrive here. You won’t just be another recruit on a list; you’ll be part of a program that already values what you bring."

He talked about player development, not just winning. How Darius’s size and skill could dominate at the next level if he refined his post moves, footwork, and conditioning. How Jamari’s court vision and speed could dictate games if he learned to read defenses like a coach. And how the Saints’ staff was developing a track record for sending players into professional and overseas opportunities.

"You’ll be part of something bigger than yourselves," Toby said. "Two top-ten players committing together isn’t just a headline—it’s a statement. But more importantly, it’s about building something lasting, with players you trust and a system that will let you thrive."

Darius and Jamari left that meeting feeling both challenged and understood.

[MoonlightGraham]

November 1, 2017

They had wanted to do this together, but the logistics simply didn't work. So, on the biggest day of the recruiting year--November 1, Decision Day--Jamari Stokes was in Green Bay, and Darius Kincaid was in Milwaukee. And, at the same time--3:15 PM, Central Standard Time--both players announced their commitment to St. Michael's College.

Quite a few of the recruiting experts were surprised. Most of them knew Jamari and Darius were interested in playing together in college. Early in the recruiting season, it looked like they'd pick Marquette. Then Saint Louis made a push, and the Billikens seemed to take the lead. Only a few recruiting gurus observed how hard Toby and the Saints were working to bring Jamari and Darius to the East Coast.

Back in Elmridge, reporters wanted to know what Toby thought about signing two of the top five players in their class. Toby was careful with his words, the way he always was when something mattered this much.

“This isn’t about rankings,” he said first, almost reflexively. “If it were, we wouldn’t have recruited them the way we did.”

Then he paused, choosing the next part deliberately.

“Jamari and Darius are rare because they already understand responsibility—to each other, to a team, to the work. You don’t have to convince them what it takes to win. They’ve lived it. They chose us knowing nothing would be handed to them, and that tells you everything.”

He acknowledged the attention, but brushed past it.

“Yes, they’re elite players. But what excites me is that they committed before a season was played, before there were guarantees, before there was anything to chase except development and trust. That’s a grown decision.”

When asked what it meant for the program, Toby smiled, just briefly.

“It means our locker room will be stronger. It means our practices will be better. And it means the standard doesn’t change—it gets upheld.”

Then, almost as an aside, he added:

“And the fact they wanted to do this together? That says more than any ranking ever could.”

***

Before Jamari and Darius signed with St. Michael's. Toby and his staff had a conversation about the direction their program's recruiting might take now that the Saints could compete for the best players in the nation.

“We also need to be clear about something,” Toby said. “We didn’t build this by chasing trends.”

He tapped the table once.

“We built this by recruiting our area. Philly, the suburbs, the Catholic schools, the public leagues. Guys who grew up understanding pressure, physicality, and accountability. That’s been the backbone of everything we’ve done.”

Ethan Pearson nodded. “That’s where our toughest kids have come from.”

“Exactly,” Toby said. “And that doesn’t change because we sign two national kids from the Midwest. It complements it.”

Josh Morales asked, “So how do we talk about that balance?”

Toby didn’t hesitate. “Honestly. We say what’s true. Our success came from elite local talent—players who knew what St. Michael’s was before they ever stepped on campus. That pipeline matters. It always will.”

He glanced toward the screen, paused on a clip of a bruising half-court possession.

“Jamari and Darius don’t replace that identity,” he continued. “They fit it. They come from programs that coach hard, defend, share the ball. That’s why we recruited them—not because of a ranking, not because they’re from somewhere else.”

Mark Graham chimed in. “And it shows recruits here that you don’t have to leave home to play at the highest level.”

Toby smiled. “That’s important. We don’t want Philly kids thinking the door’s closed because we signed two five-stars from Wisconsin. The door’s wide open—if you can live up to the standard.”

He finished the thought quietly but firmly.

“We’re not choosing between local development and national recruiting. We’re strong enough to do both. But the culture stays rooted here. Always.”

No one argued. There was nothing to argue with.

Coach Morales was the first to say the next part out loud.

“Okay,” he said, leaning back in his chair, “we should probably talk about the elephant in the room. Jamari and Darius… those probably aren’t four-year guys. Realistically, they’re two-and-through.”

No one flinched. Toby didn’t either.

“That’s fair,” Toby said. “And it’s not a dirty phrase. It’s just a fact of where the sport is.”

Coach Pearson, who’d spent the last month living out of a rental car, nodded. “Every elite kid I see now asks the same question—how are you preparing me for the next level? Not if I’m going, but when.”

Coach Graham spoke up from the end of the table. “The risk is culture,” he said carefully. “You don’t want a locker room full of guys already counting pro paychecks.”

“That’s the line,” Toby said. “That’s always the line.”

Josh added, “But we’ve also had guys leave early before. We didn’t lose the program when they did.”

“No,” Toby said, “because they bought in while they were here.”

Ethan flipped through his notebook. “The thing is, when we’re honest about two-and-through, it actually helps us with local kids. Philly guys appreciate transparency. They don’t want to hear fairy tales.”

Mark nodded. “And if those elite guys practice every day like it’s a job interview, that raises the level for everyone else.”

Toby leaned forward now, elbows on the table.

“I’m not interested in recruiting players who are passing through,” he said. “I am interested in recruiting players who, even if they’re here for two years, are all-in for those two years.”

Josh grinned. “Two years of hell for opponents.”

“That’s the idea,” Toby said.

Ethan added, “And to be clear—we’re still recruiting Philly hard. We still want dudes who will be here for four years. They give our program continuity and define our culture. That doesn’t change. The message is: you can be a four-year Saint, or a two-year Saint. But while you’re here, you’re our guy.”

Mark said quietly, “And if we get it right, those two-year guys leave a standard behind.”

Toby sat back, satisfied.

“That’s it,” he said. “Two-and-through is fine—as long as it’s two years of commitment, development, and winning. We don’t chase timelines. We recruit competitors.”

The room settled again, comfortable.

They weren’t rewriting St. Michael’s philosophy.
They were just naming the reality—and choosing how to handle it on their terms.

[MoonlightGraham]

November 5, 2017

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S General

Player # Pos Yr Ht Wt Sch Acd Status Hometown
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colton Reddick 1 SG Fr 6-1 186 Yes 79 OK Whitehall, NY
Reese Malloy 2 PG Fr 6-0 174 Yes 82 OK Williamsburg, VA
Devon Carraway 4 SG Jr* 6-4 207 Yes 79 OK Chester, PA
Ethan Rosenzweig 5 SG Fr 6-5 204 Yes 99 OK Rosemont, PA
Liam Whitworth 10 SF So 6-9 232 Yes 80 OK Elmridge, PA
M.J. Tillery 11 PG Sr 6-1 196 Yes 74 OK Philadelphia, PA
John Delk 12 PG So 6-2 201 No 79 OK Worcester, MA
Aaron Voelker 14 SG So 6-5 212 Yes 97 OK Fond du Lac, WI
Trey Hammond 23 SF Sr* 6-6 220 Yes 72 OK Edison, NJ
Walter Lozano 30 PF Jr* 6-7 254 Yes 94 OK Dix Hills, NY
Mindaugas Kairys 31 C Fr 7-1 245 Yes 71 OK Vilnius, Lithuania
Dominick Eddins 35 C Fr 7-0 248 No 24 OK Bessemer, PA
Marcus Brantley 44 PF So 6-10 260 Yes 59 OK Reading, PA
Luka Vukovic 55 SG Jr 6-9 235 Yes 74 Unhappy Philadelphia, PA

"They're loaded," said a rival coach from the Mid-Atlantic Conference. "The road to the national championship goes straight through St. Michael's."

Privately, Toby knew his colleague was probably right. No team he had coached had this kind of talent, this kind of upside.

The Saints were so deep that a first team All-Conference player, the team's leading returning scorer, would possibly come off the bench as a sixth man. Toby was careful to present this possibility to Devon Carraway in a positive manner. And, to his credit, Devon bought in.

"I won't lie," he said. "I've almost always been a starter. It means a lot to me. But I also know this. If that's my role, I'll give it the same effort I always have. You can call me the sixth man, the sparkplug, whatever. I just want to see us get another banner in the rafters."

After that conversation, Toby named Devon one of the team's captains.

The other captains were seniors. Trey Hammond would share playing time with Devon on the wing. He wasn't as good a defender as Carraway, but the fifth-year man was a secure ballhandler and a dynamic scorer. Point guard M.J. Tillery provided top-tier passing and handle, and he was the team's best perimeter defender. He was good enough to keep an outstanding freshman, Reese Malloy, on the bench, although Reese was ready to provide quality minutes in relief.

Redshirt junior Walter Lozano, who started all 40 Saints games in 2016/17, provided a defensive presence in the paint and was good enough offensively to force teams to guard him. He would be joined in the post by highly-regarded freshman Mindaugas Kairys. The seven-footer from Lithuania was being touted as a possible top five pick in the professional draft. He worked tirelessly in training camp, improving his strength, his interior presence, and his defense.

The fifth starter might be freshman Colton Reddick, who arrived on campus with a college-ready jump shot. He worked hard on his defense and ballhandling in preseason. Toby envisioned Reddick, Carraway, and Hammond rotating in and out of the two wing positions.

Talented sophomore Marcus Brantley was available in case Kairys wasn't as ready as he looked. Sharpshooter Aaron Voelker, enigmatic Luka Vukovic, and popular sophomores Liam Whitworth and Ethan Rosenzweig rounded out the rotation.

The preseason poll ranked the Saints a nearly unanimous number one team. Saint Louis received a single first place vote; every other voter picked St. Michael's. Toby and his staff tried to tune out the hype, and hoped their players would do the same.

"We're going to depend on the older players--guys like M.J, Walter, Devon, and Trey--to keep our mindset right," Toby explained. "March and April are a long way away, and a lot will happen between now and then.

"We haven't won a thing yet."

[MoonlightGraham]

December 31, 2017

2017 Mid-Atlantic Conference Standings

TEAM CW CL Pct W L Pct RPI Prestige
-------------------------------------------------------------------
#1 St. Michael's 0 0 .000 15 0 1.000 3 100
#3 St. Bonaventure 0 0 .000 13 1 .929 40 100
Penn State 0 0 .000 12 2 .857 259 59
Duquesne 0 0 .000 10 3 .769 13 69
#14 Temple 0 0 .000 10 2 .833 66 100
La Salle 0 0 .000 8 5 .615 102 72
Saint Joseph's 0 0 .000 8 4 .667 123 73
Pittsburgh 0 0 .000 3 9 .250 341 74
Rutgers 0 0 .000 2 12 .143 365 61

The Saints rolled through their pre-conference schedule as imperiously as the most optimistic observers had predicted.

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S Schedule

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
11/09/17 vs. Texas-Arlington 7-4 51 W 96-57 1-0
11/11/17 vs. Fordham 4-9 230 W 98-90 2-0
11/18/17 vs. Boston College 8-5 125 W 101-87 3-0
11/20/17 vs. Georgia 11-3 1 W 105-82 4-0
11/26/17 at Haverford 4-10 314 W 67-58 5-0
11/28/17 at Muhlenberg 7-5 58 W 85-79 6-0
11/30/17 Hofstra 1-11 206 W 86-39 7-0
12/05/17 Fresno State 7-7 98 W 81-61 8-0
12/07/17 at Trinity 8-5 134 W 75-56 9-0
12/09/17 Eastern Michigan 6-6 23 W 77-47 10-0
12/14/17 Boston University 6-9 157 W 97-58 11-0
12/16/17 at Dickinson 6-7 141 W 89-57 12-0
12/18/17 #22 Richmond 12-2 71 W 82-69 13-0
12/20/17 Florida State 7-5 12 W 88-59 14-0
12/31/17 Gonzaga 9-7 204 W 93-87 15-0

The first four victories came at the Preseason NIT. Boston College and Georgia were both ranked at the time, but the Saints buried them under an onslaught of scoring the program had never seen before. Three of the top ten single-game scoring records were set that week.

The beat went on, as Toby and his team rolled over a collection of lesser opponents. Muhlenberg proved tough to beat at home, and Gonzaga put up a good fight at The Pavilion. Otherwise, the Saints were rarely challenged.

Toby rotated his players through on a regular basis. No Saint was averaging 30 minutes per game, and seven were logging at least 18 per contest. The team's chemistry seemed best when freshman Colton Reddick came off the bench, so Devon Carraway returned to the starting five. Then Reddick fractured his jaw in early December, giving Aaron Voelker a chance to shine.

The veteran players were doing the things they'd always done, and now they were supported by freshman stars Reddick and Mindaugas Kairys. The Lithuanian center was getting lots of attention for his excellent play so far.

“Mindaugas has been really solid for us,” Toby Whittaker said. “What I’ve liked most is how steady he’s been. He doesn’t chase the game—he lets it come to him. He plays through contact, he competes on the glass, and he’s learning how to defend without fouling at this level.”

He paused, then added the part that mattered most to him.

“For a freshman, especially a young big, the biggest thing is trust. We trust him. He’s earning minutes because he does the unglamorous stuff, he listens, and he gets better every week. That’s a great place to start.”

Toby was equally pleased with Reddick's play. “Colton’s been really important to us,” he said. “He gives us balance. He can score it when the game asks for it, but he’s just as comfortable moving the ball, cutting, and defending his spot. He understands pace. That's rare for a young guard."

The mood on campus was electric. Many students came back early to watch the Gonzaga game before they rang in the New Year. Emily Rourke, a junior communications major from Havertown, PA, captured the feeling of many Saints very well.

“It’s kind of surreal—every night feels like a test and they just keep passing it, like the title run never actually ended.”

[MoonlightGraham]

January 13, 2018

When you asked a St. Michael's player who the best shooter in the program was, the answer was almost always the same.

"It's Coach Whit," said Colton Reddick.

"Coach Toby," Walter Lozano agreed. "He's still money."

"That's easy. Coach Whit," declared Devon Carraway. "We have some good shooters, but Coach is the most consistent."

Then he grinned. "But he's not being guarded by me."

Toby's credentials were strong. He made 42 percent of his three-point shots and 87 percent of his free throws as a Saint. His 362 made free throws and 215 made threes were still among the top ten all-time at St. Michael's, over two decades after he graduated. He had spent enough time in the gym that his stroke was still smooth.

But now, another name came up when the "who's the best?" question was asked.

M.J. Tillery smiled and shook his head. "Until now, I'd have said Coach Whit. I don't know, though...Voelker has a nice shot."

Aaron Voelker had the same kind of smooth, textbook jumper Toby had. It earned high marks from the coach himself. "Aaron's release is quicker than mine ever was," Toby said. "He's taller, too. He can get shots I never could."

The sophomore wing's shooting prowess gave the Saints a powerful weapon off the bench. Aaron wasn't the most athletic player, so he struggled to defend the most dynamic perimeter players. He wasn't really a ballhandler, either. So when he entered the game, Aaron was there to do one thing.

He did that thing against St. Bonaventure at The Pavilion.

#1 St. Michael's 97, #5 St. Bonaventure 75

---------------------------------------------------------
St. Bonaventure (14-3, 1-2):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Richard Crockett C 20 3-5 5-6 3 6 0 3 11
Charles Arnold C 24 3-7 2-2 0 3 0 4 8
Clinton Rucker SF 25 6-13 4-4 3 4 1 1 16
Whitney Kirschner SG 30 4-9 3-4 1 4 3 3 11
Bastien Hellin PG 28 1-5 3-4 0 2 5 2 6
Tony Christ SG 25 4-13 4-4 1 3 2 4 14
Dale Marsh PF 14 0-3 0-0 1 2 1 3 0
Moses Rodas SG 11 0-1 3-4 0 0 1 2 3
Charles Villalba PF 20 2-4 0-0 4 9 0 1 4
Edward Bourassa PF 3 0-0 2-2 1 1 0 1 2

Turnovers: 17 (C.Arnold 1, C.Rucker 1, W.Kirschner 5,
B.Hellin 4, T.Christ 3, M.Rodas 2, C.Villalba 1)
Blocked Shots: 2 (C.Villalba 2)
Steals: 8 (R.Crockett 2, C.Rucker 2, W.Kirschner 2,
T.Christ 1, D.Marsh 1)
3P FGs: 3-17 (C.Rucker 0-2, W.Kirschner 0-2, B.Hellin
1-3, T.Christ 2-10)

St. Michael's (18-0, 3-0):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Mindaugas Kairys C 28 3-6 3-6 2 5 0 2 9
Walter Lozano PF 28 6-14 3-6 2 8 2 3 15
Trey Hammond SF 21 3-4 0-0 2 4 3 2 8
Devon Carraway SG 13 2-4 0-0 0 2 2 4 4
M.J. Tillery PG 30 5-6 3-4 0 2 4 3 15
Aaron Voelker SG 29 9-15 5-6 1 4 3 4 30
Marcus Brantley C 17 2-3 1-2 1 3 0 3 5
Reese Malloy PG 10 0-1 2-3 0 1 2 1 2
Ethan Rosenzweig SF 10 0-3 2-2 2 4 1 2 2
Liam Whitworth PF 10 0-0 4-4 1 2 2 0 4
Luka Vukovic SG 3 1-1 0-0 0 1 0 0 3

Turnovers: 14 (M.Kairys 1, W.Lozano 1, T.Hammond 6,
D.Carraway 3, M.Tillery 1, A.Voelker 2)
Blocked Shots: 10 (M.Kairys 2, W.Lozano 2, T.Hammond 1,
M.Brantley 4, L.Whitworth 1)
Steals: 9 (T.Hammond 3, D.Carraway 1, M.Tillery 1,
A.Voelker 3, E.Rosenzweig 1)
3P FGs: 12-22 (T.Hammond 2-3, D.Carraway 0-1, M.Tillery
2-2, A.Voelker 7-13, E.Rosenzweig 0-2, L.Vukovic 1-1)

Player of Game: SG Aaron Voelker (STMIC)

Colton Reddick's injury and Devon Carraway's foul trouble gave AV a chance to make his mark on the game, and he took full advantage of his opportunity. He was guarded most of the time by Clinton Rucker, who was perhaps the Mid-Atlantic's toughest on-ball defender, a player Toby had tried very hard to sign. And Aaron still dropped 30 on the Bonnies. When he wasn't open, he found teammates who were.

Perhaps the most significant thing about the Saints' victory was the fact they handed St. Bonaventure its second conference loss. That might prove to be even more significant in March.

[MoonlightGraham]

March 8, 2018

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11/09/17 vs. Texas-Arlington 18-12 70 W 96-57 1-0
11/11/17 vs. Fordham 14-18 143 W 98-90 2-0
11/18/17 vs. Boston College 17-15 72 W 101-87 3-0
11/20/17 vs. #20 Georgia 24-8 4 W 105-82 4-0
11/26/17 at Haverford 11-19 350 W 67-58 5-0
11/28/17 at Muhlenberg 18-12 145 W 85-79 6-0
11/30/17 Hofstra 7-22 358 W 86-39 7-0
12/05/17 Fresno State 13-18 117 W 81-61 8-0
12/07/17 at Trinity 18-13 173 W 75-56 9-0
12/09/17 Eastern Michigan 16-15 61 W 77-47 10-0
12/14/17 Boston University 17-16 123 W 97-58 11-0
12/16/17 at Dickinson 18-14 202 W 89-57 12-0
12/18/17 Richmond 20-12 38 W 82-69 13-0
12/20/17 Florida State 17-16 31 W 88-59 14-0
12/31/17 Gonzaga 12-19 237 W 93-87 15-0
01/04/18 Penn State 17-14 132 W 83-59 16-0 (1-0)
01/09/18 at Pittsburgh 10-22 239 W 71-59 17-0 (2-0)
01/13/18 #2 St. Bonaventure 28-3 6 W 97-75 18-0 (3-0)
01/18/18 Duquesne 17-14 58 W 99-88 19-0 (4-0)
01/20/18 at Saint Joseph's 20-10 26 W 100-80 20-0 (5-0)
01/25/18 at #22 Temple 21-9 27 W 91-64 21-0 (6-0)
01/27/18 La Salle 15-16 85 W 96-72 22-0 (7-0)
01/30/18 Rutgers 4-27 359 W 68-51 23-0 (8-0)
02/03/18 at Penn State 17-14 132 W 91-74 24-0 (9-0)
02/10/18 Pittsburgh 10-22 239 W 96-62 25-0 (10-0)
02/13/18 at #2 St. Bonaventure 28-3 6 L 75-63 25-1 (10-1)
02/17/18 at Duquesne 17-14 58 W 75-66 26-1 (11-1)
02/20/18 Saint Joseph's 20-10 26 W 70-60 27-1 (12-1)
02/24/18 #22 Temple 21-9 27 L 79-72 27-2 (12-2)
03/01/18 at La Salle 15-16 85 W 86-68 28-2 (13-2)
03/03/18 at Rutgers 4-27 359 W 110-65 29-2 (14-2)

St. Michael’s spent the 2017–18 season doing something that almost never survives conference play: they made dominance look routine.

In the Mid-Atlantic Conference, the Saints opened league action with a string of authoritative road wins—Penn State, Pittsburgh, Saint Joseph’s, and Temple all fell by comfortable margins—establishing early that the conference title would run through Elmridge yet again. By the end of January, St. Michael’s was 8–0 in league play, pairing a high-powered offense with a defense that suffocated opponents late in games and turned hostile environments quiet in a hurry.

The defining stretch came in mid-January, when the Saints dismantled #2 St. Bonaventure at home, a statement win that separated them from the rest of the league and reinforced their national standing. Even when the conference finally pushed back—losses at St. Bonaventure and later at Temple—St. Michael’s never wavered. Each setback was followed by a composed response, including road wins at Duquesne and La Salle and a controlled Senior Night victory over Saint Joseph’s.

By the close of conference play, the Saints stood 14–2 in the Mid-Atlantic, having swept traditional rivals Penn State, Pittsburgh, and Saint Joseph’s, and having won every true road game in the league outside of two ranked matchups. It wasn’t a perfect conference season—but it was one marked by resilience, depth, and the quiet confidence of a team that knew exactly who it was when March arrived.

On Senior Night, Toby coached his 400th game at St. Michael's. The victory over St. Joseph's gave him a career record of 340-60, and his career winning percentage of .850 was the best mark of the modern era.

Privately, Toby felt a little uncomfortable about it—proud, yes, but more reflective than celebratory.

Toby wasn't aware of the milestone. Tonight was for celebrating Trey Hammond and M.J. Tillery. Toby was locked into possessions, matchups, and the way his team responded when the other side made a run. When the final horn sounded and someone mentioned it to him in the hallway, his first reaction was a quiet exhale, almost relief, like a checkpoint reached rather than a summit.

Later that night, once the arena had emptied and the noise died down, the weight of it settled in. Four hundred games meant a lot of bus rides, late film sessions, recruiting calls taken in parking lots, and missed dinners made up for on off-days. The record—340–60—felt less like a personal accomplishment than proof that he’d been lucky: lucky with players who bought in, assistants who stayed loyal, and a family that understood the hours.

When he finally let himself smile, it wasn’t about the number at all. It was about the fact that, after all those games, he still wanted to coach the next one just as badly as the first.

[MoonlightGraham]

At the press conference before the Mid-Atlantic tournament, Toby told the media that he found coaching in conference tournaments very challenging.

“Conference tournaments are hard because there’s nowhere to hide,” he said. “By this point in the year, everyone in the league knows exactly who you are. They’ve guarded your actions, they know your counters, they know which guys you’re trying to protect and which guys you’re riding.”

He paused, then added, “The margins are really thin. You’re on a neutral floor, you’re playing on short rest, and one stretch—two or three possessions—can swing the whole thing. It’s not about who’s better on paper, it’s about who stays connected when the game gets tight.”

Toby smiled slightly. “And the other thing is urgency. For some teams, this is it. This is their season. For teams at the top, there’s pressure, because the expectation is you’re supposed to win. That’s a tough balance.”

He finished with a shrug. “We try to respect how hard it is. If you don’t, the tournament will remind you pretty quickly.”

The 2018 tournament reminded him quickly. The Saints won their first round contest against Pitt without much trouble, but the Temple team that had ridden in to The Pavilion and come out with a victory got the best of them again. The Owls' senior guard, Jahlil Morrison, was a player Toby had always liked. The Saints had offered him a scholarship. Jahlil scored 25 points and handed out 5 assists, and the Owls won, 78-75. Temple then continued their run by beating St. Bonaventure in the Mid-Atlantic final.

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
03/09/18 vs. Pittsburgh 10-22 232 W 85-60 30-2
03/10/18 vs. #11 Temple 22-10 21 L 78-75 30-3


When the final poll was released, the Saints retained their #1 ranking. They had held that position in each weekly poll, almost always by a unanimous vote. The Bonnies remained at #2, which made Temple's tournament victory even more special. "We sure didn't back into that one," Michael Hall joked. His Owls had beaten the two best teams in the nation on consecutive nights.

The NCAA tournament selection committee sent St. Michael's to the South Region as its #1 seed. The S-Curve poll crowned North Carolina the tournament's top seed.

***

The Saints traveled to Charlotte, where Devon Carraway scored 21 points and M.J. Tillery made 8 assists as the Saints beat a tough Air Force team in the first round. "Going into the game, you know they are tough and proud," Reece Malloy said of the Cadets. "They're not going to back down from anyone. They didn't back down from us."

Nor did the Saints' next opponents, the Hokies of Virginia Tech. The Hokies had a shot to win the game or send it into overtime on the last possession of regulation time, but Brad Canaday's three-point attempt hit the rim and bounced away. Mindaugas Kairys nearly made a costly freshman mistake; he swiped at the ball after it caromed off the rim, possibly putting himself in danger of a basket interference call.

The final: St. Michael's 71, Virginia Tech 69.

"Iron sharpens iron," Walter Lozano pointed out before the Saints traveled to Atlanta for their next game. "Air Force and Virginia Tech taught us a lot."

The Saints applied the lessons they'd learned to their Sweet Sixteen matchup against Tulane, whomping the #17 Green Wave by 27 points. Trey Hammond, Lozano, and Carraway led a group of five Saints who scored in double figures.

Devon was once again the star in the regional final. A 81-67 victory over #22 LSU (a more comfortable victory than the score indicated) sent the Saints back to the Final Four.

For freshmen like Kairys, Malloy, and Colton Reddick, this was what they'd signed with the Saints to do. For the seniors and redshirt juniors, it was a third straight Final Four, after just missing out their first year.

"This means a lot," senior Tillery said. "Every time I put on my jersey now, I think about the fact that it might be the very last time."

He paused to wipe a tear from the corner of his eye. "Somebody told me I've played about 150 games here. That's so cool.

"I'd really like to play two more and go out on top."

03/18/18 vs. Virginia Tech 19-12 30 W 71-69 32-3
03/22/18 vs. #17 Tulane 25-9 14 W 98-71 33-3
03/24/18 vs. #22 Louisiana State 27-10 4 W 81-67 34-3

[MoonlightGraham]

March 31, 2018

The month of March and St. Michael's' 2018 season ended on the same night. At the Alamodome in San Antonio, North Carolina, the champions of the East Region, defeated the Saints, 77-69.

The Tar Heels took the lead, 4-2, in the game's second minute and never relinquished it, maintaining a cushion of five to ten points all game long. The game was far from a classic. Neither team shot well, and both turned the ball over too much. "They got a lot of good looks at the basket," Saints assistant Mark Graham pointed out. "If they'd made more of them, they'd have run us out of the gym."

UNC head coach Steven Kitchen made similar comments about the Saints. "They could easily have beaten us by eight points," he said. "Any one of several of their guys can get hot and carry that team...Carraway, Hammond, Reddick, Voelker. We're lucky that none of them picked tonight to do it. We could have done a better job of making them uncomfortable."

#3 North Carolina 77, #1 St. Michael's 69

---------------------------------------------------------
St. Michael's (34-4, 14-2):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Mindaugas Kairys C 27 4-9 3-5 2 10 1 3 11
Walter Lozano PF 28 3-8 1-2 3 7 0 3 7
Trey Hammond SF 22 1-7 0-0 1 3 2 0 3
Devon Carraway SG 33 5-10 0-0 0 3 4 2 11
M.J. Tillery PG 32 4-6 4-4 1 2 4 2 14
Colton Reddick SG 16 3-6 0-0 0 0 1 5 8
Aaron Voelker SG 13 4-5 0-0 0 1 1 0 10
Marcus Brantley C 16 1-4 1-2 0 1 1 0 3
Reese Malloy PG 2 0-1 0-0 0 0 1 0 0
Ethan Rosenzweig SF 2 0-1 0-0 0 0 1 1 0
Liam Whitworth PF 8 1-4 0-0 1 2 1 1 2

Turnovers: 17 (M.Kairys 1, W.Lozano 1, T.Hammond 6,
D.Carraway 5, C.Reddick 2, M.Brantley 1, E.Rosenzweig
1)
Blocked Shots: 3 (M.Kairys 1, W.Lozano 1, C.Reddick 1)
Steals: 8 (M.Kairys 1, W.Lozano 1, T.Hammond 1,
D.Carraway 1, M.Tillery 3, A.Voelker 1)
3P FGs: 8-22 (M.Kairys 0-1, T.Hammond 1-3, D.Carraway
1-3, M.Tillery 2-4, C.Reddick 2-5, A.Voelker 2-3,
R.Malloy 0-1, E.Rosenzweig 0-1, L.Whitworth 0-1)

North Carolina (32-4, 12-2):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Donovan Blakeney C 24 2-3 2-4 5 9 1 2 6
Pete Good PF 29 6-13 5-8 3 10 0 1 17
Andrew Horne SF 18 5-7 0-0 0 1 1 4 13
Arthur Guardado SG 34 2-7 6-6 0 5 1 4 11
George Rogers PG 30 5-13 0-0 2 4 4 4 11
Edwin Greeley SF 26 5-7 0-0 1 3 5 1 12
William Phipps PG 15 0-3 0-0 1 3 1 1 0
Enoch Green PF 13 1-4 2-2 1 5 1 2 4
Albert Evans SF 10 1-2 1-2 0 0 0 0 3
Andrew Kizer C 2 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 1 0

Turnovers: 19 (P.Good 2, A.Horne 3, A.Guardado 7,
G.Rogers 4, W.Phipps 1, E.Green 1, A.Evans 1)
Blocked Shots: 3 (D.Blakeney 1, P.Good 2)
Steals: 12 (D.Blakeney 1, A.Horne 1, A.Guardado 2,
G.Rogers 1, E.Greeley 2, W.Phipps 1, A.Evans 4)
3P FGs: 7-23 (A.Horne 3-4, A.Guardado 1-6, G.Rogers
1-6, E.Greeley 2-3, W.Phipps 0-3, A.Evans 0-1)

Player of Game: PF Edwin Greeley (NC)

The night belonged to Tar Heels reserve Edwin Greeley. He came off the bench when star wing Andrew Horne got into foul trouble and played a solid all-around game.

Freshman centers Mindaugas Kairys and Donovan Blakeney provided an entertaining matchup. Both players were five-star recruits, with slightly different playing styles: Kairys was a more polished offensive player, Blakeney a more powerful rebounder and defender.

"Donovan is really good," Mindaugas said after the game. He shook his head a little, half-smiling. “That’s the level you expect in the Final Four. You think you’re ready, and then you find out what you still have to learn. I’ll remember that matchup for a long time.”

***

The locker room felt smaller than it had all season.

No music. No chatter from the hallway. Just the low hum of the vents and the sound of tape being pulled from skin. The Final Four logo was still visible on the whiteboard, untouched, like it belonged to a different night.

Trey Hammond sat with his jersey still on, staring at the floor. He hadn’t moved much since he reached the locker room. His hands rested on his knees, fingers laced tight, like he was holding something in place. A few lockers down, M.J. Tillery leaned forward, forearms on his thighs, eyes fixed on a spot that wasn’t there anymore.

Everyone knew.
Nobody said it.

Toby stood off to the side at first, letting the room exist the way it needed to. This wasn’t just a loss. This was the end of something.

Mindaugas Kairys broke the silence quietly. “They waited,” he said. “They didn’t rush.”

Toby nodded. “They did what experienced teams do.”

He finally stepped into the middle of the room. His voice was steady, but softer than usual.

“I wish I could give you another practice. Another film session. Another night together.” He paused. “I can’t.”

That landed.

“For the seniors—” He stopped himself, shook his head once. “For Trey and M.J.”

Trey finally looked up.

“You gave this place everything you had. Not just this year. All of it. The wins people remember, and the days nobody sees.” Toby swallowed. “This program is different because of you.”

M.J. exhaled slowly and nodded, eyes still down.

Devon Carraway stood then, hands on his hips. “I didn’t want it to end like this.”

Toby met his eyes. “It doesn’t end like this. It ends with you standing on this floor in April. That matters.”

Trey finally spoke, voice low. “I’m proud of this team.”

That was it. That was all it took.

A few guys clapped once. Then again. Not loud. Not long. Just enough.

As Toby turned toward the door, he stopped and looked back one last time.

“Not everyone gets a last game like this. Hurts like hell—but it means you did something right.”

When he left, no one rushed out.

Trey sat there a moment longer, then reached over and bumped M.J.’s shoulder.

“Wouldn’t do it with anyone else,” he said.

M.J. nodded. “Not even close.”

And for a few quiet minutes, the season lived there—one last time.

[MoonlightGraham]

April 2, 2018

North Carolina completed their mission with an 87-71 victory over Memphis in the national championship game. Senior guard George Rogers, the ACC Player of the Year, combined 22 points with 9 assists to earn the MVP award.

The night before, Darius Kincaid scored 12 points for the West team in the High School All-America Game. Even more impressively, the future Saint pulled in 16 rebounds. Darius' efforts weren't enough to prevail, however, as the East won, 89-81.

The day after the championship game was the last day for underclassmen to enter the professional draft. Two Saints chose that option.

The first was Devon Carraway. Devon didn’t dress it up when he talked about it. He was calm, direct, and clearly had spent a long time thinking it through.

“I love this place,” he said. “And if this was just about basketball, there’s a part of me that would love to come back. But it’s not just about basketball anymore.”

He explained that he’d finished his degree (Finance, with a minor in Sports Management) and that mattered to him—his parents had made that a condition from day one. “I kept my end of the deal,” he said. “Now it’s my turn to help them.”

Devon acknowledged the financial piece without apology. “My family’s not in a position where waiting another year is easy. I’m not ashamed of that. If I can start earning, even at the next level overseas or wherever that is, that’s real money for us.”

He paused, then smiled slightly. “Coach always says you don’t owe a place more than you’ve given it. I gave everything I had. I’m ready for what’s next.”

Before walking away, he added one more thing. “St. Michael’s didn’t just prepare me for basketball. It prepared me to make a grown man's decision. That’s what this is.”

Nobody was, therefore, terribly surprised by Devon's decision. When sophomore Marcus Brantley made the same choice, it was much more unexpected. Marcus had never started a game for St. Michael's. He had played just over 1000 minutes in two seasons, combined.

Marcus' roommate, Aaron Voelker, was genuinely caught off guard, and he didn’t try to hide it when asked.

“Yeah, I was surprised,” he admitted. “Marcus is one of those guys you just assume is coming back, because he loves the day-to-day here. The lifts, the film, all of it.”

He paused, then smiled. “But once he explained it, I got it. He’s betting on himself. He’s always done that.”

Aaron added that he respected the timing. “He didn’t rush it, and he didn’t do it for attention. He made sure his people were good, made sure his academics were lined up. That’s Marcus.”

Then, more softly: “I’m gonna miss him. He made practice better. But I’m proud of him for taking the shot.”

Both Devon and Marcus showed up in the second round of mock drafts. Neither was a sure bet to be chosen.

[MoonlightGraham]

All that's missing is the banner.

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S TEAM INFO

Current Performance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Team Prestige: 100 Record Vs 1-50: 10-4 Poll Rank: #1
Season Record: 34-4 Record Vs 51-100: 5-0 RPI Rank: #3
Conference Record: 14-2 Record Vs 101-200: 10-0
Home Record: 14-1 Record Vs 200+: 9-0


Team Stats CR NR Opp. Stats CR NR Margin CR NR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points 85.4 1 1 Points 67.7 3 87 Points 17.7 1 1
O.Reb 11.9 3 97 O.Reb 11.6 8 245 O.Reb 0.4 7 160
D.Reb 26.9 4 81 D.Reb 22.6 1 19 D.Reb 4.3 1 6
Rebounds 38.9 4 62 Rebounds 34.2 2 51 Rebounds 4.7 2 23
Assists 19.3 1 3 Assists 13.4 3 154 Assists 6.0 1 1
Steals 7.7 2 24 Steals 5.4 3 87 Steals 2.3 2 18
Blocks 5.2 2 43 Blocks 3.8 4 233 Blocks 1.4 2 58
Turnovers 13.5 5 107 Turnovers 16.8 2 15 Turnovers -3.3 2 18
Fouls 18.9 5 118 Fouls 18.4 6 307 Fouls 0.5 6 223
FG% .486 1 1 FG% .408 2 38 FG% .078 1 2
FT% .771 1 1 FT% .687 5 258 FT% .084 1 3
3P% .393 1 16 3P% .316 1 34 3P% .077 1 5
PPS 1.38 1 2 PPS 1.16 1 48 PPS .219 1 4
Adj. FG% .560 1 3 Adj. FG% .463 1 38 Adj. FG% .097 1 2

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S Averages

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Devon Carraway SG 38 35 29.6 16.5 1.3 4.4 2.2 1.9 0.2 2.2 2.5 14.8
Walter Lozano PF 38 38 27.8 9.7 2.7 7.1 1.3 0.4 2.2 1.6 2.2 14.9
M.J. Tillery PG 38 38 27.4 8.2 0.6 1.9 5.7 1.8 0.1 1.3 2.7 12.3
Mindaugas Kairys C 38 38 24.9 11.1 2.2 7.9 1.2 0.4 0.8 1.3 2.4 13.7
Colton Reddick SG 30 3 22.8 11.8 0.9 2.7 3.4 1.0 0.1 1.7 2.0 8.9
Trey Hammond SF 38 38 21.6 10.7 0.8 3.1 2.4 1.1 0.2 2.4 2.3 11.5
Marcus Brantley C 38 0 18.3 5.1 1.8 6.1 0.9 0.1 1.4 0.8 1.9 7.4
Aaron Voelker SG 37 0 11.7 8.1 0.4 1.4 0.9 0.5 0.1 1.1 1.1 3.0
Liam Whitworth PF 37 0 8.9 3.0 0.9 2.8 0.4 0.3 0.0 0.5 1.1 0.8
Reese Malloy PG 35 0 6.6 1.6 0.2 0.7 1.7 0.3 0.0 0.4 0.7 4.3
Ethan Rosenzweig SF 27 0 5.2 2.1 0.5 1.6 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.5 0.3 -0.2
Luka Vukovic SG 10 0 3.2 3.2 0.1 1.0 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.3 0.4 0.2
Dominick Eddins C 15 0 3.1 0.6 0.1 0.6 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.4 -1.6
John Delk PG 4 0 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.3 -0.8

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S Totals

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Devon Carraway SG 38 35 1124 627 50 169 82 73 7 85 96 564
Walter Lozano PF 38 38 1056 370 101 268 48 14 84 59 83 566
M.J. Tillery PG 38 38 1040 311 22 71 215 68 4 50 102 466
Mindaugas Kairys C 38 38 946 420 84 299 44 14 31 51 91 521
Colton Reddick SG 30 3 684 353 27 80 102 31 3 52 60 267
Trey Hammond SF 38 38 819 408 29 117 92 43 9 92 87 437
Marcus Brantley C 38 0 694 192 67 232 36 3 52 31 71 281
Aaron Voelker SG 37 0 434 299 15 52 33 17 2 41 39 112
Liam Whitworth PF 37 0 329 110 35 103 14 10 1 19 42 30
Reese Malloy PG 35 0 232 56 7 24 59 12 1 15 26 150
Ethan Rosenzweig SF 27 0 141 57 13 43 5 6 1 13 9 -6
Luka Vukovic SG 10 0 32 32 1 10 2 0 1 3 4 2
Dominick Eddins C 15 0 47 9 2 9 3 1 2 1 6 -24
John Delk PG 4 0 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 -3

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S Shooting

Player Pos Fgm Fga Fg% Ftm Fta Ft% 3pm 3pa 3p% PPS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Devon Carraway SG 227 454 .500 75 95 .789 98 237 .414 1.38
Walter Lozano PF 141 298 .473 88 123 .715 0 0 .000 1.24
M.J. Tillery PG 93 199 .467 81 94 .862 44 109 .404 1.56
Mindaugas Kairys C 151 292 .517 116 144 .806 2 10 .200 1.44
Colton Reddick SG 121 253 .478 48 64 .750 63 172 .366 1.40
Trey Hammond SF 148 321 .461 50 66 .758 62 159 .390 1.27
Marcus Brantley C 76 154 .494 40 66 .606 0 0 .000 1.25
Aaron Voelker SG 95 191 .497 52 58 .897 57 136 .419 1.57
Liam Whitworth PF 39 79 .494 32 40 .800 0 2 .000 1.39
Reese Malloy PG 17 30 .567 16 22 .727 6 14 .429 1.87
Ethan Rosenzweig SF 21 58 .362 6 10 .600 9 36 .250 0.98
Luka Vukovic SG 11 15 .733 4 6 .667 6 8 .750 2.13
Dominick Eddins C 3 6 .500 3 4 .750 0 0 .000 1.50
John Delk PG 0 1 .000 0 0 .000 0 1 .000 0.00

[MoonlightGraham]

2017 OVERALL AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

JR PF Rufus Thaxton Ball State 18.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.7 APG 0.4 SPG, 3.2 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR PG Gavin Milner Georgia 19.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.0 APG 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Daniel Lund Northwestern 30 - 5 (15 - 3)

All-league 1st Team:
C SR Chris Profit Tennessee-Martin 20.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 2.7 BPG
PF JR Rufus Thaxton Ball State 18.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.4 SPG, 3.2 BPG
SF SR Mervin Conroy Southern 13.8 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.1 BPG
SG SR Wilbert Paxton North Dakota State 22.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 2.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.0 BPG
PG SR Charles Atwood Cleveland State 8.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 7.5 APG, 2.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C SR William Desimone Butler 15.5 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG
PF SR Charles Arnold St. Bonaventure 10.6 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 3.9 BPG
SF JR Douglas Stokes Northwestern 16.3 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SG SR William Minton Colby 29.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG SR Andrew Park Tulsa 15.7 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 6.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG

All-league 3rd Team:
C JR Randal Miceli Boise State 16.1 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 3.7 BPG
PF JR Maynard Simpkins Drake 18.6 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.6 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.0 BPG
SF SR James Eagle Miami 18.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SG JR Rayford Malinowski Rhode Island 19.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG SO Gary Frisch Illinois-Chicago 14.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 8.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Mindaugas Kairys St. Michael's 11.1 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG
PF FR Camden Ellington Richmond 12.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG
SF FR Thomas Bow Memphis 15.0 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SG FR Jalen Raeford North Carolina State 14.5 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG FR Gavin Milner Georgia 19.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG

I thought Mindaugas might be a freshman All-American. Well done, big man.

2017 MID-ATLANTIC AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

SR PF Charles Arnold St. Bonaventure 10.6 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 1.5 APG 0.5 SPG, 3.9 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR C Mindaugas Kairys St. Michael's 11.1 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.2 APG 0.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Toby Whittaker St. Michael's 34 - 4 (14 - 2)

All-league 1st Team:
C JR Lionel Culley Saint Joseph's 12.5 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.5 BPG
PF SR Charles Arnold St. Bonaventure 10.6 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 3.9 BPG
SF SO Clinton Rucker St. Bonaventure 12.7 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SG JR Devon Carraway St. Michael's 16.5 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG SR Darius Fields Saint Joseph's 19.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C JR Sean Goodrich Duquesne 13.0 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG
PF JR Walter Lozano St. Michael's 9.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.4 SPG, 2.2 BPG
SF SO Sylvester Gowen Temple 8.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SG JR Jerome Clay Duquesne 17.9 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG SR Jahlil Morrison Temple 14.9 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 4.5 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Mindaugas Kairys St. Michael's 11.1 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG
PF FR Robert Webb Pittsburgh 2.0 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 0.4 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SF FR Freddie Galbraith La Salle 7.5 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SG FR Colton Reddick St. Michael's 11.8 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG FR Kendrick Hargrove Temple 5.8 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Quite a few Saints donned their suits for the conference awards banquet.

Devon ended his collegiate career with his second consecutive berth on the All-Mid-Atlantic first team. He deserved it.

I'm delighted to see Walter's hard work being recognized. He's the latest in a series of strong, tough Saints post players who are willing to bang bodies with the other big men in a league that features lots of good ones.

Speaking of good big men, Charles Arnold is a grown adult man. He's not terribly tall (6'8") or massive (222 pounds) but he is strong and absolutely relentless. I don't remember recruiting him; he was a late bloomer who turned into a star. Lionel Culley is long (6'11"), lean (208 pounds), and mobile. He presents a different kind of significant challenge.

And, still speaking of good big men, Mindaugas benefited greatly from matchups with guys like Charles and Lionel. He's almost certainly a two-and-through, but I'm glad he's spending those two years with us. Colton Reddick deserves that spot on the All-Freshman team, too.

There's a sixth trophy for Toby here, too.

[MoonlightGraham]

April 7, 2018

Intangibles matter, and Devon Carraway's Draft Night experience proved it. Devon was chosen at #22, comfortably in the first round.

"They're getting a dog," St. Bonaventure's Clinton Rucker said, complimenting Devon's toughness and character. Devon's rookie contract paid him $1.4 million. His family's financial worries were now a thing of the past.

Marcus Brantley got good news, too. He was the first pick of the second round, going #31 overall. As one professional GM said, "When you pick a St. Michael's guy, you know you're getting a player who's been well-coached. You also know he's a high-character player. Toby Whittaker almost never recruits a guy who isn't a good kid already, and the time he spends in that program makes him a better man."

2017 Recruiting Rankings

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Saint Louis Conference USA SF Chester Batista ***** 2 2 2 0 0
2. Houston Southwest SG Mario Landeros ***** 2 1 1 0 0
3. Saint Mary's WCC C Desiderio Pascual ***** 2 2 0 0 0
4. San Francisco WCC C Charles Hunley ***** 1 1 4 0 0
5. St. Michael's Mid-Atlantic PG Jamari Stokes ***** 2 1 0 0 0
6. Tennessee SEC SF Geoffrey Williams ***** 1 3 0 0 0
7. Kentucky SEC PG Andrew Joshua ***** 1 3 1 0 0
8. Loyola Marymount WCC SF Dylan Bates ***** 2 2 0 0 0
9. Boston College Big East PF Charles Barrows ***** 2 1 2 0 0
10. East Carolina Conference USA SG Brian Villalba ***** 1 2 1 0 0
11. North Carolina State ACC PF Armand Fredrickson ***** 1 2 0 0 0
12. Rice Southwest SG William Pinto ***** 2 0 1 0 0
13. Syracuse Big East PF Tony Hertz **** 0 1 3 0 0
14. Georgetown Big East PG Jerome Davis ***** 2 0 0 0 0
15. Georgia Tech ACC SF Lamont Beebe **** 0 3 1 0 0
16. Minnesota Big Ten SG Jason Rothstein **** 0 2 2 0 0
17. San Diego State Mountain West SF William Schumacher **** 0 1 3 1 0
18. Marquette Great Lakes SG Harold Fitzgerald ***** 2 0 0 0 0
19. Villanova Big East PF Kevin McClellan **** 0 2 1 0 0
20. George Washington Blue Ridge C Domingo Abercrombie **** 0 2 1 0 0
21. Florida SEC C Leonard Lin **** 0 1 2 0 0
22. Washington Pacific-10 SG Richard Marler **** 0 1 1 2 3
23. Temple Mid-Atlantic C Miles Kessinger ***** 1 1 0 0 0
24. South Carolina Blue Ridge SG Mitchel Cover **** 0 1 3 1 0
25. Tulane Conference USA SG Damon Humphreys **** 0 1 2 0 0

2017 Recruiting Rankings

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. St. Michael's Mid-Atlantic PG Jamari Stokes ***** 2 1 0 0 0
23. Temple Mid-Atlantic C Miles Kessinger ***** 1 1 0 0 0
31. Saint Joseph's Mid-Atlantic PF Willian Judy **** 0 1 2 0 0
39. La Salle Mid-Atlantic C Saul Wisdom **** 0 1 2 0 0
72. Rutgers Mid-Atlantic SF Charles Hunter *** 0 0 2 0 0
119. St. Bonaventure Mid-Atlantic C David Wilkey **** 0 1 0 0 0
128. Penn State Mid-Atlantic SF Fernand Desplancque *** 0 0 2 1 0
205. Duquesne Mid-Atlantic C Jeromy Meyers *** 0 0 1 1 0
208. Pittsburgh Mid-Atlantic SF Stephen Yarbrough *** 0 0 2 0 0

Jamari Stokes and Darius Kincaid are as advertised. They enter as Green players with Blue upsides. Sometimes guys like that grow into Blue/Blue guys with one training camp. Mindaugas and Colton did.

Pitt and Duquesne are struggling right now. The Dukes, in particular, are sheddign Prestige, which will make it harder for them to land the recruits they need to challenge for a conference title.

The head coaching carousel spun to another Saints assistant in May. Josh Morales left to take the head coaching job at Colby, which was, incidentally, the alma mater of Saints assistant Ethan Pearson. Coach Morales became the eighth coach to graduate from a position on Toby Whittaker's staff to a head coaching job of his own. Seven of them were still head coaches; the exception, Carl Wilson, is an assistant at SEC powerhouse Tennessee.

Toby thought outside the box when it was time to choose a replacement for Coach Morales. He picked Cyril Caulfield, an appointment that caught all but the wonkiest of college basketball nerds off guard.

[MoonlightGraham]

Cyril Caulfield celebrated his 65th birthday a week before he signed his contract. He was an alumnus of Groton School and Boston University, where he had appeared in 42 games before graduating in 1975. He taught English and coached high school basketball at New England prep schools for the next 40 years, including eight seasons as the head coach at his alma mater. He became well-known for his meticulous preparation, sharp eye for potential, and ability to spot players who might thrive in a college system.

Cyril retired from teaching and coaching in 2015, settling down with his wife Maggie in Concord, Massachusetts. He was happy, but Maggie knew there was one thing her husband wanted to do, just once, before he retired for good.

"Cyril always wondered how much he would enjoy coaching at the college level," she explained. "He never talked about being a head coach, but he felt confident he could be an asset to a college coaching staff.

"When the opening at St. Michael's came up, I encouraged him to look into it," she added with a wry grin. "It was worth a shot, right?"

Cyril came to Elmridge for an interview in early May. "I'd met Coach Caulfield a few times," Toby recalled. "He's an icon in New England high school basketball. We recruited a few of his players, and I was impressed with his knowledge, his passion...and most of all, his character."

During the interview, Toby asked the question that couldn't be avoided.
"Coach, you're in your sixties; you've retired once, and you seem like you're a very happy man. What makes you want to return to coaching...and leave the area where you've lived all your life?"

Cyril smiled. "Maggie and I talked about the very thing you just mentioned. I've spent all my adult life around young people. That's kept me young. I'm healthy and feel energetic.

"Our son Simon lives about ten miles from where we're sitting right now. We like the area a lot. We'll rent a condo in Elmridge, and our daughter Clara and her family will move into our house in Concord while we're here.

"And I like that ring you're wearing." Cyril smiled, a twinkle in his eye, as he pointed to the NCAA championship ring on Toby's right hand. "I think I'd like to earn one of those myself."

Toby recalled the moment when he knew he'd found his man. "Coach Caulfield is one of the most genuine people I've ever met. He's direct, but he doesn't come across as brusque or rude. There's a warmth to him.

"Basketball-wise, he's incredibly sharp. How many players do you think he's seen? Thousands, easily. And he's kept up to date with the more analytical approaches to scouting that have been developed recently. He's ready for this job, and I'm delighted to coach with him."

Cyril and Maggie settled into life in Elmridge seamlessly. They enjoyed the cultural life of the community; they became regulars at the Elmridge Big Band's outdoor concerts, and Maggie joined the Elmridge Singers, a local choral group. The couple enjoyed long walks around town.

"I will never forget watching Cyril put on his "St. Michael's Basketball" pullover for the first time," Maggie said, her voice soft and her expression wistful.

"He had tears in his eyes, but he was smiling. I knew, that moment, he'd made the right choice."

***

The game spawned a 65-year-old coach with a 94 Scouting rating and no experience. I had to hire him, and I had to write his story. :)

[MoonlightGraham]

Summer 2018

Toby and Claire knew how fortunate they were to have financial security. Both of them had grown up comfortably. Toby's father, David Whittaker, was a successful civil engineer. His mother, Lorraine, was the Director of Middle School Admission at St. Stephens & St. Agnes. Claire's father, James Dempsey, was the chief financial officer for a continuing care retirement community, and her mother, Ellen, owned a small craft shop. Both families valued generosity and charity, and Toby and Claire maintained those values as adults.

Giving was something Toby and Claire treated as normal, almost routine—not a press release, not a brand.

They supported a mix of local and national causes, with most of their money staying close to Elmridge and Philadelphia:


St. Michael’s Community Scholars Fund, which helped first-generation and low-income students cover gaps not met by aid

Philadelphia Youth Basketball Coalition, funding gym access, travel costs, and tutoring for city programs

St. Aloysius and SMCS tuition assistance, quietly underwriting scholarships without attaching their name

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, a long-term commitment that began after one of Nora’s classmates underwent cancer treatment

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Philly, where Toby occasionally showed up unannounced on off-days during the summer


In 2013, Toby created a philanthropic foundation of his own. The Whittaker Assist Foundation was named after his belief that “the assist matters more than the basket.” Like the rest of the Whittakers' philanthropy, the foundation's reach was mainly local. It focused on:


Educational access

Youth sports, academic programs, and art programs

Emergency assistance for families connected to St. Michael’s (staff, custodial workers, graduate students)


Toby and Claire's charity was real, not something they did to get positive publicity. As Claire once put it, “If people know exactly how generous you are, you’re probably doing it wrong.”

[MoonlightGraham]

October 2018

The departures of underclassmen Devon Carraway and Marcus Brantley and the graduations of M.J. Tillery and Trey Hammond allowed the Saints to offer up to four scholarships to players in the Class of 2019. Again this year, two of the top players in the country lived close together...and this time they were Pennsylvania boys.

The consensus #1 player in the class was a forward named Jalen McBride, who played for Allentown Central Catholic. At 6'8" and 225 pounds, Jalen was big and strong enough to battle in the post, while remaining smooth and athletic enough to guard perimeter players and slash to the basket. His outside shot showed signs of developing into a plus tool. "There are no true weaknesses in Jalen's game," said Ethan Pearson.

Drew Joyce, a 6'7" forward, lived in nearby Radnor. Toby and his staff had known Drew for years, because he was an annual attendee at the St. Michael's summer camp. As a freshman and sophomore, Drew was 6'3", and he profiled as a spot-up shooter. He was generously listed as a four-star prospect. But by the time his junior season began, he'd sprouted to 6'7", become stronger and quicker, and blew up the AAU circuit. Now, he was the top player at his position and the #3 player in the nation.

You didn't need the savvy of a Cyril Caulfield to spot the talent of players like McBride and Joyce. Where Coach C's eye for talent mattered most was the examination of players who weren't national recruiting darlings.

Coach Caulfield was known for carrying a notebook with a worn leather cover. In this notebook, he jotted down his impressions of the players he saw, sometimes adding a drawing or an inspirational phrase. One entire page of his notebook was dedicated to a big man from Roman Catholic High in Philadelphia, Tyler Grant.

Legit 6'10" was the first notation on Tyler's page. Below it, Cyril had written Thinks every rebound is his, Plays tough without fouling, and Offensive promise: don't sleep on him, complete with a quick sketch of a bed with a circle/slash over it.

Tyler was a three-star recruit who was ranked #502 in his class. "I don't care," Coach Caulfield said. "At worst, we have a solid rotational big man who will celebrate his Senior Night with us, get a degree, and live happily ever after. You guys won a lot of games with players like Tyler Grant."

Coach C was right, and Toby offered Tyler a scholarship.

Caulfield also really liked Luke O'Connor, a 6'1" point guard from Salesianum School in Delaware. Liam's page in the notebook had a single line of writing:

Just like Seth Kaplan, maybe better.

Cyril was, of course, referring to the popular point guard, a senior on the 2017 national championship team. Kaplan had been steady, unflappable, and willing to cede his starting spot to the more talented M.J. Tillery when that's what the team needed him to do. Few players had been more beloved than Kaplan, the kind of man every team needs.

Toby offered Luke a scholarship, too.

If the Saints got their way, the incoming Class of 2019 would have two top-tier stars and two diamonds in the rough.

[MoonlightGraham]

November 1, 2018
Decision Day

412 Fox Hollow Lane
Elmridge

The house is finally quiet—homework done, backpacks leaning against the mudroom wall, the hum of the dishwasher filling the space where three kids’ voices had been an hour earlier. Outside, the last of the daylight has drained from the cul-de-sac, porch lights flicking on one by one in the neighborhood.

Toby leans back against the island, exhales, and finally lets himself smile. He is still half in work mode, wearing a navy quarter-zip with the St. Michael’s logo over a light gray T-shirt, khaki pants, and socks—shoes kicked off by the door like he meant to sit down five minutes ago and never quite did. His watch is still on, sleeves pushed up, the whole look saying the day ran long.

Claire is dressed for being done with the day. She’s in dark leggings and an oversized cream sweater, in sock feet on the kitchen tile, hair pulled back loosely with a few strands already escaping.

Toby: “Okay. Signing day update.”

Claire turns from the sink, drying her hands on a towel.
Claire: “I know absolutely nothing, so start from the beginning.”

Toby: “We signed three.”

She raises an eyebrow.
Claire: “That sounds… either very good or very complicated.”

Toby: “Both.”
(beat)
“Luke O’Connor—point guard. Three-star. Smart kid. Tough. He’s going to make everyone better and never complain about it.”

Claire: “You like him.”

Toby: “I do. And I trust him. That’s different.”

She nods, filing that away.
Claire: “Okay. Who else?”

Toby: “Tyler Grant. Center. Another three-star. Big body, good hands, wants to be coached.”

Claire: “So two glue guys.”

Toby: “Exactly. The kind you win with in the league.”

Claire leans against the counter now.
Claire: “And the third?”

Toby pauses, the smile creeping back.
Toby: “Drew Joyce.”

Her eyes widen a little.
Claire: “Wait—that Drew Joyce? The kid who you raved about when he was at camp this summer?”

Toby: “That Drew Joyce."

Claire lets out a soft laugh.
Claire: “You buried the lede.”

Toby: “I wanted to ease you in.”
“He’s special, Claire. Wing who can score, pass, defend—he changes things. And he's wanted to be a Saint since before everybody started calling him the Next Big Thing.”

Claire: “So… that’s the good part.”

Toby: “Yeah.”

She studies his face.
Claire: “And the part you’re not saying?”

Toby: “We didn’t get Jalen McBride.”

Claire: “I know that name, too. The number one kid.”

Toby: “The number one kid. He picked Temple. I think that's where he wanted to go all along.”

Claire nods slowly.
Claire: “Disappointed?”

Toby thinks for a second.
Toby: “A little. You always are. But not crushed.”

Claire: “Because?”

Toby: “Because we didn’t miss on everyone. We got three guys I like a lot. And because Drew chose us knowing he’d have to earn it.”

She steps closer, rests a hand on his arm.
Claire: “Sounds like a good class.”

Toby: “It is. It’s not perfect. But it’s honest.”

Claire smiles.
Claire: “You’ve never been afraid of that.”

Toby glances toward the foot of the stairs.
Toby: “No. Just afraid of missing dinner again tomorrow.”

Claire laughs softly.
Claire: “Tomorrow's not Decision Day. I think you'll make it."

They stand there for a moment, the dishwasher humming, November settling in outside, the season—on and off the court—quietly turning.

[MoonlightGraham]

November 11, 2018

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S General

Player # Pos Yr Ht Wt Sch Acd Status Hometown
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colton Reddick 1 SG So 6-1 187 Yes 79 OK Whitehall, NY
Reese Malloy 2 PG So 6-1 183 Yes 82 OK Williamsburg, VA
Ethan Rosenzweig 5 SF So 6-5 211 Yes 99 Unhappy Rosemont, PA
Liam Whitworth 10 PF Jr 6-9 235 Yes 80 OK Elmridge, PA
Jamari Stokes 11 PG Fr 6-1 182 Yes 99 OK Green Bay, WI
John Delk 12 PG Jr 6-2 202 No 79 OK Worcester, MA
Aaron Voelker 14 SG Jr 6-5 213 Yes 97 OK Fond du Lac, WI
Justin Manning 23 C Fr 6-9 229 Yes 86 OK Hockessin, Delaware
Walter Lozano 30 PF Sr* 6-7 255 Yes 94 OK Dix Hills, NY
Mindaugas Kairys 31 C So 7-1 246 Yes 71 OK Vilnius, Lithuania
Darius Kincaid 32 PF Fr 6-9 242 Yes 80 OK Milwaukee, WI
Dominick Eddins 35 C So 7-0 251 No 24 OK Bessemer, PA
Luka Vukovic 55 SG Sr 6-9 238 Yes 74 Unhappy Philadelphia, PA

Toby Whittaker smiled.

"I don't mean to take anything away from any team we've had here," he said. "But I can't remember a group of players who worked harder, as a team, in camp than this year's. The veterans remember losing in the Final Four, and most of them remember winning it all. They want to feel that second set of emotions again. And the first year guys came in ready to work. They want to prove they belong."

The headliner was a man who wanted to get his ring before he moved on to professional basketball. Mindaugas Kairys came out of camp stronger, more skilled, and with a fuller understanding of playing defense the St. Michael's way. Although he had said nothing about his plans, it was almost universally assumed that Mindaugas would enter the draft, and almost as universally assumed that if he did, he would be the first player selected.

The rest of the frontcourt offered an interesting challenge. The two best basketball players available were very similar. Both were true power forwards. Fifth-year senior Walter Lozano was 6'7", 255 pounds, with the muscle that five years of a college strength and conditioning program can build. First-year freshman Darius Kincaid was 6'9", 242 pounds, with natural strength that most 18-year-olds lacked. Toby thought he could employ Walter, who was surprisingly quick for a big dude, at the three. Darius' skill set, which featured rebounding and post defense, could only be employed in the post.

The other option was 6'9" junior Liam Whitworth, who could play both inside and outside. Liam would get plenty of minutes, in any case.

Sophomore Colton Reddick would move into the starting lineup on a regular basis this season. Toby called Colton the team's "most complete player," able to score, handle the ball, and defend three positions at 6'1". Colton would be the focal point of most opposing defenses, in what was widely supposed to be his final collegiate season.

The Saints had two able point guards on the roster. Sophomore Reece Malloy applied himself in camp to the task of becoming a first-class passer, ball-handler, and defender: the roles a Saints point guard must master in order to succeed. So, too, did freshman Jamari Stokes. The plan was to alternate the two players in the starting five, unless one of them seized the job for himself. Again, both would play a lot.

Aaron Voelker returned to reprise his role as an electric scorer off the bench. Toby wouldn't hesitate to start him, either; he was more than a one-dimensional shooter. Ethan Rosenzweig offered some of the same skills.

And then, there was Luka Vukovic. Now a senior, the brooding 6'9" Croatian was certainly better than he had been, but now he was behind guys who had worked harder. He'd get his start on Senior Night, but he'd once been expected to contribute much more than that.

Again, the Saints were ranked #1 in the season's first poll. Temple and St. Bonaventure were also in the Top 25, and everyone expected those three teams to fight for the Mid-Atlantic Conference crown, as had become usual. Toby and the Saints would get their first test in the Preseason NIT, where they might meet St. Mary's in the championship game.

"We're ready," Walter Lozano said. "I want to win it all one more time."

[MoonlightGraham]

December 1, 2018

On paper, Sal Lavin looked impossible to ignore.

Thirty-seven and a half points a night in western Pennsylvania winters. Fifty-eight percent from the floor. Forty-nine percent from three. A 6'4" guard who could dunk any way he wanted to. The East Allegheny High School gym was regularly packed shoulder-to-shoulder, just to watch him warm up. Sal was named a consensus All-American and Pennsylvania’s Mr. Basketball, long before the state tournament tipped off.

And yet, his phone barely rang.

The reason was simple, and nobody liked saying it out loud.

Sal’s SAT score—an 820—followed him everywhere.

College assistants would slip into East Allegheny, sit in the top row, scribble furiously for two quarters, then quietly ask the guidance counselor the same question. What’s his academic profile? When the answer came back, conversations stalled. Calls never followed. Recruiting services hedged their rankings with phrases like “academic risk” and “uncertain eligibility,” code words that mattered more than any step-back three.

Some schools flirted with him unofficially. A few power programs sent texts through third parties. But no one wanted to be the first to offer, to stake a scholarship on a player who might not clear admissions or qualify in time. In a sport built on certainty and timelines, Sal was a question mark—and questions scared people.

St. Michael’s didn’t flinch.

Toby Whittaker watched Sal play his first game of his senior season, a cold Tuesday night that smelled like popcorn and floor wax. Sal scored 41 without forcing a shot, hit seven threes, and spent the fourth quarter waving teammates into better positions. After the game, Toby didn’t ask about points or rankings. He asked the principal about Sal’s work ethic. He asked the counselor how often Sal stayed late. He asked Sal himself what he wanted to study.

“I know I’m behind,” Sal said, not defensive, just honest. “I’m working on it.”

That was enough.

St. Michael’s offered him a scholarship the following week—the only program in the country to do it. Not a conditional promise. Not a “we’ll see.” A real offer, paired with academic support, summer bridge coursework, and a plan that started the day Sal graduated high school.

The reaction around Pennsylvania was disbelief.

“How does no one else offer this kid?” one high school coach asked. Another shrugged and said what everyone knew but rarely admitted: “Most places don’t want to wait.”

On December 1, Sal committed quietly. No hats. No cameras. Just a press release and a photo with his parents in the East Allegheny gym, the banner behind him reading STATE CHAMPIONS in faded blue letters.

Later, Toby would say the same thing every time someone asked why St. Michael’s took the chance.

“Talent gets you noticed,” he said. “Character tells you what to do about it.”

For Sal Lavin, that made all the difference.

[MoonlightGraham]

December 4, 2018

It happened so early that most people in the building didn’t realize it was serious.

The Saints were hosting Amherst. The game was only four minutes old when Mindaugas Kairys reached for a rebound and came down stiff, his face tightening in a way that had nothing to do with contact. He jogged once, twice, then looked to the bench and raised a hand—not dramatic, just matter-of-fact. Toby Whittaker met him at the sideline, leaned in, and heard the words every coach dreads: something’s not right.

In the locker room, the trainers worked quietly while the game went on without him. A sports hernia, they said. No sharp pop, no obvious moment—just pain that wouldn’t loosen, the kind that only gets worse if you pretend it isn’t there. Mindaugas sat on the table, towel around his neck, listening to the crowd through the concrete walls, frustrated more than anything else.

“I could push it,” he offered.

The head trainer shook her head. “Not tonight.”

Back on the floor, St. Michael’s adjusted without fuss. Darius Kincaid slid to the center spot, broad shoulders setting firmer screens, hands steady in traffic. Liam Whitworth heard his name and peeled off his warmups, stepping into the starting lineup like he’d been waiting for the moment. The offense didn’t stall; it breathed differently. More movement. More space. The ball found open shooters, and the lead grew in quiet, relentless increments.

By halftime, the Saints were in control. By the final horn, the scoreboard read 86–59, decisive and almost soothing.

After the game, Mindaugas stood near the tunnel, dressed in his warmups, congratulating teammates as they passed. Darius clapped him on the shoulder. Liam grinned, still catching his breath. There was no panic in the room, no speeches about adversity—just the understanding that this was part of the season, part of the long road.

“We’ll be ready,” Mindaugas said softly to Toby as they walked off together.

Toby nodded. He believed him.

[MoonlightGraham]

December 8, 2018

By the first media timeout, it was already clear Saint Mary’s had picked the wrong night to get into a shooting contest—on their own floor.

Colton Reddick came out loose and fearless in McKeon Pavilion, burying a three from the right wing, then another a possession later from well beyond the arc. The Saint Mary’s crowd buzzed uneasily as the Saints’ guard barely reacted, jogging back on defense with the same calm expression. The Gaels tried to crowd him. He slipped a flare. They switched. He shot over it anyway.

St. Michael’s wasn’t perfect early—Jamari Stokes missed a couple of looks, Darius Kincaid battled for position inside—but the structure held. Kincaid controlled the glass, pulling down rebounds in traffic and kicking the ball back out, extending possessions that kept ending with Reddick’s hands frozen in that familiar follow-through.

Saint Mary’s stayed competitive behind Andrew Cassity, who attacked gaps and hit tough shots to keep the home crowd engaged. But every time the Gaels built a little momentum, Reddick answered. A curl into a pull-up. A catch-and-shoot in transition. A step-back three from the left wing that drew an audible gasp and made Toby Whittaker glance down the Saints’ bench, shaking his head in disbelief.

By halftime, Colton was already flirting with thirty, and St. Michael’s had seized control.

The second half turned into something closer to a road-game showcase. Walter Lozano slashed to the rim and finished through contact, then erased a Saint Mary’s attempt on the other end. Liam Whitworth, playing through foul trouble, carved out space and made the simple plays. Even Luka Vukovic brought energy off the bench—rebounding, running the floor, knocking down a corner three that briefly quieted the building.

And still, it kept coming back to Reddick.

His tenth three was met with stunned silence. The eleventh drew scattered applause from visiting fans tucked behind the Saints’ bench. When the twelfth dropped—this one with a defender draped all over him—the Saint Mary’s crowd could only groan.

Saint Mary’s kept scoring—Cassity finished with 27, Brent Green fought inside—but the outcome was no longer in doubt. The Saints crossed the 100-point mark with time to spare, and when Colton finally checked out, the numbers bordered on surreal: 50 points, 12 threes, on the road. Both marks were Saints records, once held or shared by Saints legend Matt Caruso.

The final horn sounded at 106–85.


In the handshake line, Colton accepted quiet congratulations, nodding, unfazed. Toby pulled him aside briefly near the visiting bench and said something only the two of them heard. Colton cracked a small smile before disappearing into the tunnel.

Some nights are about surviving a hostile environment.

This one was about taking it over—shot by shot, possession by possession—until even the home crowd had to appreciate what they’d just witnessed.

#1 St. Michael's 106, Saint Mary's 85

---------------------------------------------------------
St. Michael's (6-1, 0-0):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Darius Kincaid C 26 2-5 2-2 4 13 2 2 6
Liam Whitworth PF 25 2-2 2-3 0 7 1 5 6
Walter Lozano SF 29 6-8 3-4 3 5 3 3 15
Colton Reddick SG 34 18-22 2-2 2 4 9 1 50
Jamari Stokes PG 34 4-10 2-2 0 0 10 2 10
Reese Malloy PG 6 0-0 0-0 0 2 0 2 0
Aaron Voelker SG 7 1-7 0-1 0 0 0 1 2
Luka Vukovic SF 22 3-6 4-6 3 4 2 1 11
Ethan Rosenzweig SF 10 2-4 0-0 0 2 0 2 5
Justin Manning C 7 0-0 1-2 0 1 0 1 1

Turnovers: 9 (D.Kincaid 1, L.Whitworth 1, W.Lozano 1,
C.Reddick 3, J.Stokes 1, L.Vukovic 1, E.Rosenzweig 1)
Blocked Shots: 8 (W.Lozano 5, C.Reddick 2, L.Vukovic 1)
Steals: 3 (L.Whitworth 1, C.Reddick 1, J.Stokes 1)
3P FGs: 14-32 (C.Reddick 12-16, J.Stokes 0-6, A.Voelker
0-3, L.Vukovic 1-4, E.Rosenzweig 1-3)

Saint Mary's (2-2, 0-0):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Brent Green C 29 7-10 2-5 3 4 0 1 16
George Cary PF 21 0-2 4-4 0 1 1 3 4
Jack Halley SF 24 2-7 2-2 0 0 1 4 7
Andrew Cassity SG 30 9-14 3-4 2 5 3 3 27
Daniel Kendall PG 27 3-7 5-6 1 4 3 2 11
John Steen PG 13 0-2 1-2 0 2 2 0 1
Zachariah Lingo SG 18 2-7 0-0 0 3 1 3 4
Deon Sands PF 28 4-5 5-6 1 3 1 2 15
Frédéric Desceulx SF 8 0-1 0-0 0 1 1 4 0
Tim McElroy SG 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 11 (B.Green 2, J.Halley 2, A.Cassity 2,
D.Kendall 3, D.Sands 1, F.Desceulx 1)
Blocked Shots: 0
Steals: 6 (J.Halley 1, A.Cassity 1, D.Kendall 2,
J.Steen 1, Z.Lingo 1)
3P FGs: 9-21 (J.Halley 1-3, A.Cassity 6-8, J.Steen 0-2,
Z.Lingo 0-4, D.Sands 2-3, F.Desceulx 0-1)

Player of Game: SG Colton Reddick (STMIC)

[MoonlightGraham]

January 7, 2019

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S Schedule

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11/15/18 vs. Northwestern State 6-5 132 W 79-64 1-0
11/17/18 vs. UCLA 5-7 115 W 81-45 2-0
11/24/18 vs. Florida 8-5 61 W 76-62 3-0
11/26/18 vs. #3 Georgetown 13-1 6 L 91-89 3-1
11/30/18 Duke 11-4 54 W 80-65 4-1
12/04/18 Amherst 4-10 264 W 86-59 5-1
12/08/18 at Saint Mary's 8-5 192 W 106-85 6-1
12/12/18 Bates 2-10 250 W 88-49 7-1
12/15/18 Franklin & Marshall 3-11 335 W 106-71 8-1
12/19/18 Cleveland State 8-5 196 W 83-74 9-1
12/22/18 Siena 9-4 44 W 89-67 10-1
12/29/18 Indiana 9-4 17 W 87-74 11-1
01/02/19 Kansas 6-7 129 W 74-64 12-1
01/05/19 at Milwaukee 5-7 88 W 97-64 13-1

Father Rob Grey couldn't help smiling when he was asked about this year's Saints. "I have perfect attendance at our home games," he proudly declared. "I wish I'd gone out to St. Mary's so I could see Colton [Reddick]'s big game, but I've seen some great moments anyway.

“It’s been fun. I don’t think there’s any other way to say it,” Father Rob said, smiling once again. “These guys have played a real schedule, and they’ve handled it like veterans.

“The Georgetown game in the Preseason NIT could’ve gone either way, and instead of sulking about it, they came back sharper. That’s when you know you’ve got a group that listens to each other.”

Just as he did when he counseled students about their lives, the young priest stressed the importance of balance. “You’ve got big personalities, big talent—and nobody’s trying to hijack the thing. Everyone’s bought in. Guys are cheering for each other, whether they’re scoring twenty or playing eight minutes.

“Look, I know people love talking rankings. That’s fine. But what I see every day is a team that shows up, does the work, and still remembers they’re students at a place that expects a lot of them.

“If they keep doing that, the rest tends to take care of itself.”

Father Rob was an amateur expert on college basketball recruiting, and he loved the class who would join the Saints next year. "“What I like about this class is that it feels balanced in the best way. You’ve got real star power, you’ve got guys who understand their roles, and you’ve got young men who actually want to be part of a community, not just pass through it. That matters here.”

He paused, then added in a tone that mixed confidence with perspective.

“There’s no single mold. Drew [Joyce] brings polish, Luke [O'Connor] brings steadiness, Tyler [Grant] brings toughness, and Sal [Lavin] brings a story and a hunger you can’t teach. Together, they don’t just raise the ceiling — they reinforce the foundation. That’s when a program stays healthy.”

And then, almost offhandedly:

“Talent wins games. Fit sustains programs. This group gives us both.”

[MoonlightGraham]

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S Schedule

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
01/08/19 Duquesne 16-15 75 W 79-63 14-1 (1-0)
01/12/19 Penn State 12-19 214 W 89-80 15-1 (2-0)
01/15/19 at #2 Temple 28-4 2 L 76-70 15-2 (2-1)
01/19/19 Pittsburgh 15-16 91 W 88-65 16-2 (3-1)
01/24/19 at Rutgers 8-23 238 W 82-39 17-2 (4-1)
01/27/19 Spokane 6-23 319 W 88-54 18-2
01/31/19 #8 St. Bonaventure 24-8 9 W 79-66 19-2 (5-1)
02/02/19 at La Salle 13-18 104 W 85-69 20-2 (6-1)
02/07/19 Saint Joseph's 18-13 37 W 112-72 21-2 (7-1)
02/09/19 at Duquesne 16-15 75 L 79-75 21-3 (7-2)
02/12/19 at Penn State 12-19 214 W 91-81 22-3 (8-2)
02/16/19 #2 Temple 28-4 2 W 88-43 23-3 (9-2)
02/19/19 at Pittsburgh 15-16 91 W 85-42 24-3 (10-2)
02/23/19 Rutgers 8-23 238 W 68-50 25-3 (11-2)
03/02/19 at #8 St. Bonaventure 24-8 9 L 80-74 25-4 (11-3)
03/05/19 La Salle 13-18 104 W 69-57 26-4 (12-3)
03/09/19 at Saint Joseph's 18-13 37 W 85-73 27-4 (13-3)
03/15/19 vs. Penn State 12-19 214 W 86-72 28-4
03/16/19 vs. Pittsburgh 15-16 91 W 75-58 29-4
03/17/19 vs. #2 Temple 28-4 2 W 80-72 30-4

Maryellen Duffy was the kind of person who felt woven into Elmridge whether you knew her name or not.

She was in her early sixties, with silver creeping into dark hair she kept cut just short enough to stay practical, and she had that easy, conversational warmth that made people linger in her shop longer than they planned. She remembered faces better than names, asked about your kids even if she’d only met them once, and had a dry, observant sense of humor that snuck up on you mid-sentence.

Maryellen ran her gift shop the way some people ran a front porch — open, unhurried, and welcoming. She was deeply proud of Old Town, protective of its rhythms, and quietly loyal to the Saints in a way that didn’t require jerseys or slogans. She didn’t gush, but when she praised something, you knew she meant it.

Mostly, she was steady — the kind of person who had been watching long enough to recognize when something was special, and patient enough not to say it unless she was sure.

“I don’t even look at the records anymore,” she said from behind the counter of her shop in Old Town. “You just assume they’re going to be there at the end. Is that awful? Am I spoiled? What’s different this year is how they’ve done it.”

She leaned in a little, lowering her voice like she was letting you in on a secret.

“They took a couple punches — Temple got them once, St. Bonaventure got them once — and instead of wobbling, they came back sharper. That blowout of Temple at home? That told you everything. They weren’t just winning the league, they were answering it. They demonstrated it in the conference tournament, too.

For Maryellen, who’s followed Saints basketball since before Toby Whittaker was a freshman, the consistency still amazes her.

“Every year it’s a different group, different personalities, and somehow it still feels like the same team. Tough, unflustered, respectful. You watch them on a Tuesday night in January and it feels important. That’s not normal. That’s culture.”

Then she smiled, straightening a rack of navy-and-gold scarves.

“I’ve seen a lot of good seasons. This one? This one feels grown-up.”

[MoonlightGraham]

(7) #25 Rice 77, (2) #1 St. Michael's 66

--------------------------------------------------------
Rice (24-8, 16-2):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Tyrell Pool PF 34 3-8 1-4 5 17 0 2 7
Robert Shrum PF 16 3-4 1-1 2 5 1 4 7
Reno Sauer SF 31 7-10 0-0 0 1 1 4 17
William Pinto SG 34 7-10 4-4 0 4 6 4 20
Hubert Clarke PG 30 7-17 1-1 3 3 2 1 16
Owen Ragland C 23 1-3 2-4 0 1 1 2 4
Nicholas Poteet PF 5 0-0 0-0 0 1 1 0 0
Richard Stevenson SG 23 3-8 0-0 1 5 5 3 6
Chris Price C 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
Jefferey Stahl SF 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 15 (R.Shrum 2, R.Sauer 3, W.Pinto 2,
H.Clarke 2, N.Poteet 1, R.Stevenson 5)
Blocked Shots: 5 (T.Pool 1, O.Ragland 2, N.Poteet 1,
R.Stevenson 1)
Steals: 8 (W.Pinto 3, H.Clarke 3, O.Ragland 1,
R.Stevenson 1)
3P FGs: 6-15 (R.Sauer 3-3, W.Pinto 2-4, H.Clarke 1-5,
R.Stevenson 0-3)

St. Michael's (31-5, 13-3):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Mindaugas Kairys C 33 2-10 4-5 5 11 1 1 8
Darius Kincaid PF 26 0-2 5-6 1 9 0 4 5
Walter Lozano SF 28 8-14 1-2 1 2 1 1 17
Colton Reddick SG 37 6-14 1-1 0 1 4 3 15
Jamari Stokes PG 28 0-5 5-6 1 1 6 1 5
Reese Malloy PG 12 2-4 0-1 1 1 2 1 4
Aaron Voelker SG 3 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 1 0
Liam Whitworth PF 21 3-4 0-2 4 7 0 2 6
Luka Vukovic SF 6 1-4 2-2 0 1 0 1 4
Justin Manning C 5 1-1 0-0 0 1 1 3 2

Turnovers: 13 (M.Kairys 2, D.Kincaid 1, W.Lozano 3,
C.Reddick 3, J.Stokes 2, R.Malloy 1, A.Voelker 1)
Blocked Shots: 5 (M.Kairys 2, D.Kincaid 2, R.Malloy 1)
Steals: 8 (M.Kairys 1, W.Lozano 1, C.Reddick 2,
J.Stokes 1, R.Malloy 2, L.Vukovic 1)
3P FGs: 2-13 (M.Kairys 0-1, W.Lozano 0-1, C.Reddick
2-9, J.Stokes 0-1, L.Vukovic 0-1)

Player of Game: SG William Pinto (RICE)

Toby waited until the room settled. Not silent—just quiet enough that the noise stopped being defensive.

He didn’t raise his voice.

“Take a breath,” he said. “All of you. Look at me.”

He let it hang there a second.

“I know exactly how this feels. You don’t need me to describe it. You think you’re supposed to say something smarter, shoot something cleaner, guard one possession longer—and if you do, the season keeps going.”

He shook his head.

“That’s not how this works.”

He looked around the room, slow, deliberate. No clipboard. No stat sheet.

“We didn’t lose because we didn’t care. We didn’t lose because we weren’t together. We lost to a really good team that played a hell of a game, and they earned it.”

He paused, then continued.

“But don’t confuse this ending with the meaning of what you did.”

A few guys stared at the floor. Toby didn’t rush them.

“This program has mattered for a long time. Long before tonight. Long before this season. And what you did this year didn’t create that standard—it upheld it.”

He leaned in slightly.

“Thirty-one wins. A league title. Another run that people will remember. That’s not something that gets erased because a bracket says ‘second round.’”

His voice dropped.

“For some of you, this is the last time you wear this jersey. And I know how heavy that feels. But if this is the last walk out of a locker room together, you walk out knowing you honored what this place is about.”

He straightened.

“I’m proud of you. Not because it ended the way we wanted—because of how you carried yourselves every day it took to get here.”

A small nod.

“Tonight hurts. Let it. Tomorrow, we remember who we are.”


***

For a few seconds, no one moved.

Colton Reddick broke first. He rubbed his face with both hands, then stared at his locker, jaw tight. He’d been the one taking the tough shots late, the one Rice kept shading toward, and he kept replaying that 2-for-9 line from three in his head. When he finally looked up, his eyes were glassy, but he nodded once—slow, deliberate—as if to say I hear you.

Mindaugas Kairys sat hunched forward, elbows on his knees, jersey half untucked. He flexed his left hand, then the right, like he was still feeling bodies leaning into him. Eleven rebounds. Ten shots. He muttered something in Lithuanian under his breath and shook his head, frustrated more with himself than the loss. Still, when Toby talked about honoring the program, Mindaugas looked up. That part mattered to him. The pros were calling--loudly--just as they were for Colton. But right now, both young men were Saints.

Jamari Stokes leaned back against the lockers, arms crossed, staring at the ceiling. Five points, six assists—numbers that never told the whole story of how much he carried. When Toby mentioned the standard, Jamari let out a quiet breath through his nose. Back home in Wisconsin, he’d grown up watching St. Michael’s matter. Being part of that had always meant something.

Walter Lozano sat perfectly still, hands folded, listening like every word was a final instruction. He swallowed hard when Toby talked about last times in the jersey. For him, it wasn’t abstract. That moment was now.

At the far end, Reese Malloy nudged Luka Vukovic with his knee, not to joke—just to make sure he was okay. Luka nodded back, eyes red, chewing on his mouthguard even though the game was over.

Darius Kincaid stood instead of sitting, towel draped over his shoulders, staring straight at Toby. When the coach said he was proud, Darius dropped his chin and pressed his lips together, fighting it. He wasn’t much for speeches, but that one got through.

No clapping. No speeches back.

Just small gestures—nods, exhales, hands tightening on towels—that said they understood. The season was over. What it meant to wear St. Michael’s across their chest wasn’t.

[MoonlightGraham]

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S TEAM INFO

Current Performance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Team Prestige: 100 Record Vs 1-50: 7-4 Poll Rank: #1
Season Record: 31-5 Record Vs 51-100: 8-1 RPI Rank: #7
Conference Record: 13-3 Record Vs 101-200: 4-0
Home Record: 17-0 Record Vs 200+: 12-0


Team Stats CR NR Opp. Stats CR NR Margin CR NR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points 84.0 1 3 Points 65.8 4 62 Points 18.2 1 1
O.Reb 12.8 2 50 O.Reb 10.5 3 111 O.Reb 2.3 2 45
D.Reb 26.9 3 85 D.Reb 21.1 1 4 D.Reb 5.8 1 2
Rebounds 39.6 2 47 Rebounds 31.6 2 8 Rebounds 8.1 1 3
Assists 22.0 1 1 Assists 14.4 4 267 Assists 7.6 1 1
Steals 6.3 3 104 Steals 4.4 1 6 Steals 1.9 2 30
Blocks 5.9 1 24 Blocks 3.9 4 270 Blocks 2.0 1 33
Turnovers 12.2 2 13 Turnovers 15.7 2 39 Turnovers -3.5 2 13
Fouls 15.5 1 1 Fouls 17.8 5 340 Fouls -2.3 1 37
FG% .493 1 2 FG% .414 2 74 FG% .079 1 5
FT% .786 1 1 FT% .670 1 141 FT% .116 1 1
3P% .384 1 27 3P% .374 7 338 3P% .010 6 133
PPS 1.35 1 6 PPS 1.13 1 25 PPS .222 1 5
Adj. FG% .554 1 2 Adj. FG% .478 5 118 Adj. FG% .076 1 9

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S Averages

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colton Reddick SG 36 36 31.9 20.4 1.2 3.6 5.8 1.8 0.5 2.2 2.4 17.1
Mindaugas Kairys C 25 25 29.9 16.0 2.6 7.6 1.6 0.7 2.5 2.5 1.7 16.6
Darius Kincaid C 36 35 28.9 7.0 2.8 9.7 1.7 0.4 1.2 1.4 2.2 13.5
Walter Lozano SF 36 36 25.6 12.3 2.6 5.5 1.7 0.5 1.5 1.4 2.0 12.5
Liam Whitworth PF 36 11 22.2 6.4 2.0 6.5 1.4 0.5 0.4 1.1 2.3 8.3
Jamari Stokes PG 36 18 19.6 7.0 0.4 1.3 4.5 0.9 0.1 1.0 1.3 9.0
Reese Malloy PG 36 18 19.4 4.8 0.4 1.5 4.1 0.9 0.1 1.2 1.5 9.5
Luka Vukovic SF 36 1 12.6 5.9 0.9 3.1 0.9 0.3 0.3 0.7 1.1 5.6
Aaron Voelker SG 36 0 10.2 6.2 0.3 1.2 0.6 0.2 0.1 0.9 0.6 1.1
Ethan Rosenzweig SF 21 0 6.4 3.2 0.3 1.7 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.6 0.8 3.8
Justin Manning C 34 0 5.8 1.3 0.3 1.1 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.3 0.6 -0.1
Dominick Eddins C 1 0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S Totals

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colton Reddick SG 36 36 1148 733 43 128 207 65 17 78 85 614
Mindaugas Kairys C 25 25 747 401 64 191 39 18 62 62 43 416
Darius Kincaid C 36 35 1040 251 102 348 62 15 44 49 78 485
Walter Lozano SF 36 36 922 441 92 199 62 17 55 50 71 450
Liam Whitworth PF 36 11 800 229 71 235 49 18 14 41 84 300
Jamari Stokes PG 36 18 705 251 15 46 162 34 4 36 46 325
Reese Malloy PG 36 18 700 172 14 53 146 34 2 43 54 343
Luka Vukovic SF 36 1 453 212 32 112 34 12 9 25 41 202
Aaron Voelker SG 36 0 366 224 10 42 22 8 3 33 20 41
Ethan Rosenzweig SF 21 0 135 68 7 35 3 3 1 13 17 80
Justin Manning C 34 0 198 43 10 38 6 3 1 9 20 -3
Dominick Eddins C 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S Shooting

Player Pos Fgm Fga Fg% Ftm Fta Ft% 3pm 3pa 3p% PPS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colton Reddick SG 256 508 .504 77 96 .802 144 336 .429 1.44
Mindaugas Kairys C 148 282 .525 105 117 .897 0 2 .000 1.42
Darius Kincaid C 92 207 .444 67 94 .713 0 0 .000 1.21
Walter Lozano SF 189 356 .531 63 98 .643 0 4 .000 1.24
Liam Whitworth PF 85 180 .472 55 72 .764 4 8 .500 1.27
Jamari Stokes PG 82 156 .526 59 69 .855 28 76 .368 1.61
Reese Malloy PG 63 137 .460 28 34 .824 18 64 .281 1.26
Luka Vukovic SF 75 150 .500 32 38 .842 30 74 .405 1.41
Aaron Voelker SG 77 183 .421 28 29 .966 42 122 .344 1.22
Ethan Rosenzweig SF 21 49 .429 18 25 .720 8 24 .333 1.39
Justin Manning C 16 33 .485 8 15 .533 3 11 .273 1.30
Dominick Eddins C 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0.00

Toby's scouting specialist, Cyril Caulfield, didn’t start with the record or the ranking. He never did. He went straight to the margins.

“This,” he said, tapping the rebounding and efficiency columns with a pen, “is grown-up basketball.”

He pointed first to the team stats.
“Eighteen points a night. That’s not noise—that’s control. You don’t luck into being first nationally in scoring margin, rebounding margin, assists margin. That’s a team that dictates terms. They decided how games were played.”

What jumped out most to him was the balance between volume and efficiency.
“You score 84 a game and still shoot nearly fifty percent? That tells me the ball isn’t sticking. That tells me guys are taking good shots, not just shots.”

He lingered on the assists.
“Twenty-two a night. Best in the country. And look—two point guards, both near four or five assists, neither hijacking the offense. That’s trust. That’s structure.”

When he got to the individual numbers, Cyril smiled in that quiet, satisfied way he had.

“Colton Reddick,” he said, “is exactly what every scout hopes a star guard becomes. Usage, efficiency, playmaking—all three. Forty-three percent from three on that kind of volume? That’s not streaky. That’s real.”

He nodded at Mindaugas Kairys’ line.
“Sixteen and eight with elite rim protection in under thirty minutes. You don’t need to run offense through him for him to change games. He changes them just by standing there.”

Darius Kincaid’s totals earned a longer pause.
“Look at the rebounds. Look at the fouls drawn. That’s a big man who makes you uncomfortable every possession. He may only score seven a game, but he costs opponents more than that.”

What impressed him most, though, was the depth.

“Eight, nine guys averaging meaningful minutes. Everyone positive plus-minus except one reserve center. That tells you the floor never drops out. No panic lineups. No weak links.”

Finally, Cyril leaned back.

“You know what this says to me?” he said. “This isn’t a team that peaked. This is a program operating at a standard. These numbers aren’t flashy—they’re repeatable. No matter how the season ended, it was still special.”

He capped his pen and added, almost as an afterthought:

“And the scary part? You could run this season again and the results wouldn’t surprise me one bit.”

[MoonlightGraham]

April 8, 2019

2018 OVERALL AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

SO SG Colton Reddick St. Michael's 20.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 5.8 APG 1.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR SF Harold Fitzgerald Marquette 12.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.2 APG 1.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Enoch Evangelista Gonzaga 30 - 4 (12 - 2)

All-league 1st Team:
C SR Winston Keel Wagner 20.6 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.8 BPG
PF SR David Deluna Duke 13.3 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.6 SPG, 2.6 BPG
SF JR Lyle Dooley Georgia Tech 18.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SG SO Colton Reddick St. Michael's 20.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
PG JR Gary Frisch Illinois-Chicago 16.7 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 7.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C SR Rufus Thaxton Ball State 17.0 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.3 SPG, 3.1 BPG
PF JR Shaun Merkle Wagner 18.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 3.0 BPG
SF JR John Baier Northeastern 18.1 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.4 BPG
SG SR Forest Summers Georgetown 22.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PG JR James Johnson Memphis 12.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 6.0 APG, 2.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-league 3rd Team:
C SO Mindaugas Kairys St. Michael's 16.0 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.5 BPG
PF SR Gregory Curtis Illinois 7.2 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, 5.4 BPG
SF SO Thomas Bow Memphis 19.9 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SG SR Ernest Castillo Mississippi 22.8 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG SR Colin Smithson Creighton 17.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 5.1 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Darius Kincaid St. Michael's 7.0 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.4 SPG, 1.2 BPG
PF FR Kevin McClellan Villanova 10.0 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.4 SPG, 1.1 BPG
SF FR Harold Fitzgerald Marquette 12.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SG FR James Feldman Boston College 18.3 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG FR Andrew Joshua Kentucky 10.7 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG


What a season for Colton Reddick! He became the Saints' second national Player of the Year, joining Matt Caruso. Colton was second in the Mid-Atlantic Conference in both scoring and assists...and he wasn't the team's point guard.

Mindaugas Kairys and Darius Kincaid joined him on the All-American lists.

As expected, Colton and Mindaugas declared their intention to leave St. Michael's and enter the professional draft. They'll both be in the Green Room on Draft Night.

2018 MID-ATLANTIC AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

SO SG Colton Reddick St. Michael's 20.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 5.8 APG 1.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR C Darius Kincaid St. Michael's 7.0 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 1.7 APG 0.4 SPG, 1.2 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Michael Hall Temple 32 - 5 (13 - 3)

All-league 1st Team:
C SO Mindaugas Kairys St. Michael's 16.0 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.5 BPG
PF SO Mason Tolver Temple 14.4 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.5 BPG
SF JR Clinton Rucker St. Bonaventure 13.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SG SO Colton Reddick St. Michael's 20.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
PG SO Kendrick Hargrove Temple 8.5 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C SR Frederick Holifield Saint Joseph's 13.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.8 BPG
PF SO Douglas Elgin Duquesne 12.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.7 BPG
SF SR Walter Lozano St. Michael's 12.3 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.5 BPG
SG JR Tate Crenshaw La Salle 21.9 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG JR Tanner Haviland Duquesne 12.2 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Darius Kincaid St. Michael's 7.0 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.4 SPG, 1.2 BPG
PF FR Willian Judy Saint Joseph's 2.1 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 0.2 APG, 0.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SF FR Charles McNiel Temple 5.8 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SG FR Hupprecht Gilcher Duquesne 1.8 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.0 BPG
PG FR Jamari Stokes St. Michael's 7.0 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 4.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Lots of Saints received All-Mid-Atlantic honors, too. All five starters (Jamari split the starting role with Reese Malloy) were honored in some way.

Colton was second in the conference in scoring, and Darius was the top rebounder. Colton, Jamari, and Reese were all in the top five in assists.

[MoonlightGraham]

April 13, 2019

The thirteenth turned out to be lucky for Mindaugas Kairys and Colton Reddick. Mindaugas became the first Saints player honored with the first pick in the professional draft. Colton didn't have to wait much longer; he was chosen at #9. Mindaugas' rookie contract paid him nearly $20 million, while Colton's was worth just under $13 million.

Thirteen two-and-through players were drafted before anyone who elected to stay in college for four years.

2018 Draft Results

# Pos Name Ht Yr Team
--------------------------------------------------------------
1. C Mindaugas Kairys 7-1 So St. Michael's
2. SF Thomas Bow 6-6 So Memphis
3. SG Whitney Kirschner 6-3 So St. Bonaventure
4. SG George Elliott 6-7 So Kentucky
5. SG Emmitt Robertson 6-2 So San Francisco
6. SG Joshua Coombs 6-5 So Houston
7. SF Jerry Fox 6-7 So Pepperdine
8. SG Jalen Raeford 6-5 So North Carolina State
9. SG Colton Reddick 6-1 So St. Michael's
10. SG James Marriott 6-3 So Florida
11. PF Darell Bourgeois 6-9 So Delaware State
12. PG James Lueck 7-0 So Memphis
13. C Donovan Blakeney 6-9 So North Carolina
14. SF Chris Cave 7-0 Sr Arkansas
15. PF Mason Tolver 6-9 So Temple

2018 Recruiting Rankings

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Georgetown Big East PG Eugene Fish ***** 2 1 1 0 0
2. Notre Dame Great Lakes PG Michael Heiser ***** 1 3 0 0 0
3. St. Michael's Mid-Atlantic SF Drew Joyce ***** 2 0 2 0 0
4. UTEP Southwest PF Estéban Pastor ***** 1 2 1 0 0
5. Saint Louis Conference USA PG Forest Lang ***** 2 1 0 0 0
6. Tulane Conference USA SG Richard Hines ***** 1 1 2 0 0
7. Pepperdine WCC PF Andrew Caudill **** 0 4 0 0 0
8. Saint Mary's WCC SG Claude Cawley **** 0 3 1 0 0
9. Saint Joseph's Mid-Atlantic PG Joseph Agnew ***** 1 2 1 0 0
10. Auburn SEC SF Rudy Sanchez **** 0 2 2 0 0
11. St. John's Big East SF Isaiah Brooks **** 0 3 1 0 0
12. East Carolina Conference USA PF William Burdick ***** 1 2 0 0 0
13. Tennessee SEC SF Daniel Tillett ***** 1 2 0 0 0
14. Charlotte Blue Ridge PF Emery Hibbert **** 0 3 0 0 0
15. Temple Mid-Atlantic PF Jalen McBride ***** 1 0 1 0 0
16. Utah Mountain West C John Santana **** 0 3 1 0 0
17. Richmond Blue Ridge SF Jerry Drennan ***** 1 0 2 0 0
18. Louisiana State SEC SF Donnie Carlisle ***** 1 1 3 0 0
19. Minnesota Big Ten SG Antonia Knudson **** 0 1 2 0 0
20. Marshall Blue Ridge PG Delbert Paugh **** 0 2 2 0 0

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. St. Michael's Mid-Atlantic SF Drew Joyce ***** 2 0 2 0 0
9. Saint Joseph's Mid-Atlantic PG Joseph Agnew ***** 1 2 1 0 0
15. Temple Mid-Atlantic PF Jalen McBride ***** 1 0 1 0 0
31. La Salle Mid-Atlantic SG William Hight **** 0 1 2 0 0
45. Rutgers Mid-Atlantic SF Manuel Williams **** 0 1 2 0 0
57. Duquesne Mid-Atlantic C Edgar Appling ***** 1 0 0 0 0
71. St. Bonaventure Mid-Atlantic PG Chris Bennett **** 0 1 0 0 0
207. Pittsburgh Mid-Atlantic C Bo Brooks *** 0 0 1 0 0
216. Penn State Mid-Atlantic PF Edward McDaniel *** 0 0 2 0 0

Five-stars Drew Joyce and Sal Lavin headlined another strong recruiting class for the Saints. Both of them will need some refinement before they're ready for action in the Mid-Atlantic Conference. Perhaps a strong training camp will start them on their way.

Luke O'Connor and, especially, Tyler Grant will require exquisite patience.

Defending national champions Charlotte brought in a strong class...better than that of the blue-blooded national runner-up, North Carolina.

[MoonlightGraham]

May 1, 2019

I suppose a 45-year-old coach still qualifies as a "young coach," even if he's setting his sights on 400 career wins and can choose which of his two NCAA championship rings he'd like to wear each day. Toby Whittaker's career was now acquiring the weight that had people talking about him as a future Hall of Famer.

He was surprised to discover that he led all active coaches with 10 conference championships. "“Look, I’ve been lucky," he said. "I’ve been in the same place, with the same support, for a long time. You don’t win conference titles without players who buy in and assistants who tell you when you’re wrong. And I’ve had both, year after year.”

Toby would need to replace one of those assistants again this spring. Young recruiting whiz Ethan Pearson was hired as Drexel's new head coach. "Ethan's ready," Toby said. "I hate to lose him, but I'm delighted to see him get a chance to run his own program." Toby thought about the fact that Ethan was about the same age he'd been when he got the job at St. Michael's.

Coach Pearson's replacement brought a different career story with him. Olen Hargrove was 65 years old. His oldest child was seven years older than Ethan Pearson. Coach Hargrove had made many stops along his coaching journey, working as a lead recruiter and, for eleven years, as a head coach at UC Santa Barbara and Southeast Missouri State.

Coach Hargrove had limited success in this role, posting a 153-185 record. However, his skills as a recruiter were first-rate. His warm nature endeared him to players and their families alike. "I'd be the first one to tell you I don't always identify the best possible recruits myself, but if you point me at a target, I'll get the job done." Toby trusted his ability to spot the target, along with those of his other assistants, enough to bring the avuncular Olen Hargrove in as the closer.

Toby leveled up again at the end of last season. He's now at Level 12. His Recruiting score is maxed out at 100; he rates 85 for Coaching Offense and Coaching Defense, and he has a 70 for Scouting.

[MoonlightGraham]

Spring 2019

As the 2020s dawned, The Pavilion approached its centennial. No living alumnus, and almost no Elmridge resident, remembered its construction, and the Saints sports information department couldn't find anyone who attended the first game played there, in November 1932. The Pavilion was intimate and charming. Every game brought a complete sellout--an announced crowd of 4338--and that had been the case for forty years.

And The Pavilion gave a unique feel to Saints basketball. Fans felt close to the court, and players often talked about the energy it produced on big nights. That “old-school” quality was part of St. Michael’s identity, and no one wanted to lose it.

But success changed expectations. With the team ranked #1, dominating against top-100 and even top-50 opponents, and drawing attention from national recruits and media, questions began to come up about capacity and amenities — things like expanded locker rooms, upgraded training facilities, and fan spaces that more closely matched a top-tier program.

The conversations that followed included multiple stakeholders. Alumni groups, boosters, and school leadership informally discussed feasibility studies. The talk wasn’t just about bigger but about better — spaces that supported recruiting, strength and conditioning, player recovery, and fan experience, while preserving the charm that made The Pavilion special.

The focus wasn't on rushing into construction. There was a clear desire to do it right: assessing whether to expand the current Pavilion footprint, add a new practice facility adjacent to it, or build a separate performance center while keeping the historic stadium intact.

In short, people around the program and town acknowledged that St. Michael’s success — reflected in both the team’s win-loss record and statistical dominance — had put real pressure on the old facility. But the prevailing attitude among leadership and longtime fans was to plan thoughtfully, not react impulsively — so any upgrade honored the history while preparing for the future.

[MoonlightGraham]

The Pavilion Project (Working Name)

Internally, people didn’t call it “a new arena.” That language alone made longtime donors flinch. Instead, administrators and boosters referred to it as The Pavilion Project—a future-facing plan built around the idea that the building didn’t need to be replaced, only supported.

1. The Pavilion Itself: Preserve, Don’t Replace

Capacity:

Current: 4338
Proposed: 5,800–6,200, achieved through:
Modestly steepened seating on the baselines
A small upper wrap on one sideline only


The goal wasn’t to chase 10,000 seats. Everyone agreed that intimacy was the Pavilion’s greatest weapon. Opposing teams felt the crowd. Players heard everything.

What wouldn’t change:

The low ceiling
The tight sightlines
The student section behind the Saints’ bench
The old sandstone exterior and arched entrances


As one trustee put it:
“If it ever starts to feel neutral, we’ve failed.”


2. The Saints Basketball Performance Center (New Build)

Rather than cramming everything into the Pavilion, the boldest part of the plan was a separate, adjacent basketball-only facility, connected by a glass corridor.

Key features:
Practice Gym

One full court, one half court
Replicates Pavilion lighting, floor color, and rims
Balcony seating for recruits and coaches’ families


Strength & Conditioning

Basketball-specific weight room
Emphasis on mobility, recovery, and durability—not bulk
Data-tracking stations quietly added, never advertised


Player Recovery & Sports Science

Hydrotherapy pools
Cold tubs and soft-tissue rooms
Sleep and nutrition monitoring spaces (kept discreet—no “pro lab” vibe)


Locker Room (Game-Day + Daily)

Enlarged lockers with nameplates that stayed for a full four years


A quote from legendary Saints coach Fr. James Reilly, etched above the entrance:
“You don’t rent this place. You earn it.”


3. Recruiting Without Flash

St. Michael’s leadership was adamant: no waterfalls, no neon, no NBA cosplay.

Recruiting spaces were designed to feel:

Calm
Confident
A little understated


Film Room

Tiered seating, leather chairs
Walls lined with framed black-and-white photos from past Saints teams
Touchscreens hidden behind wood paneling


Coaches’ Offices

Glass fronts, visible to players
Toby Whittaker’s office intentionally modest—smaller than the assistants’
Cyril Caulfield reportedly pushed hardest for this:“If the building sells us, the program’s already slipping.”



4. Fan & Alumni Additions

Heritage Hall

A concourse-level space connecting Pavilion history to the present
Conference trophies displayed chronologically
Names of former captains etched into stone panels

Alumni Lounge

Overlooks the practice court, not the game floor
Designed as a reminder that the work matters more than the applause


Media & Broadcast

Expanded press row
Dedicated radio booth (finally permanent)
ESPN-ready camera positions, installed quietly



5. The Philosophy Behind It All

The project wasn’t framed as a reward for winning—but as an obligation created by it.

The guiding line, repeated in meetings, came from Toby himself:
“If we say this place is about doing things the right way, the building has to do that too.”

So the Pavilion would stay the emotional center.
The new center would handle the work.
And together, they’d let St. Michael’s grow without ever feeling like it sold something to get there.

[MoonlightGraham]

What did St. Michael's alumni and the people of Elmridge think of The Pavilion Project?


Alumni

Among St. Michael's grads, the dominant feeling wasn’t excitement—it was relief.

They had spent years bracing for the day the school would “sell out,” and when the details of The Pavilion Project finally became clear, most of them exhaled.

Older alumni (especially those who remembered wooden bleachers and cold January nights) liked that The Pavilion stayed The Pavilion. To them, preserving the bowl, the sightlines, and the sound mattered more than luxury.

Many appreciated that the big investment would go into the performance center, not a flashy new arena. That felt like alignment to the College's values: players work better, fans keep their place.

There was quiet pride in the restraint. Thomas Rivera, an active donor from the Class of 1987, put it best: “Any school can build bigger. Not everyone knows when not to.”

Some still grumbled about money—there’s always a group that would rather see dollars go to scholarships or theology buildings—but even they tended to admit the project was thoughtful, not indulgent.

Sister Anne O’Leary ’78, who played women’s basketball for the Saints before the program was fully funded, wrote a widely shared letter to the alumni association.

She emphasized continuity: “Buildings age. Traditions don’t—unless you stop caring for them.”


Townspeople

Elmridge’s reaction was more emotional—and more personal.

The Pavilion wasn’t just where St. Michael’s played. It was where high school tournaments were held, where snowstorm games became folklore, where people ran into neighbors they hadn’t seen in years.

So when rumors first spread, townspeople were wary. Once it became clear The Pavilion wasn’t being torn down, sentiment shifted fast.

Local business owners liked the idea of better facilities without the chaos of a 10,000-seat arena swallowing Old Town. Longtime residents appreciated that parking, traffic, and noise wouldn’t fundamentally change. People took pride in the idea that Elmridge could host a national powerhouse without losing its scale.

Maryellen Duffy summed up a lot of it when she said, “It doesn't sound like they're trying to turn us into somewhere else.”

[MoonlightGraham]

Whenever The Pavilion Project came up—press conferences, alumni events, booster luncheons—Toby Whittaker stayed firmly on-message.

He framed The Pavilion Project as stewardship, not expansion.

“We’re not chasing capacity or headlines. We’re taking care of a place that’s taken care of us for a long time.”

He was careful to praise the past before acknowledging the future. He talked about the building like it was a teammate—aging, reliable, deserving of investment.

“The Pavilion doesn’t need to be bigger to be loud. It needs to be healthy.”

When asked whether the program had outgrown the arena, he shut that down quickly.

“If you can’t win in five thousand seats, you’re not going to be saved by ten.”

That line got quoted a lot around the conference.

***

Behind closed doors—mostly with Claire, occasionally with his assistant coaches—Toby was far more honest about why the project mattered.

He admitted that the old setup was starting to cost them at the margins.

Recruiting visits ran long because there wasn’t enough space to host families properly.

Recovery, film, and practice flow were harder than they needed to be.

He worried about asking players to grind through modern seasons with dated infrastructure.

At one point, he told Claire:

“I don’t want us to be the place kids love on game night but survive the rest of the week.”

He also acknowledged something he’d never say out loud: that the project was partly about protecting the program after him.

“If I walk away in twenty years and the next guy’s fighting the building instead of the league, that’s on me.”

There was even a flicker of vulnerability.

He wondered aloud whether success had finally made the program fragile—whether one wrong decision could break what had been carefully built.

But he always came back to the same conclusion:

“This isn’t us changing. It’s us making sure we don’t have to.”

In typical Toby fashion, he didn’t see The Pavilion Project as a legacy move.

He saw it as insurance.

[MoonlightGraham]

The Whittaker Kids: August 2019
Nora

By 17, Nora’s life had settled into a rhythm that felt fuller and more self-directed than it did at fifteen—less “the coach’s kid,” more her own person.

At school, she was one of those quiet fixtures everyone seemed to recognize. Still running—cross country in the fall, track in the spring—but now more for balance than trophies. She wasn’t the loud leader on the team, but she was the one younger runners gravitated toward on bus rides, the one who remembered birthdays and injuries.

Academically, English and history were still her anchor subjects. She had become editor-in-chief of the literary magazine, a role that fit her perfectly: thoughtful, meticulous, protective of other people’s voices. She wrote less poetry than she used to and more personal essays—pieces about growing up around gyms, about empty campuses late at night, about how silence could feel earned instead of lonely.

She stayed in Chorale, too, though it competed more with her schedule now. Singing had become something she guarded. It was one of the few things in her life that didn’t belong to St. Michael’s basketball in any way.

Teachers described her as serious without being intense, the kind of student who asked questions after class rather than during it.

Outside of school, Nora spent a lot of time downtown—the Cloister Cafe, the Elm & Ink bookshop, long walks with earbuds in. She volunteered once a week at the local historical society, helping digitize old town records, which amused her parents more than she let on.

At home, she was closer to Toby than she had been at fifteen, but in a different way. Less hero-worship, more conversation. They talked about books, about pressure, about how public success didn’t always line up with private peace. Claire remained her emotional north star—the person Nora called on when she needed to talk something through before it hardened into anxiety.

She wasn’t loud about college, but it hovered in the background of everything. Her grades and test scores were extremely good--Claire's and Toby's had been, too--so her college counselor encouraged her to aim high.

Where she’ll apply reflected her interests more than her family’s fame:


Williams and Amherst — for the writing, the small classes, and the idea of being known.
Swarthmore — history, archives, the seriousness of it.
Georgetown — where she imagined studying history and writing while being close to real-world politics.
Brown — for the open curriculum and the permission to change her mind.
St. Michael’s, quietly and without much comment. Not as a default—but as an option she wanted to choose on her own terms.


She hadn’t decided yet whether she wanted to run in college. She liked that uncertainty. It felt honest.

What people around her noticed most was that Nora seemed comfortable being in-between things—between childhood and adulthood, between tradition and independence. She wasn’t in a rush to define herself, and somehow that made her feel older than most seniors already.

[MoonlightGraham]

The Whittaker Kids: August 2019
Grace


By the time Grace was heading into 10th grade, she had very much arrived at St. Michael’s College School on her own terms—and loudly, as expected.

At school, she was impossible to miss. Still more colorful than Nora, still quicker to laugh, still willing to raise her hand when others hesitated. Any lingering “you’re Toby Whittaker’s daughter” energy had mostly burned off by now; people knew Grace as Grace, which mattered to her more than she’d admit.

Soccer was still the center of her athletic life. She played varsity as a freshman and didn’t apologize for being competitive. She loved the physicality, the pace, the way the game let her burn off stress. Coaches described her as fearless and occasionally stubborn—a midfielder who didn’t always see the safe pass because she believed she could make the harder one work.

Academically, math remained her strongest suit. Geometry and Algebra II came easily, and she had started helping classmates without even realizing she was doing it. There was quiet talk among teachers about advanced math tracks or even APs earlier than usual. She liked the certainty of numbers—the way problems had answers, even if they took time to find.

The surprise, even to herself, was theater.

She had auditioned for a play in eighth grade—and she’d loved it. By sophomore year, she wasn’t a star, but she was committed. Rehearsals ran late, scripts were marked to death, and she discovered that being on stage scratched the same itch soccer did: focus, adrenaline, teamwork. It also gave her permission to be dramatic in a way that felt productive instead of chaotic.

Outside of school, Grace’s life was busy and loud and full. She bounced between practices, rehearsals, friends’ houses, and impromptu trips into town. She and Nora were close in a way that surprised both of them—less rivalry now, more shared jokes, borrowed clothes, and late-night talks that started sarcastic and ended sincere.

At home, Grace was the one who argued with Toby the most—and made up with him the fastest. Their debates were half-serious, half-performative, often about sports, fairness, or why something should be allowed. Claire was the steady presence she returned to when emotions ran hot, the person who helped her slow down without dimming her energy.

Grace hadn’t started thinking seriously about college yet, but she did talk—about someday playing soccer in college, about doing something “that uses math but isn’t boring,” about maybe majoring in something practical and minoring in something fun. Unlike Nora, she didn’t feel the need to plan quietly. She liked saying possibilities out loud.

What defined Grace most at this stage was momentum. She was learning how to channel her volume instead of shrinking it—how to be intense without being overwhelming, confident without being careless. Going into 10th grade, she felt like she was finally standing at the center of her own life, not orbiting anyone else’s.

[MoonlightGraham]

The Whittaker Kids: August 2019
Eli

By the time Eli turned 13 and started looking ahead to eighth grade at St. Aloysius, he was in that in-between phase where childhood hadn’t quite let go, but adolescence was clearly knocking.

At school, Eli was still tall—now unmistakably so—and had begun to grow into his body. He wasn’t clumsy anymore, just restless. Teachers described him as engaged but kinetic: the kid who leaned forward in his chair, tapped his pencil, and asked good questions a beat before others had finished processing the lesson.

Science was still his anchor. Labs, demonstrations, anything involving building, testing, or figuring out how things worked pulled him in completely. He loved projects that let him touch and tinker, and he had a reputation for improving assignments—adding extra steps, extra data, extra flair—because curiosity got the better of him. Math was solid, English was fine (though he preferred reading nonfiction), and history held his interest when it focused on cause-and-effect instead of dates.

The mischief was still there, but it had matured. Less impulsive now, more playful than disruptive. Eli knew exactly how far he could push before a teacher gave him the look, and he almost always pulled back in time. He was well-liked—by teachers who trusted his intentions and classmates who appreciated his humor.

Athletically, basketball was becoming more serious. He played for the school team and a local AAU program, not because anyone pushed him, but because he genuinely loved the game. At 5'10", he could play any position; his size made him effective near the basket, while he also possessed a playmaker's vision and handle. Practices were the highlight of his day. He watched film with Toby sometimes—not obsessively, not reverently, but with curiosity—and asked questions about spacing, timing, and why certain plays worked. Soccer and track were still in the mix, mostly for fun and conditioning, but basketball was clearly his thing.

Outside of school, Eli’s life revolved around motion. He was rarely still. If he wasn’t outside shooting baskets, he was building something, taking something apart, or pestering Grace until she chased him out of her room. He and Nora had a quieter bond—less teasing, more shared space—often sitting in the same room doing entirely different things, comfortable in silence.

At home, Eli was the peacemaker in his own way. He didn’t argue like Grace or internalize like Nora. When tensions rose, he defused them with humor or by changing the subject. Toby saw flashes of himself in Eli—not just athletically, but in the way he needed movement to think. Claire noticed how sensitive he was beneath the energy, especially when he felt he’d disappointed someone.

Eli hadn’t started thinking seriously about high school yet, but he felt it coming. He enjoyed this stage of life—no longer a baby, not yet burdened with the expectations placed on the older ones. Rising eighth grade felt important to him, even if he couldn’t quite articulate why.

What defined Eli at 13 was momentum with direction. He was learning how to aim his energy instead of just releasing it—how curiosity, discipline, and joy could all exist at once. He wasn’t trying to be his father, or his sisters. He was beginning, quietly and steadily, to figure out how to be himself.

[MoonlightGraham]

November 10, 2019

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S General

Player # Pos Yr Ht Wt Sch Acd Status Hometown
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reese Malloy 2 PG Jr 6-1 185 Yes 82 OK Williamsburg, VA
Drew Joyce 4 SF Fr 6-7 223 Yes 97 OK Radnor, PA
Ethan Rosenzweig 5 SF Jr 6-5 214 Yes 99 Unhappy Rosemont, PA
Liam Whitworth 10 PF Sr 6-9 235 Yes 80 OK Elmridge, PA
Jamari Stokes 11 PG So 6-1 186 Yes 99 OK Green Bay, WI
Aaron Voelker 14 SG Sr 6-6 218 Yes 97 OK Fond du Lac, WI
Sal Lavin 20 SG Fr 6-4 186 Yes 51 OK North Versailles, PA
Rolland Faris 22 SF Fr 6-5 195 No 66 OK Excelsior Springs, MO
Justin Manning 23 C So 6-9 232 Yes 86 OK Hockessin, Delaware
Luke O'Connor 25 PG Fr 6-1 195 Yes 93 OK Wimington, DE
Felix Sauter 31 PF Fr* 6-7 218 Yes 71 Redshirt Cambridge City, IN
Darius Kincaid 32 C So 6-9 247 Yes 80 OK Milwaukee, WI
Tyler Grant 33 C Fr 6-10 237 Yes 77 OK Philadelphia, PA
Jon Hunt 53 PF Fr 6-9 207 No 45 OK Marshall, MI

The autumn of 2019 was as beautiful as anyone in Elmridge could remember. The foliage was brilliant; the weather was crisp and invigorating. Ground had been broken for the first phase of The Pavilion Project, and the framework of the Performance Center had gone up already. Fans said, "Looks like a practice building," because that's exactly what it was.

Fall training took place in the lovely old gym, as always. And it went well.

Toby's team would return only two starters from last season. Gone were senior Walter Lozano and two-and-through stars Mindaugas Kairys and Colton Reddick. The latter two were already important players on their pro teams, while Lozano had recently signed with a team in Italy.

One of the returners was big man Darius Kincaid. Not content with leading the conference in rebounding as a freshman, Big D came to campus with a blue-collar attitude that stars sometimes lacked. He pursued every loose ball as if it were the most precious thing in the world. "If there's a better rebounder in the country, I don't know who he is," assistant Mark Graham stated.

Darius would play center, with center Liam Whitworth starting at the four. Liam was a St. Michael's "lifer" who started at St. Aloysius as a four-year-old, continued at the College School, and was about to get his St. Michael's degree. Liam had developed into an all-purpose big man, a strong defender with a sneaky-good offensive game.

Patience had paid off for Ethan Rosenzweig, too. Now a junior, Ethan would open the season as a starter on the wing. His shooting ability had never been questioned; now he was playing the kind of defense that Toby required of his wings.

Playing alongside him on the perimeter would be another senior, Aaron Voelker. Aaron had suffered through a season-long shooting slump in 2018/19, but Saints Nation remembered how he'd helped fire the Saints to the national championship his freshman year. His head coach marveled at his shooting ability. "He's the real deal," Toby said. "I remember when people wondered if Aaron was a better shooter than I am. Nobody wonders now. He's better on his worst days than I was on my best."

Both point guards from last year's team were still available. Jamari Stokes and Reese Malloy had split the position evenly the year before, starting the same number of games and playing almost exactly the same number of minutes. Both guards were top-tier ballhandlers and passers, and both played lock-down defense. But this year, sophomore Jamari was given the starting role.

Reese, a junior, had no problem with this decision. "I talked to Coach about it myself," he admitted. "Jamari takes his game to another level when he starts. I get it. He's started for every team he's ever played for. I'm comfortable coming off the bench. I can watch what's going on, watch how the other team defends, what they're trying to do offensively. Then I come into the game with a plan." Perhaps the thought that Jamari would almost certainly enter the draft at the end of the year affected Reese's mindset. The position would be his to lose if he came back for his senior season.

Sophomore Justin Manning would be the first big man off the bench. Rebounding and defense were his strong suits. Highly-touted freshman wing Drew Joyce would inherit the Voelker role, providing instant offense. Fellow freshmen Luke O'Connor, Tyler Grant, and Sal Lavin were a little less ready for college ball, and would compete for time in the rotation. There was some thought of redshirting O'Connor and/or Grant.

Also on the roster was transfer Felix Sauter. The 6'8" forward from Indiana spent a year at Xavier without seeing the court. A three-star recruit coming out of high school, Felix brought with him a talent for rebounding, shot blocking, defense, and enough offense to make opponents guard him. He projected as a valuable squad player for the Saints.

The Saints opened the season as the nation's top-ranked team, the unanimous choice in the polls. "I think we could be that good," coach Olen Hargrove admitted. "It's nice to be ranked now, but what truly matters is what happens in March."

Last March, the Saints went home earlier than usual, failing to advance from the tournament's first weekend. This year's team was determined to write a different ending.

[MoonlightGraham]

December 1, 2019

Toby Whittaker preferred to complete the Saints' recruiting season before the calendar turned to the new year. That allowed him and his staff to concentrate fully on the Mid-Atlantic conference season, a difficult challenge for any coaching team.

This year, the Saints locked up their three-man Class of 2020 before some people recovered from their Thanksgiving dinner indulgences.

The most visible star in the group was Malcolm Rivers, a high-profile recruit from Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, New York. Malcolm was a 6'4" wing with a true commitment to playing defense and a well-outfitted offensive toolkit. Malcolm profiled better as a small forward in Toby's system, since he wasn't truly comfortable as a secondary ballhandler and was able to successfully defend all but the most physically dominant big men.

Malcolm was the #9 player in his class nationally and the top player at his position. He was also a very good student. He fit the definition of a Saint to a tee.

***

The program's second recruit took a winding road to Elmridge. Sean Callahan was the fourth great-grandson of Thomas Edward Callahan, St. Michael's founding benefactor. Thomas the Founder's grandson, Thomas III, was a Saint from the Class of 1915, and for the next three generations, at least one descendant of the Founder attended St. Michael's.

Mark Callahan graduated with the Class of 1993. He walked on to the St. Michael's basketball team, and he was a senior teammate of freshman Toby Whittaker. After graduation, he took a job in Hartford, married his St. Michael's sweetheart, and raised a family. Mark's son Sean was a much better player than his father had been. A 6'9" forward at Wethersfield High School, Sean was a consensus four-star recruit with a polished all-around game.

"We would have recruited a player like that even if his dad hadn't been my teammate," Toby recalled. He's a lot like Liam Whitworth, maybe an even better shooter."

Sean, however, wasn't immediately interested in playing for the Saints. “For me, Connecticut was home,” Sean said. “I grew up here, my family’s here, and UConn was something I could picture myself at from the time I was a kid. St. Michael’s is family history and legacy, and that’s powerful—but I wanted something familiar and close to home.”

Sean meant what he said about wanting space and familiarity. But during the first few weeks of his senior year, a few things started to pull him back toward St. Michael’s in a way he didn’t expect.

The biggest thing was time.

The more he matured, the less the “pressure” of the Callahan name felt like a burden and the more it started to feel like a responsibility he actually wanted. By the time he took his official visit to Elmridge, he said it had flipped in his head:

“I realized I wasn’t trying to run from the legacy anymore. I was kind of running toward it.”

He spent a weekend around the program — sitting in on film sessions, talking with players, walking the old halls — and he saw that St. Michael’s wasn’t just history. It was a living thing. He connected especially with the current players, who treated him like Sean, not “the founder’s great-whatever.”

Then there was Toby.

Their conversation ended up being the turning point. Toby didn’t pitch him on banners or tradition. He pitched him on development.

“Coach Whittaker told me, ‘You don’t have to be a symbol here. You just have to be a worker.’ That stuck with me.”

And finally, there were his parents.

Mark Callahan never pushed him either way, but Sean admitted later that seeing how much the program still meant to his father, without it being overbearing, softened him.

“He never told me I had to go there. But I could tell it would mean something to him if I chose it for myself.”

Sean's mom played a role that was perhaps even more important. Kate O'Rourke Callahan, Class of ’94, had been one of those alumni who never really drifted away. She served on advisory committees and helped organize regional alumni events in New England. Kate was the biggest reason why she and Mark brought Sean to Elmridge more times than he could remember when he was growing up — not to talk basketball, just for reunions, Mass, and long weekends that felt more like family gatherings than official school functions.

What made Kate influential wasn’t pressure. It was perspective.

She was careful not to sell St. Michael’s as a destiny. In fact, early on, she was the one reminding Sean that it was okay to want his own place.

“You don’t owe anyone anything,” she told him more than once. “Not me, not your dad, not the school.”

But as Sean’s recruitment progressed, Kate started asking different questions — not where he wanted to go, but who he wanted to be.

She pushed him to think beyond geography and rankings:

Would he be challenged academically?

Would the coaches care about him when basketball was hard?

Would he still feel connected there at 40?

She also gave him something unique and special: emotional memory.

On his official visit, she walked him past places that weren’t featured prominently on the tour — the chapel in her first-year dorm where she’d gone when she was overwhelmed as a student, the quiet corner of the library where she’d written papers late at night, the old gym hallway where she’d watched his dad, Toby, and their teammates play. None of it was framed as nostalgia. It was framed as continuity.

“I didn’t tell him to choose St. Michael’s,” Kate said later. “I just wanted him to see that it wasn’t a museum. It was a place where people grow up.”

Sean later admitted that hearing his mom talk about the school as a place that formed her — not just a place she attended — shifted something.

“It made me realize this wasn’t about living up to a name,” he said. “It was about joining a story.”

In the end, Kate’s role was less recruiter and more anchor. She helped Sean feel steady enough to choose St. Michael’s not out of obligation, but out of confidence — and that made all the difference.

By the end of his recruitment, it wasn’t about Connecticut vs. St. Michael’s anymore. It was about fit.

“I felt like I’d grown into the kind of person who could handle what that place represents,” Sean said. “And I felt like St. Michael’s was the place that would make me the player I wanted to become.”

So instead of it being a reversal, it felt more like a full circle.

***

The third and final recruit for the Saints' Class of 2024 was the least conventional member of his class.

There were about 150 people living in the village of Cairnryan, Scotland. One of them was Dudley Flower, who happened to be the best basketball player his age in the United Kingdom. When Dudley was 15, he moved to London, living with a host family while he attended Barking Abbey Basketball Academy. Far from a sports factory, Barking Abbey maintained a full academic program, and Dudley took his academics seriously.

He also took his basketball seriously. Now 6'3" with an athlete's frame, Dudley represented the United Kingdom at the U16 and U18 levels. He came into the picture for many American college programs at the FIBA Europe U18 Championships, but St. Michael's had been following him for a while already.

The indefatigable Cyril Caulfield noticed Dudley first. He knew a coach in Scotland, Hamish Campbell, who had sent players to American colleges before. Campbell sent Coach Caulfield Dudley's tapes: not carefully-edited mixtapes, but full game films from Barking Abbey's league play and from FIBA events. Cyril could see how Dudley moved without the ball, how he defended bigger wings, how he fit within a team's structure.

Then there was Dudley's shot. It was clean, repeatable, and deadly from 25 feet in. He averaged a silly 32 PPG in league play, but he scored nearly 20 a game for his country. That ought to translate to success in NCAA play.

Dudley was an excellent fit for St. Michael's in the classroom, too. At sixteen, Dudley scored six 9s and four 8s on his GSCE tests. He was pursuing A-levels in Mathematics, Physics, English Literature, and History, and was expecting all A* or A grades. He was one of the top three students in his year.

On his official visit, Dudley joined some of the Saints players for a casual shoot-around. His mechanics and his range impressed the older players. "He's like a young version of AV," Jamari Stokes pointed out, comparing Dudley to elite marksman Aaron Voelker.

Toby offered Dudley a scholarship on his visit. Tulane, Memphis, and Temple followed suit, but Dudley had already made up his mind. On December 1, he made it official.

Three players, three stories...one class.

[MoonlightGraham]

College Choices
Nora Whittaker '20
St. Michael's College School

Malcolm Rivers, Sean Callahan, and Dudley Flower were not the members of the Class of 2020 whose fates mattered most to Toby Whittaker. Toby and Claire's older daughter, Nora, was choosing her future college, too.

If recruiting stars were awarded to academic standouts, Nora would have earned at least four. Her weighted GPA topped 4.2, after her AP and Honors courses were figured in. She scored 1480 on her SAT: 770 writing, 710 math. Her important extracurriculars--cross country, track, the literary magazine, the Chorale--weren't flashy, but they were sincere.

Nora decided to apply to eight schools. She entered the Restrictive Early Action pool at Notre Dame, which meant she couldn't apply to a binding early decision program at any other university. Georgetown offered Early Decision that was not binding, so she took that option. Nora put in applications for regular admission at six more schools: Williams, Amherst, Villanova, Swarthmore, Brown, and St. Michael's.

***

December 15 was the date on which both Notre Dame and Georgetown announced their Early Action admission decisions. That date fell on Sunday this year, so the news was delayed for a day.

Monday morning dawned crisp and bright. Nora tried to concentrate in class, but her mind wouldn't stop wandering. Her big news wouldn't arrive until that evening.

Nothing that happens today is a final ending, she told herself. Even if Notre Dame and Georgetown reject me outright, I still have six more chances. Everything Nora said to herself was true, but it only relaxed her so much.

Nora decided she wanted her whole family near her when she received her news. She sat at the kitchen island with her laptop open, one sibling on each side of her. Claire perched on a stool a few feet away, with Toby standing behind her.

Promptly at 6:00, Claire received an email from Georgetown, informing her that her admission portal had been updated. She clicked on the link.

For a second, nothing happened.

Then the screen refreshed.

At the top of the page, in calm navy lettering, was a single word:

Congratulations!

Nora stared at it. Just stared.

“Oh,” she said. It came out small, surprised. “Oh.”

Grace leaned forward. “Is that—?”

“I think—” Nora swallowed. “I think I got in.”

Claire was on her feet instantly, one hand flying to her mouth, the other already reaching for Nora. Toby let out a sharp laugh—half disbelief, half relief—and said, “Hey,” like he needed to anchor himself to the moment. Eli whooped, loud and unfiltered.

“You got into Georgetown?!” Grace shouted, already bouncing off the stool.

Nora scrolled, hands shaking now. The letter was warm, formal, unmistakable.

We are pleased to offer you admission…

She laughed, suddenly, the sound breaking free of her chest. “I got in,” she said again, louder this time. “I really got in.”

Claire hugged her, tight and fierce. “I’m so proud of you,” she said into Nora’s hair. “So proud.”

Toby stepped forward and pulled them both in, one arm around each of them, his voice steady but thick. “You earned that,” he said. “Every bit of it.”

Eli grabbed the laptop long enough to read the word himself, just to be sure. “You think?" he teased his big sister. "It literally says congratulations,” he announced. “In bold.”

She closed the laptop gently, like it might still be fragile, and laughed again.

“There’s another one,” she said, breathless. “Notre Dame.”

Toby raised an eyebrow, smiling now. “All right,” he said. “One thing at a time.”

And for the first time all day, Nora felt like time was finally moving at the right speed.

***

"What's your first choice?"

Like many high school seniors, Nora was asked that question on a fairly regular basis. Most often, Nora answered "Probably Notre Dame."

She had loved her visit there last summer. Something about the campus spoke to her. Beyond that, the moral seriousness of the place mattered to her. She’d grown up around St. Michael’s, where faith wasn’t performative or rigid but woven into daily life. Notre Dame felt familiar in that way—not because it was identical, but because it treated belief, service, and reflection as part of an educated life. Even if Nora didn't see herself as loudly religious, she liked that the questions she cares about weren’t sidelined.

There was also a quieter reason she didn't say out loud at first: distance with connection. Notre Dame was far enough from home that she could define herself apart from her father's lengthy shadow, but close enough—culturally and philosophically—that she wouldn't feel unmoored. It offered independence without rupture.

The oven clock flipped to 6:42 with a soft click. 18:42. The year of Notre Dame's founding, and the minute its admission decisions were released.

Nora noticed it before anyone else did.

She was sitting at the kitchen table now, laptop closed, phone face-down beside it like it might vibrate if she looked at it too hard. Georgetown still hung in the air—text messages coming in waves, Grace buzzing around upstairs, Eli replaying the moment for the fourth time—but this felt different. Heavier. Quieter.

“There it is,” Nora said, almost to herself.

Toby glanced at the clock. “That’s the time?”

She nodded.

Claire slid back into the chair across from her, folding her hands together. “Same rules,” she said softly. “Your pace.”

Nora opened the laptop. This time there was no hesitation. She typed in her login, muscle memory taking over, and waited.

The Notre Dame portal loaded more slowly than Georgetown’s had. A white screen. A blue header. A pause that stretched just long enough to make her heart thud once, hard.

Then the message appeared.

Congratulations, Nora.

She inhaled sharply, like she’d been caught off guard by a wave.

“Oh,” she whispered.

Toby leaned in without meaning to. “What does it say?”

Nora read, eyes moving fast now, the words stacking up in her mind—Restrictive Early Action… pleased to offer you admission… academic excellence… community…

She pressed a hand to her chest.

“I got in,” she said, disbelief turning into something bright and almost dizzy. “I got into Notre Dame.”

For a beat, no one spoke.

Then Claire let out a sound that was half laugh, half sob and reached for her again. “Nora,” she said, shaking her head. “Oh my goodness.”

Toby closed his eyes for a second, just a second, then opened them and smiled—wide, unguarded, proud. “That’s… wow,” he said. “That’s huge.”

Eli shook his fist in support. “Two for two,” he said reverently, like he was announcing a miracle.

Grace came skidding back into the room, phone in hand. “Did it happen? Did it—” She saw Nora’s face and froze. “No way.”

Nora nodded, laughing now, tears slipping out anyway. “Way.”

Grace screamed and tackled her from the side, nearly knocking the chair back. “YOU GOT INTO NOTRE DAME.”

The kitchen filled up again—voices overlapping, Claire brushing tears off her cheeks, Toby looking over his daughter's shoulder at her screen because he wanted to read it too. Outside, the cold pressed against the windows, but inside everything felt warm and loud and unreal.

Nora leaned back, letting it wash over her.

Georgetown. Notre Dame.

Two doors open. Two futures possible.

And for the first time, she felt the weight of choice—not heavy, exactly. Just real.

[MoonlightGraham]

January 5, 2020

#6 Charlotte 88, #1 St. Michael's 81

---------------------------------------------------------
St. Michael's (12-1, 0-0):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Darius Kincaid C 19 2-2 0-0 1 6 1 5 4
Liam Whitworth PF 26 1-5 1-2 1 4 3 5 3
Ethan Rosenzweig SF 33 8-16 0-0 1 9 3 2 17
Aaron Voelker SG 35 8-17 5-5 0 3 0 2 26
Jamari Stokes PG 20 1-2 4-4 2 3 0 5 6
Reese Malloy PG 20 3-4 1-1 0 1 4 1 7
Drew Joyce PF 14 3-3 0-0 2 5 1 5 6
Luke O'Connor PG 4 1-1 2-2 0 0 1 1 5
Tyler Grant C 16 0-1 0-0 0 3 2 1 0
Sal Lavin SG 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
Jon Hunt PF 7 2-2 1-2 0 2 0 1 5
Rolland Faris SF 4 1-1 0-0 0 1 1 1 2

Turnovers: 24 (D.Kincaid 2, L.Whitworth 1, E.Rosenzweig
6, A.Voelker 4, J.Stokes 3, R.Malloy 4, D.Joyce 1,
L.O'Connor 1, T.Grant 1, R.Faris 1)
Blocked Shots: 2 (D.Kincaid 1, T.Grant 1)
Steals: 8 (E.Rosenzweig 3, R.Malloy 3, D.Joyce 1,
L.O'Connor 1)
3P FGs: 7-17 (E.Rosenzweig 1-4, A.Voelker 5-10,
R.Malloy 0-1, L.O'Connor 1-1, T.Grant 0-1)

Charlotte (12-1, 0-0):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Richie Baldwin C 34 0-2 3-4 0 6 4 1 3
Sandy Simpson PF 27 6-10 6-6 1 4 0 0 18
Frank Akers SF 29 4-6 0-0 2 4 2 5 9
Brent Levi SG 34 10-19 3-7 2 4 1 3 29
Vasco Soto PG 23 1-10 1-2 2 4 6 4 3
Booker Ostrander PG 21 2-4 10-10 0 0 2 2 16
Marty Salazar PF 10 2-6 2-5 4 6 0 0 6
Jefferson Hoyos PG 10 1-3 0-0 0 1 1 1 3
Jonathan Barnes PF 9 0-1 0-0 1 1 0 0 0
Darren Moya SG 4 0-0 1-2 0 0 0 0 1

Turnovers: 14 (R.Baldwin 2, S.Simpson 3, B.Levi 4,
V.Soto 2, B.Ostrander 2, J.Hoyos 1)
Blocked Shots: 2 (S.Simpson 2)
Steals: 11 (S.Simpson 1, F.Akers 3, B.Levi 1, V.Soto 2,
B.Ostrander 2, J.Barnes 2)
3P FGs: 10-25 (R.Baldwin 0-2, F.Akers 1-2, B.Levi 6-11,
V.Soto 0-3, B.Ostrander 2-4, M.Salazar 0-2, J.Hoyos
1-1)

Player of Game: SG Brent Levi (CHRLT)

Toby didn’t dodge it, and he didn’t dress it up. He stood at the podium, hands folded, voice calm but edged with disappointment—the kind that comes from knowing exactly where the game slipped.

“You don’t give good teams extra possessions and expect to get away with it,” he said. “We were up twenty because we were sharp, connected, and disciplined. And then we stopped doing the little things that built that lead.”

He pointed first—and repeatedly—to the turnovers.

“Twenty-four turnovers is not who we are. That’s impatience. That’s trying to skip steps. Charlotte didn’t panic, and we helped them back into the game.

"We committed too many fouls. If you let an opponent shoot 35 free throws, you're giving them too many easy points. And we had to get really creative with our rotation, because we had four guys foul out. That's not what we typically do."

Whittaker was quick to give Charlotte credit, especially Brent Levi’s second half.

“Levi was terrific. He made hard shots, he punished mistakes, and he fed off momentum. That’s what elite scorers do when you let them get comfortable.”

But Toby didn’t frame the loss as a collapse—more as a lesson.

“This group is young in spots. We played freshmen real minutes tonight, and they’re going to be very good players for us. But nights like this are tuition. You either pay it now or you pay it later, and I’d rather pay it in December.”

Asked whether losing after leading by twenty was humbling, Toby nodded once.

“It should be. Being the No. 1 team means everyone’s measuring themselves against you for forty minutes. We measured ourselves for about thirty. That’s not enough.”

He ended with something that sounded less like frustration and more like resolve.

“We didn’t lose our identity tonight—but we forgot to protect it. That’s on me to make sure we don’t forget again.”

Then he thanked the media, stepped away, and went looking for his locker room.

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S Schedule

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
11/11/19 vs. Wright State 7-5 119 W 78-60 1-0
11/13/19 vs. San Francisco 10-3 48 W 77-65 2-0
11/16/19 Drexel 5-8 199 W 90-50 3-0
11/19/19 at Marist 9-5 72 W 88-53 4-0
11/22/19 Middlebury 5-7 61 W 75-57 5-0
11/27/19 Lafayette 7-7 184 W 86-78 6-0
11/30/19 Stanford 6-5 33 W 69-68 7-0
12/04/19 Davidson 9-7 17 W 89-70 8-0
12/07/19 Amherst 9-3 181 W 63-50 9-0
12/11/19 Creighton 5-8 22 W 73-65 10-0
12/14/19 Green Bay 4-8 132 W 76-62 11-0
12/21/19 Villanova 7-5 103 W 89-61 12-0
01/05/20 at #6 Charlotte 12-1 45 L 88-81 12-1

Around Elmridge, the conversation was calmer than it might have been elsewhere—less amazement, more assessment. This wasn’t a town discovering success for the first time. Since Toby Whittaker returned to his alma mater to coach in 2007, winning had become the baseline. Still, a 12–1 non-conference run drew thoughtful appreciation, not indifference.

On campus, the confidence was seasoned.

Dr. Helen Carroway, a history professor and longtime season-ticket holder, put it in perspective:

“We’ve been nationally relevant for over a decade now. That’s the story. This team fits into that lineage nicely—deep, disciplined, and clearly well-coached. Nothing about this feels accidental.”

Brother Thomas Keegan, from the theology department, nodded toward continuity:

“The impressive thing isn’t the record. It’s that the standards haven’t slipped. Different players, same habits. That doesn’t happen without real leadership.”

Students spoke with the casual certainty of people who expect January and March to matter.

Matt Hollis, a junior in a familiar Saints sweatshirt, shrugged when asked about the Charlotte loss:

“Road game, top-ten opponent, early January. That’s normal. We’ve seen this movie before. You learn from it and keep moving.”

Off campus, the tone was affectionate rather than breathless.

At O’Rourke’s Market, Mary O’Rourke laughed when someone mentioned the start:

“This is just what they do now. Twelve wins doesn’t shock anyone. But I’ll say this—this group’s fun. That Villanova game reminded me why I still plan my evenings around tipoff.”

Frank Dellabarca, a retired electrician who hasn’t missed a home game in years, leaned back on his usual stool:

“I remember when a .500 season felt like progress. Now we argue about seeding. That’s a good problem. This team’s right where it should be.”

At The Elm Street Diner, the regulars dissected lineups and depth instead of records. Linda Perez, between sips of coffee, summed it up:

“They don’t panic. Even in that Charlotte game, you could see it—they knew who they were. That’s a Whittaker team.”

Outside The Pavilion, an older alumnus paused, hands in his coat pockets, as if measuring time more than wins.

“This isn’t the start of something,” he said. “It’s the continuation. And the fact that it still feels this good after all these years—that’s the real achievement.”

In Elmridge, the Saints’ non-conference success wasn’t treated as a surprise. It was treated as confirmation—another steady chapter in a long, well-established run.

[MoonlightGraham]

February 1, 2020

The loss at Charlotte seemed to cause the Saints to break their stride. They began their Mid-Atlantic season at St. Bonaventure and lost by an almost identical 88-81 score. A player Toby had recruited heavily, senior wing Clinton Rucker, torched the Saints for 39 points. This was not an isolated moment of greatness for Clinton, who had scored over 1500 points for the Bonnies and made the All-Mid-American first team twice.

They went to Pitt, and lost. And, then, five nights later, a raucous crowd at the Liacouras Center roared with pleasure as their #3 Temple Owls raced to a 41-21 lead over the Saints. Toby's charges clawed their way back into the game, but he earned a rare technical foul when he protested a call that awarded a fifth foul to Aaron Voelker.

Dan Kessler called the moment on the Saints Radio Network, voice steady but buzzing with that uh-oh energy:

“And there’s the whistle… they’re calling it on Voelker— that’s five. Aaron Voelker is done, and listen to this building.”

Crowd swells, boos mixing with cheers.

“Toby Whittaker is out on the floor now, and folks, you almost never see this from him. He’s talking calmly, but he’s right in the official’s ear— palms down, trying to make his point.”

A beat. Another whistle cuts through.

“Oh! Technical foul has been assessed to Whittaker.”

Ray DiPietro jumps in:

“Dan, he didn’t explode, but he didn’t let it go either. That’s about as far as Toby Whittaker ever goes.”

Back to Kessler, crowd roaring:

“And that tells you everything. When that guy gets a T, he believes he’s protecting his team. Two shots and the ball now for Temple, and what was already a tough night for St. Michael’s just got steeper.”

Brief pause as Bradley Harris steps to the line.

“You can see Whittaker on the sideline now — arms folded, jaw set. Message delivered, but the price is real.”

Classic Kessler close:

“And on a call that sends Voelker to the bench, Temple gets a gift at the stripe… and a moment that may define this one.”

The Temple student section pounced. The instant the ref snapped his wrist and pointed at Whittaker, the maroon-clad fans behind the Saints’ bench went feral — coordinated, ruthless, and very Philly-adjacent in spirit.

First came the eruption: hands in the air, bodies bouncing, that sharp, mocking roar that says we’ve got you now.

Then it locked into a chant — slow at first, dripping with sarcasm:

"Sit-down, To-by"...Clap. Clap. Clap-clap-clap.

As Harris stepped to the line, the chant grew louder:

“SIT. DOWN. TO–BY.”

And when the first free throw dropped? They bowed. Literally bowed. Deep, exaggerated bows toward Whittaker, who didn’t even look up — arms crossed, staring through the scorer’s table like he was already diagramming the next possession in his head.

Ray DiPietro, sotto voce on the broadcast:

“They know exactly what they’re doing, Dan.”

And Kessler, a half-smile in his voice:

“That’s a student section that reads the scouting report.”

It was the kind of moment Temple students talked about for years — the night they got Toby Whittaker to crack, even just a little.

The final score: Temple 76, St. Michael's 62. For the first time in ages--perhaps ever--Toby's Saints had a losing record this far into conference play.

The Saints went back to work. Practices were crisper, more focused. The players responded with two wins, and even though one was earned by a single point at Penn State, it was still a victory.

Then came the Duquesne game in Pittsburgh.

#4 St. Michael's 99, Duquesne 53

--------------------------------------------------------
St. Michael's (17-4, 5-3):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Darius Kincaid C 27 2-5 4-6 0 6 2 2 8
Liam Whitworth PF 30 5-7 0-0 10 14 1 0 10
Ethan Rosenzweig SF 31 4-8 2-3 3 9 4 4 12
Aaron Voelker SG 31 18-27 1-1 1 4 2 0 45
Jamari Stokes PG 24 4-6 0-0 0 4 13 1 9
Reese Malloy PG 18 1-3 0-0 1 2 6 1 2
Justin Manning PF 17 3-5 1-1 1 5 0 3 7
Drew Joyce SF 9 1-2 0-0 0 1 1 0 3
Luke O'Connor PG 7 1-1 0-0 1 1 0 0 3
Tyler Grant C 5 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 1 0
Jon Hunt PF 2 0-1 0-0 0 1 0 0 0

Turnovers: 10 (E.Rosenzweig 3, A.Voelker 3, J.Manning
1, D.Joyce 1, L.O'Connor 1, T.Grant 1)
Blocked Shots: 2 (E.Rosenzweig 1, D.Joyce 1)
Steals: 3 (J.Stokes 3)
3P FGs: 13-24 (E.Rosenzweig 2-5, A.Voelker 8-14,
J.Stokes 1-1, R.Malloy 0-1, J.Manning 0-1, D.Joyce
1-1, L.O'Connor 1-1)

Duquesne (13-7, 2-5):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Arthur Farnham C 30 5-7 2-3 3 4 0 1 12
Douglas Elgin PF 28 0-4 0-2 0 2 2 4 0
Bryce Fox SF 25 5-15 0-1 4 7 0 2 12
Brian Grizzle SG 31 2-8 2-2 2 3 2 2 6
Tanner Haviland PG 29 2-12 0-0 0 0 5 4 4
D. Dangerfield PG 18 3-6 0-0 0 2 0 0 9
Douglas Gould C 15 1-2 2-2 3 3 0 0 4
Brian Crumb PF 11 0-2 0-0 2 2 2 0 0
Hupprecht Gilcher SG 9 2-3 0-0 0 2 1 1 6
Dennis Callis SF 5 0-3 0-0 0 0 0 1 0

Turnovers: 10 (A.Farnham 1, D.Elgin 3, B.Grizzle 1,
T.Haviland 4, D.Dangerfield 1)
Blocked Shots: 2 (D.Elgin 1, D.Gould 1)
Steals: 1 (B.Grizzle 1)
3P FGs: 7-33 (B.Fox 2-8, B.Grizzle 0-6, T.Haviland 0-8,
D.Dangerfield 3-6, B.Crumb 0-2, H.Gilcher 2-2,
D.Callis 0-1)

Player of Game: SG Aaron Voelker (STMIC)

Voelker didn’t puff his chest at all afterward. He showed up to the media room still breathing hard, box score on the table in front of him, and immediately redirected the spotlight.

Here’s what he said:

“Honestly, that score looks like one guy went off, but that’s not how it felt on the floor.”

He tapped the stat sheet where Whitworth’s rebounds were circled by a reporter.

“Liam kept possessions alive. Jamari had thirteen assists. Reese had six. That's 19 assists from our point guards. That's crazy. When you get looks that clean, your job is to shoot with confidence. Tonight they went in.”

When someone reminded him that he'd scored 45 points — a career night, the second highest total in Saints history — Voelker shrugged.

“I’ve had games where I played better and scored half that. This was just one of those nights where the ball kept finding me in rhythm.”

Then, unprompted, he brought up Temple — still fresh.

“Last week hurt. I didn’t finish that game, and that stays with you. So yeah, I was aggressive early. But not angry. Focused.”

Asked what it means heading into the stretch run:

“It means we’re dangerous when we’re connected. This isn’t about me carrying anything. This is about us being hard to guard when we play the right way.”

He delivered his final line with a half-smile:

“Enjoy it tonight. Tomorrow it’s back to work.”

You could tell — even after a 45-piece — he was already on to the next one.

[MoonlightGraham]

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
01/09/20 at #7 St. Bonaventure 30-8 4 L 88-80 12-2 (0-1)
01/11/20 Saint Joseph's 15-16 72 W 66-52 13-2 (1-1)
01/16/20 La Salle 16-15 56 W 81-70 14-2 (2-1)
01/18/20 at Pittsburgh 13-18 89 L 64-56 14-3 (2-2)
01/23/20 at #5 Temple 25-7 16 L 76-62 14-4 (2-3)
01/25/20 Rutgers 12-20 119 W 88-50 15-4 (3-3)
01/30/20 Penn State 12-18 128 W 67-66 16-4 (4-3)
02/01/20 at Duquesne 21-12 47 W 99-53 17-4 (5-3)
02/08/20 #7 St. Bonaventure 30-8 4 W 59-54 18-4 (6-3)
02/13/20 at Saint Joseph's 15-16 72 W 76-71 19-4 (7-3)
02/15/20 at La Salle 16-15 56 W 111-87 20-4 (8-3)
02/20/20 Pittsburgh 13-18 89 W 79-63 21-4 (9-3)
02/22/20 #5 Temple 25-7 16 L 75-72 21-5 (9-4)
02/27/20 at Rutgers 12-20 119 W 68-57 22-5 (10-4)
02/29/20 at Penn State 12-18 128 W 101-70 23-5 (11-4)
03/05/20 Duquesne 21-12 47 W 83-61 24-5 (12-4)


The Saints shot horribly in the rematch against St. Bonaventure, but ground out a 59-54 victory on the strength of relentless defense. Clinton Rucker was held to only nine points.

"We have to be able to win ugly, too," assistant Mark Graham pointed out.

A victory in a different style was achieved at La Salle, when seven Saints scored in double figures in a 111-87 triumph. Jamari Stokes (11) and Reese Malloy (9) combined for 20 assists as the Saints broke a school record with a total of 33. Another former Saints recruit, Tate Crenshaw, poured in 29 points for the Explorers.

A 75-72 loss to Temple at The Pavilion on February 22 eliminated the Saints from the Mid-Atlantic Conference championship race, and with two losses to the Owls, Toby's team could finish no better than third.

"We still have lots to play for," Aaron Voelker pointed out. "There are things we can sharpen between now and tournament time. Yeah, it hurts not to win the league, but we'll channel that disappointment into the rest of the season."

Aaron's 43 points against Penn State a week later supported his comments perfectly. So did an emphatic performance against Duquesne on Senior Night, when he and his classmate, Liam Whitworth, combined for 38 points.

***

Assistant coach Olen Hargrove wrote two words on the whiteboard in the Saints' locker room before their opening game in the Mid-Atlantic Conference tournament.

NINE GAMES

He pointed to the words, scrawled in black marker. "Men, that's how many games you might still have to play together. That's almost a fourth of a season. Or, it might be as few as two more.

"Which outcome would you prefer?"

Coach Hargrove had seen a lot of teams in his long career, and he liked this one. "They've already experienced the full range of emotions, before tournament play begins. They've won big games and lost them. They know their roles, and they're comfortable with them. That's huge."

Voelker was the team's quiet leader, a stabilizing force. Fellow senior Whitworth had adopted a blue-collar attitude that few five-star recruits ever displayed; he set thudding screens and ripped down rebounds in practice with vigor. Justin Manning was even more of a junkyard dog, taking pride in being the first one on the floor at practice and the last one out.

Justin took the development of Darius Kincaid as a personal mission. "Darius is a really easy-going guy," Justin said. "He likes to joke around and he's always smiling. But he's going to be in the [professional] league next year, and I want to make sure he develops a little bit of an edge before he gets there. I'm never going to be a pro, but I want Darius to take a little bit of me with him."

Darius's friend, Jamari Stokes, was the team's engine. "He never stops chirping and clapping," Voelker pointed out. "We don't tell him to hush because he puts the same effort into everything he does on the floor."

Jamari smiled at this characterization. "Yeah, that's me," he agreed. "But I learned that from Reese." Malloy, too, was an energetic player who did everything fast. Their vibe contrasted sharply with that of Ethan Rosenzweig, the team's quietest man. Ethan was a thoughtful, analytical player, the Saint most likely to ask questions of the coaching staff after practice. He was much happier now that he had a defined role, and it was a major one--second scorer behind AV--and he was a surprisingly tenacious rebounder.

The younger guys all contributed, too. It was admittedly hard for Drew Joyce to accept a role as the team's eighth man, but a few words from Ethan, who had been in Drew's shoes as recently as last year, helped him understand the value of patience. Luke O'Connor, Tyler Grant, Sal Lavin, and redshirt Felix Sauter did most of their good work at practice; in Felix's case, all of it. Sal was the only player who ever acted like he didn't want to be there. Toby hoped that was only a result of his pride.

***

Voelker scored 26 and Rosenzweig 19 in an easy victory over Pitt in the first round of the conference tourney. La Salle upset Temple, so the Saints next faced the 7-seed Explorers and Tate Crenshaw.

Tate scored the final 16 points of the nearly 2500 he scored for the Explorers, but it wasn't enough; double-doubles from buddies Stokes and Kincaid and 24 more points from fellow Wisconsinite Voelker powered a 94-67 win for the Saints. That set up another date with St. Bonaventure for the tournament championship.

Aaron Voelker and Clinton Rucker played like seniors who wanted to end their Mid-Atlantic Conference careers as champions. Aaron and Clinton had never met before they became conference opponents, but the two young men had become friendly competitors. "Clinton is a good guy," Aaron said. "We'll text back and forth during the season."

Clinton won the individual scoring contest that night, 28-27, but it was Aaron who lifted the trophy with his teammates; the Saints won an exciting game, 99-87.

"That was a championship game played like a championship game," Toby said in his presser, pushing his hair back from his forehead. He had special praise for his seniors.

"Aaron Voelker and Liam Whitworth reminded us why you always want to have guys on your team who will stay four years. They carried us through some tough moments. Clinton Rucker does the same thing for St. Bonaventure. Tate Crenshaw at La Salle. Sylvester Gowen at Temple. Dean Dean at Pitt. All these players help sustain their teams' cultures. I love that."

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
03/13/20 vs. Pittsburgh 13-18 89 W 89-71 25-5
03/14/20 vs. La Salle 16-15 56 W 94-67 26-5
03/15/20 vs. #7 St. Bonaventure 30-8 4 W 99-85 27-5


The first three of Coach Hargrove's nine games were in the books. Would there be six more?

[MoonlightGraham]

What seemed at the time to be a casual conversation at a Christmas dinner took on greater importance for Toby and his parents in the spring of 2020.

David and Lorraine Whittaker had always supported their oldest son's career in ways that didn't demand attention. For one thing, they had careers of their own; David was a successful civil engineer, specializing in municipal planning, and Lorraine moved from the classroom to the admission office at St. Stephens & St. Agnes, serving for over two decades as Director of Middle School Admission. They were both fans, in their own ways. They never missed televised games, and their visits to Elmridge during the season were often planned around especially meaningful matchups.

David and Lorraine were now in their very early seventies, and both retired in the spring of 2018. That Christmas, David remarked to his son that they could now travel anywhere they wanted, anytime they wanted.

"You've been to the Final Four, what? Five times, now?" he asked.

Toby paused a moment. "That's right."

"And we've never been," David teased.

Lorraine nodded. "We should fix that. If you go this year, so will we."

"Oh, that's a wonderful idea," Claire added. Then her face brightened even more. "I ought to see if Mom and Dad want to go, too!"

James Dempsey had always liked basketball. He was a very good high school player, with enough game to play on a good club team at Holy Cross. When Claire began to date Toby, he began to follow his future son-in-law's career more closely. Now James was retired from a very successful career as the chief financial officer for a continuing care retirement community, and he had even more time to pay attention to the Saints. Claire's mom, Ellen, owned a small craft shop, which she sold to a former colleague four years ago. While Ellen didn't read box scores like James did, she enjoyed the way Claire connected with the players and their families.

From that conversation, a plan for a reunion of Whittakers and Dempseys at the Final Four in Indianapolis was hatched. Then the Rice Owls illustrated what Robert Burns said about the best-laid plans.

A week later, Toby posted to the extended family's group chat:
If we ever reach another one, you'll all be there. Promise.

That promise would be a complex one to manage. Toby was the oldest of three; his sister was engaged and his brother Drew was married and the father of two. Claire had three younger siblings; her brother Michael and his wife had three kids, and her other siblings were coupled.

***

A year later, the Saints stood as the top seed in the Midwest Region. They traveled first to St. Louis, where they defeated Winthrop and Oklahoma in a manner befitting a one-seed: controlled, balanced, decisive. Then, in a fun bit of irony, Toby and his team got their trip to Indianapolis, where they faced UTEP in the Sweet Sixteen.

The Miners were a tough, talented team, whose Leader had that for a surname. Gerry Leader was a former five-star recruit with a diverse set of skills. Leader's team slowed the pace of the game and scrapped hard, and took a 29-24 lead into the halftime break. Then, after the Saints pulled ahead, Leader nailed a long three-pointer to send the game into overtime.

What happened next became one of the most controversial moments of the tournament. With eleven seconds left and the score tied at 69, Saints guard Reese Malloy was pressed as he dribbled near the sideline. Reese's foot came down very near--or perhaps across--the line, but an official standing nearby did not blow his whistle. As the Miners bench erupted, the Saints maintained possession, and the ball reached the hands of Ethan Rosenzweig.

Ethan had attempted five three-pointers that night, and had missed them all.

He didn't miss this one. With a second left on the clock, Ethan's 28-footer nestled into the net. Saints 72, Miners 69.

The regional final against Saint Louis seemed like an afterthought. The Saints took an early lead and never looked back, rolling to a 77-56 victory. Aaron Voelker scored 23 points. Darius Kincaid, Liam Whitworth, and Rosenzweig grabbed exactly 11 rebounds each. Malloy and Jamari Stokes combined for exactly 11 assists.

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
03/19/20 vs. Winthrop 17-16 155 W 75-52 28-5
03/21/20 vs. Oklahoma 24-8 14 W 63-52 29-5
03/27/20 vs. UTEP 23-10 20 W 72-69 30-5
03/29/20 vs. #10 Saint Louis 28-9 5 W 77-56 31-5


And the Whittaker-Dempsey traveling party made its final arrangements for their trip to Atlanta. The roster numbered 23:

Claire Dempsey Whittaker; Nora, Grace, and Eli

Dave and Lorraine Whittaker
Drew and Rebecca Whittaker; Max and Lila
Maggie Whittaker and fiancé Ethan Chen

Jim and Ellen Dempsey
Michael and Lauren Dempsey; Seamus, Bridget, and Finn
Kate Dempsey and husband Dan O'Reilly
Patrick Dempsey and partner Sophia Malone

[MoonlightGraham]

April 1, 2020
News for Nora

When the Saints returned home from Indianapolis, Toby switched to Dad mode almost immediately. Nora was about to learn the status of the seven college applications she still had pending.

Notre Dame and Georgetown had accepted her in December, so regardless of what happened this week, Nora had at least two paths forward with which she was pleased. She wasn't sure which of the two universities she would choose. Eli pointed out that "she's worn her Notre Dame hoodie two more times when they get to wear college shirts to school on Fridays."

So Toby was home with the family today, when Nora's news arrived.

Villanova was the first to announce, and they accepted her. Next came Amherst, and Nora was now "two for two," as Eli put it. She was especially delighted about the Amherst news, because Amherst accepted about one of every eight students who applied.

Brown delivered her first less-than-completely-positive news.

"Brown wait-listed me," Nora said, very simply, when the decision flashed on her laptop screen.

"Their loss," Grace replied. All the Whittakers were much less likely to be hurt badly by news like this, now that Nora had four desirable options.

Next came Swarthmore. Even more selective than Amherst, the local college told Nora "yes." She responded to this acceptance more emotionally than any of the others she'd received that day, looking up at the ceiling with eyes that were glassy with tears. Then came Bryn Mawr, the only women's college to which Nora applied. They gave her a positive reply, too.

The momentum train slowed a bit when Williams revealed they'd placed Nora on their wait list.

Claire shook her head. "They probably conspired with Amherst," she said with a wry grin.

"They lost out there," Grace said, reaching out to ruffle her sister's hair.

The last school to release its decision was, rather ironically, St. Michael's. Although it was less selective than her other choices, Nora would never dare think of St. Michael's as her "safety school."

"It's my 'heart school,'" she would say. "I'm always going to be connected to St. Michael's, because it's so much a part of my family's story. If I go there like Mom and Dad and Uncle Drew did, I'll be adding my chapter to that story. I like that idea."

So Nora smiled sweetly when she saw "Congratulations, Nora!" appear on her laptop beneath the St. Michael's college seal.

She stood up from the stool where she'd been sitting and was enveloped into a warm, loving family hug. Toby leaned down and kissed his daughter's head.

"We are all so proud of you," Claire whispered, wiping tears from her eyes. "You worked hard," Toby added. "Every school that accepted you knew what they were getting."

Nora nodded, wiping her own tears. She looked around the kitchen at her parents and siblings, a small, content smile spreading across her face. “Okay. This is overwhelming… but good overwhelming.”

Toby just nodded quietly, knowing that someday soon, his daughter would walk into her own story, carrying the same steady, thoughtful sense of purpose he had always admired.

[MoonlightGraham]

The Final Four

Twenty-three Whittakers, Dempseys, and their loved ones arrived in Atlanta on the Friday evening before Saturday night's game. They settled into their rooms at the Georgian Terrace Hotel, about two miles from Mercedes Benz Stadium. Claire picked the hotel for its ambiance, rather than for its proximity.

Toby and the team were staying at the Marriot Marquis, closer to the stadium and about a mile from the Georgian Terrace. Claire, Nora, Grace, and Eli were, by now, veterans of the Final Four. They knew they'd see Toby only briefly, if at all, until after Saturday night's semifinal.

The Saints' opponent that night could not have been more familiar. For the fourth time that season, they would face St. Bonaventure. The Bonnies, the East Region's #2 seed, got there by beating Texas Christian, a #12 seed Cinderella.


In the locker room before the game, Toby shared a story he'd learned about earlier that day.

"You've probably all heard of Captain Jim Voorhees," Toby began. Many of the players nodded. They were familiar with Capt. Voorhees' story, his eighty-year connection to St. Michael's, his heroism as a Navy pilot in World War II. Toby briefly related it for the benefit of the players who might not know about the distinguished alumnus' remarkable life.

Toby took a deep breath. "Captain Voorhees is 101 years old now. He's...he's not doing very well."

Another deep breath. "His care-givers say that one of the things that brings him the most joy right now is Saints basketball. He likes to listen on the radio.

"I'm not telling you that you have to win this game for Jim Voorhees. That's overly sentimental and, to be honest, Captain Voorhees would never expect me to lay that on you...or want me to.

"What Captain Voorhees did for our country was much more important than any game of basketball. We all know that, especially him."

Toby swallowed hard. "What I want you to do tonight is to approach this game with as much of Captain Voorhees' spirit as you can. Focus your minds on what's in front of you. Play with intensity. Play for each other. For your college...for our college. Yours, mine, and Captain Voorhees'.

If you do that, and he's following the game--I know he will be--he'll know it. He will feel it. He'll be happy. He'll be proud."

Then Toby lowered his head. Nobody spoke another word. Liam Whitworth rose first, and he led his teammates out of the locker room. Toby's staff followed, and then Toby himself.

***

Dan Kessler, on the Saints Radio Network...the call Jim Voorhees listened to:

"Let's set the stage now. Forty-three seconds remain in the second half. The Saints led by five at the intermission, and that's the biggest lead either team has managed all night long. St. Bonaventure has rallied back, they way we all knew they would. Their senior star, Clinton Rucker, has willed his team back into the game.

"We went up by four a few minutes ago, when Drew Joyce hit the second of his two big three-pointers...the biggest shots of the freshman's young career.

"Now it's tied again, 68-68. The Saints have the basketball coming out of the timeout. They can't play for the last shot here; no matter what happens, the Bonnies have a chance to answer back.

"Let's go! Kincaid inbounds to Stokes. Jamari sets 'em up. Out to Rosenzweig on the right. Ethan holds; back to Jamari.

"Now it's Voelker, working off Whitworth's screen. AV, from the midrange...

"IT'S IN!! Aaron Voelker's twelve-footer is good! Saints lead, 70-68! Eighteen-point-eight seconds remain!


Ray DiPietro, color commentator:
I'm thinking "Levi Parks is going to call time out as soon as the Bonnies cross mid-court. There is no coach in the country who's better in these late-game situations than Levi Parks. I think Toby would agree with me here."

Dan:
"That's exactly what happens, Ray. Christ into the frontcourt, and Parks calls time out. That's his last time-out, too."

Ray:
"The ball has to be in Clinton Rucker's hands now. You have to run things through your main man when the game--when the season's on the line. And he's been marvelous all night long: 35 points, 14-for-19 shooting."

Dan:
"This is it. A berth in the national championship game is on the line as the Bonnies inbound the ball. Rucker has it now. He's guarded by Rosenzweig.

"Now to Rodas, back to Rucker...to Christ at the top of the key. Six seconds. They better hurry! Rucker again...he tries a floater...

"It's no good! Whitworth has it, and the buzzer sounds! The Saints hold on, and we're going to the final!

A few moments later:

Dan:
"Clinton Rucker's face is in his hands. Aaron Voelker has his arm around him. I know this sounds like a cliché, but as much as we want to see the Saints move on, it's fair to say that Clinton Rucker doesn't deserve to lose tonight. What a player...what a career."

#1 St. Michael's 70, #7 St. Bonaventure 68

----------------------------------------------------------
St. Bonaventure (30-8, 14-2):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
David Wilkey C 27 1-2 0-0 0 4 0 1 2
Donald Nicely PF 28 1-1 3-4 1 6 1 1 6
Clinton Rucker PG 36 14-19 5-6 2 4 2 3 35
Moses Rodas SG 35 5-12 0-1 1 3 6 2 11
Tony Christ PG 19 1-4 0-0 0 3 7 4 3
Thomas Dao PF 22 2-5 2-2 3 6 0 2 6
Brian Holmgren SF 20 2-6 1-2 0 0 0 3 5
Dustin Delong C 6 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
Valentín Ortiz PG 5 0-1 0-0 1 1 1 0 0
Xander Stearns SG 2 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 0 0

Turnovers: 16 (D.Wilkey 1, D.Nicely 1, C.Rucker 3,
M.Rodas 3, T.Christ 3, T.Dao 1, B.Holmgren 4)
Blocked Shots: 6 (D.Wilkey 4, D.Nicely 2)
Steals: 3 (D.Nicely 1, C.Rucker 1, M.Rodas 1)
3P FGs: 5-11 (D.Nicely 1-1, C.Rucker 2-4, M.Rodas 1-3,
T.Christ 1-2, B.Holmgren 0-1)

St. Michael's (32-5, 12-4):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Darius Kincaid C 23 2-9 2-2 2 7 0 4 6
Liam Whitworth PF 35 2-6 0-2 4 9 0 3 4
Ethan Rosenzweig SF 33 6-11 0-0 1 5 4 3 14
Aaron Voelker SG 30 7-14 4-5 1 2 2 2 20
Jamari Stokes PG 29 1-2 0-0 1 1 7 2 3
Reese Malloy PG 19 4-7 1-2 3 4 5 3 10
Justin Manning C 17 2-5 0-0 0 2 1 1 5
Drew Joyce SF 6 3-4 0-0 0 0 0 0 8
Luke O'Connor PG 3 0-0 0-0 0 0 1 1 0
Tyler Grant C 4 0-1 0-0 1 1 0 0 0
Jon Hunt PF 3 0-0 0-0 0 2 0 0 0

Turnovers: 14 (D.Kincaid 1, L.Whitworth 4, E.Rosenzweig
2, A.Voelker 2, J.Stokes 3, R.Malloy 2)
Blocked Shots: 0
Steals: 6 (E.Rosenzweig 1, A.Voelker 1, J.Stokes 2,
R.Malloy 2)
3P FGs: 9-19 (E.Rosenzweig 2-4, A.Voelker 2-7, J.Stokes
1-1, R.Malloy 1-3, J.Manning 1-2, D.Joyce 2-2)

Player of Game: SF Clinton Rucker (STBN)

In the stands behind the Saints bench, twenty-three Whittakers, Dempseys, et. al., clad in navy and gold, celebrated together.

And in the family room of a house in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, with his daughter and his caregiver nearby, a proud St. Michael's alumnus clenches his fist once, and smiles softly.

[MoonlightGraham]

April 6, 2020
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
The National Championship Game

#1 St. Michael's 86, #2 Memphis 77

---------------------------------------------------------
St. Michael's (33-5, 12-4):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Darius Kincaid C 30 4-8 3-4 3 10 2 2 11
Liam Whitworth PF 31 4-6 0-0 4 9 3 2 8
Ethan Rosenzweig SF 28 7-17 3-4 3 7 0 3 19
Aaron Voelker SG 35 10-22 3-3 0 3 4 2 29
Jamari Stokes PG 26 2-3 0-0 2 3 2 2 4
Reese Malloy PG 15 2-4 0-0 0 0 7 1 5
Justin Manning PF 17 2-4 0-0 3 6 2 2 4
Drew Joyce SF 8 1-3 0-1 0 2 1 1 2
Luke O'Connor PG 4 0-0 2-2 0 1 0 0 2
Tyler Grant C 4 1-1 0-0 0 0 0 0 2
Jon Hunt PF 1 0-0 0-0 0 1 1 0 0

Turnovers: 12 (D.Kincaid 2, L.Whitworth 1, E.Rosenzweig
1, A.Voelker 4, J.Stokes 2, J.Manning 2)
Blocked Shots: 0
Steals: 8 (D.Kincaid 1, L.Whitworth 2, E.Rosenzweig 1,
J.Stokes 1, R.Malloy 1, J.Manning 1, D.Joyce 1)
3P FGs: 9-25 (E.Rosenzweig 2-8, A.Voelker 6-13,
R.Malloy 1-2, J.Manning 0-1, D.Joyce 0-1)

Memphis (33-5, 16-2):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Kenneth Mitchell C 32 3-4 1-1 0 2 0 3 7
Jason Argo PF 29 1-4 0-0 0 5 4 4 2
C. Blumenthal SF 30 5-15 0-2 2 3 0 4 11
Norman Gulick SG 30 9-15 0-1 1 3 4 4 20
James Johnson PG 32 6-9 6-7 0 5 8 2 19
F. Iglesias PF 19 3-5 0-0 1 6 1 0 6
Curt O'Connor PF 3 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 0 0
Micheal Pollard SG 18 2-2 2-2 0 2 4 1 7
Edison Laflamme SF 8 2-5 0-0 0 0 1 0 5

Turnovers: 15 (K.Mitchell 1, J.Argo 4, C.Blumenthal 5,
N.Gulick 1, J.Johnson 3, F.Iglesias 1)
Blocked Shots: 7 (K.Mitchell 3, F.Iglesias 3,
C.O'Connor 1)
Steals: 8 (K.Mitchell 1, J.Argo 1, N.Gulick 4,
J.Johnson 2)
3P FGs: 6-16 (C.Blumenthal 1-2, N.Gulick 2-8, J.Johnson
1-3, M.Pollard 1-1, E.Laflamme 1-2)

Player of Game: SG Aaron Voelker (STMIC)


When the horn finally sounded and the scoreboard froze at St. Michael’s 86, Memphis 77, there was a half-second where the entire arena seemed to inhale at once — then everything broke loose.

On the court, Aaron Voelker bent at the waist, hands on his knees, letting out a long breath. Then he straightened, eyes finding the scoreboard, and he laughed — a sharp, disbelieving sound — before throwing both arms into the air. Jamari Stokes sprinted straight at him, leaping into his chest, and the two nearly toppled over as teammates piled on.

Darius Kincaid dropped to one knee at midcourt, head tilted back, eyes closed. Liam Whitworth grabbed him from behind, shouting something unintelligible into his ear as confetti began to fall. Ethan Rosenzweig slapped the floor once, hard, then sprang up, pointing toward the Saints’ bench and screaming, “That’s us! That’s us!”

On the sideline, the bench erupted. Reese Malloy jumped onto the scorer’s table, pumping his fists before an assistant yanked him back down, laughing. Justin Manning hugged Drew Joyce so tightly Drew's feet came off the floor.

Then Toby Whittaker stepped onto the court.

He clapped once — sharp, deliberate — and the nearest players instinctively turned toward him. Voelker broke free from the pile and wrapped Toby in a quick, fierce embrace.

“Thank you, Coach,” he said, voice cracking.

Toby nodded, one hand on Aaron’s shoulder. “You earned it.”

The Saints were mobbing one another near midcourt, laughing, shouting, some crying openly now. They looked stunned and exhausted and impossibly young — champions who had just realized what they’d done.

Up in the stands, the families felt it all at once.

Nora was the first on her feet. She didn’t scream right away; she just threw both arms straight up, eyes wide, almost stunned. “They did it,” she said, breathless. “They actually did it.” Then the scream came — loud, unfiltered, pure joy.

Grace shrieked and grabbed Eli in a bear hug. “CHAMPIONS!” she yelled, hopping in place. Eli laughed so hard he almost dropped his program. “Dad won it all. Again,” he said, over and over, like he needed to hear it out loud to believe it.

Claire sat frozen for a beat, hands pressed together, eyes locked on the court — on Toby, surrounded by players, confetti drifting down around him. Then she covered her mouth, tears spilling before she could stop them.

James Dempsey leaned in immediately, one arm around his daughter's shoulders.

“He did it again,” he said softly.

On his other side, his wife Ellen nodded, eyes shining. “Three times. That puts him in a very small club.”

A few rows down, David Whittaker exhaled deeply and leaned back in his seat, eyes closed for a moment, like he was finally letting go of a weight he’d been carrying since Toby was a teenager. Lorraine clasped his hand tightly, smiling through tears.

“Three national championships,” she said quietly. “Just like Cleveland Nieves.” Lorraine knew her Saints history.

Michael Dempsey let out a low whistle. “Only four coaches have ever done that,” he said.

Lauren Dempsey squeezed his hand and smiled. “And two of them are ours.” Like Toby and Claire, Michael and Lauren had met while students at St. Michael's.

Around them, nieces and nephews bounced in their seats, hugging whoever was closest, high-fiving strangers in Saints colors. Someone shouted, “That’s my uncle!” Someone else yelled, “Three-time champ!” Somebody knocked over a soda, and nobody cared.

Back on the floor, the Saints finally formed a loose huddle around Toby. He said only a few words — calm, steady, unmistakably himself — and every player leaned in, listening, champions hanging on their coach’s voice one last time.

Claire watched him the entire time.

Nora leaned into her. “Mom,” she said quietly, suddenly serious. “Look at him.”

Claire nodded, tears still coming. “I am.”

As the confetti fell thicker and the crowd roared on, the families stood together — arms around shoulders, hands clasped, hearts racing — sharing that rare, electric moment when all the years collapse into one perfect ending.

The Saints were national champions.
Again.
And everyone in blue and gold — on the floor and in the stands — knew exactly what it meant.

[MoonlightGraham]

The locker room door closed and, for the first time all night, it was quiet.

Not silent — you could still hear heavy breathing, the hiss of the showers starting up, sneakers being kicked off — but contained, like the game had finally let them go.

The Saints sat where they’d dropped: some on the floor with their backs against lockers, some on the benches, some still standing because they didn’t quite trust their legs yet. Aaron Voelker stared at the nameplate above his locker, towel draped over his shoulders. Darius Kincaid leaned forward, elbows on knees, eyes on the tile. A few guys laughed softly, almost nervously, like the joy hadn’t fully settled.

Toby waited.

He always did.

He stood near the whiteboard, arms folded, letting the moment breathe. Letting them feel it without him rushing in to define it. When the room finally calmed — when heads started to turn his way without him asking — he spoke.

“Sit down,” he said, gently.

Everyone did.

He looked around the room, slowly, deliberately, making eye contact with each player. No clipboard. No stats. No coach’s voice. Just Toby.

“You just won a national championship,” he said.

A few guys laughed. Someone shook his head like that sentence didn’t make sense yet.

“You don’t have to cheer,” Toby added. “You don’t have to yell. You don’t have to prove anything right now. This isn’t for the cameras. This is for you.”

He paused.

“People are going to talk about the score. They’re going to talk about halftime, about Aaron’s shots, about defensive possessions, about who missed what for Memphis.” He nodded once. “That’s fine. That’s their job.”

Then his voice lowered.

“But what won this game didn’t start tonight.”

He gestured around the room.

“It started in August. In empty gyms. In film rooms where nobody wanted to be. In days when shots didn’t fall and nobody outside this room thought we were special.”

A few players nodded. Someone swallowed hard.

“You learned how to guard without fouling. How to move the ball when you wanted to shoot. How to sit next to a teammate you were mad at and figure it out anyway.” He smiled faintly. “You learned how to be uncomfortable together.”

He turned toward Voelker.

“Aaron,” he said, “you led with your work. Not your voice. That’s harder. You did it anyway.”

Then to Kincaid.

“Darius, you anchored us. Every night. You made everyone else better without asking for credit.”

Around the room he went — not long speeches, just truths, short and specific. Each player seen. Each role honored.

Finally, he stepped back.

“I’ve been doing this a long time,” Toby said. “And I can tell you something that doesn’t get said enough.”

The room leaned in.

“Winning doesn’t make you good men. It reveals whether you already were.”

He let that sit.

“You treated each other the right way. You represented this program the right way. You represented your families the right way.” His voice tightened, just slightly. “And you gave each other something that will never be taken away.”

He took a breath.

“This title belongs to you. Not me. Not the school. Not history. You.”

Then, almost as an afterthought, he added with a small smile, “And before we leave, we’ll clean up the locker room. Champions don’t leave messes.”

The room laughed — a release, finally — and then, one by one, players stood. Voelker crossed the room first and hugged him. Others followed. No pile-on. No chaos. Just gratitude.

As Toby stepped back and watched them — laughing now, finally loose — he felt the weight lift.

They hadn’t just won a championship.

They had earned it, together.

[MoonlightGraham]

April 7, 2020

The day after the national championship game, Darius Kincaid and Jamari Stokes made it official: they were entering the professional draft. "Winning yesterday removed the last doubts I had about going pro," Jamari said. "There's no better way to go out than this."

"I came to St. Michael's to win a national championship and to learn from the best," Darius added. "That's exactly what happened."

2019 MID-ATLANTIC AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

SR SF Clinton Rucker St. Bonaventure 17.7 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.5 APG 1.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR SF William Hight La Salle 11.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.9 APG 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Levi Parks St. Bonaventure 30 - 8 (14 - 2)

All-league 1st Team:
C SO Darius Kincaid St. Michael's 10.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.4 SPG, 1.8 BPG
PF JR Douglas Elgin Duquesne 14.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.7 BPG
SF SR Clinton Rucker St. Bonaventure 17.7 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SG SR Tate Crenshaw La Salle 23.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG SR Tanner Haviland Duquesne 13.4 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C SR Eric Black Penn State 10.6 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PF SR Saul Wisdom La Salle 8.6 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.1 BPG
SF SR Sylvester Gowen Temple 12.0 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.7 APG, 2.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG
SG SR Aaron Voelker St. Michael's 22.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG JR Tony Christ St. Bonaventure 13.6 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Clint Arellano La Salle 7.7 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PF FR Jalen McBride Temple 7.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG
SF FR William Hight La Salle 11.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SG FR Joseph Agnew Saint Joseph's 4.7 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG FR Luke O'Connor St. Michael's 1.4 PPG, 0.2 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.1 SPG, 0.0 BPG

What does it say when a national championship team doesn't have a player or a coach who earns All-American honors? The Saints' team effort was built on the contributions of stars who were overshadowed by bigger stars from other programs.

Saint Louis center Wesley Birmingham was a more productive version of Darius Kincaid, with an extra dose of elite rim protection. Clinton Rucker and Tate Crenshaw were both All-Americans, leaving no room for Aaron Voelker. Toby, too, was passed over in favor of coaches whose teams dominated their conferences to a greater extent, or who might be completing the final seasons of their storied careers.

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S TEAM INFO

Current Performance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Team Prestige: 100 Record Vs 1-50: 13-4 Poll Rank: #1
Season Record: 33-5 Record Vs 51-100: 9-1 RPI Rank: #1
Conference Record: 12-4 Record Vs 101-200: 9-0
Home Record: 16-1 Record Vs 200+: 2-0


Team Stats CR NR Opp. Stats CR NR Margin CR NR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points 79.1 3 20 Points 65.3 3 35 Points 13.8 2 4
O.Reb 11.9 3 95 O.Reb 8.4 2 4 O.Reb 3.5 2 10
D.Reb 26.8 1 86 D.Reb 21.6 1 5 D.Reb 5.2 1 3
Rebounds 38.7 1 76 Rebounds 30.0 1 1 Rebounds 8.7 1 1
Assists 20.1 1 2 Assists 14.6 5 284 Assists 5.4 1 3
Steals 6.3 6 117 Steals 4.9 1 31 Steals 1.4 3 55
Blocks 3.6 6 140 Blocks 3.9 6 284 Blocks -0.4 5 197
Turnovers 13.0 2 70 Turnovers 15.6 3 38 Turnovers -2.6 2 24
Fouls 16.4 2 5 Fouls 18.2 7 323 Fouls -1.8 2 56
FG% .486 1 2 FG% .428 3 140 FG% .058 2 12
FT% .780 1 1 FT% .695 6 284 FT% .085 1 6
3P% .351 5 144 3P% .358 7 279 3P% -.007 6 203
PPS 1.32 1 19 PPS 1.16 3 43 PPS .156 1 16
Adj. FG% .538 2 10 Adj. FG% .488 3 169 Adj. FG% .050 2 21

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S Averages

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aaron Voelker SG 38 38 32.5 22.4 0.9 3.4 2.2 0.9 0.1 3.2 2.6 12.3
Liam Whitworth PF 38 38 31.7 9.5 2.9 8.1 1.6 0.4 0.5 2.1 2.3 11.6
Ethan Rosenzweig SF 38 38 30.1 14.9 2.2 7.0 2.2 1.1 0.3 1.8 2.8 13.1
Darius Kincaid C 38 38 28.5 10.1 2.8 9.3 1.2 0.4 1.8 1.6 2.2 12.1
Jamari Stokes PG 38 38 24.8 6.3 0.6 2.2 6.5 1.4 0.1 1.3 2.0 10.0
Reese Malloy PG 38 0 18.1 4.7 0.4 1.3 4.7 1.4 0.1 1.2 1.4 4.9
Justin Manning PF 37 0 16.1 3.6 1.1 4.2 0.6 0.3 0.2 0.6 1.5 4.3
Drew Joyce SF 38 0 7.5 4.4 0.4 1.4 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.5 0.8 -0.1
Tyler Grant C 38 0 6.2 1.1 0.5 1.3 0.2 0.1 0.6 0.4 0.3 0.1
Luke O'Connor PG 38 0 4.7 1.4 0.0 0.2 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.3 0.4 -0.1
Rolland Faris SF 1 0 4.0 2.0 0.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 1.0 6.0
Sal Lavin SG 8 0 2.0 1.4 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.8
Jon Hunt PF 17 0 1.9 0.6 0.1 0.6 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 -0.7

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S Totals

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aaron Voelker SG 38 38 1234 853 36 131 82 35 3 120 98 469
Liam Whitworth PF 38 38 1203 362 110 306 61 16 20 78 89 442
Ethan Rosenzweig SF 38 38 1143 568 85 265 83 40 10 69 105 499
Darius Kincaid C 38 38 1082 384 106 354 45 15 70 60 82 459
Jamari Stokes PG 38 38 943 239 24 83 246 55 2 51 76 381
Reese Malloy PG 38 0 686 179 16 51 177 53 2 47 55 185
Justin Manning PF 37 0 595 135 42 155 22 10 6 21 55 158
Drew Joyce SF 38 0 285 168 15 54 16 9 1 19 29 -3
Tyler Grant C 38 0 237 42 18 51 8 3 22 14 13 5
Luke O'Connor PG 38 0 180 53 1 9 18 4 0 12 16 -5
Rolland Faris SF 1 0 4 2 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 6
Sal Lavin SG 8 0 16 11 0 0 3 0 0 1 1 6
Jon Hunt PF 17 0 33 11 1 11 1 0 0 0 3 -12

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S Shooting

Player Pos Fgm Fga Fg% Ftm Fta Ft% 3pm 3pa 3p% PPS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aaron Voelker SG 312 643 .485 110 128 .859 119 324 .367 1.33
Liam Whitworth PF 140 282 .496 81 110 .736 1 1 1.000 1.28
Ethan Rosenzweig SF 216 467 .463 77 91 .846 59 167 .353 1.22
Darius Kincaid C 140 287 .488 104 157 .662 0 0 .000 1.34
Jamari Stokes PG 85 199 .427 50 56 .893 19 69 .275 1.20
Reese Malloy PG 64 134 .478 40 47 .851 11 40 .275 1.34
Justin Manning PF 51 95 .537 20 30 .667 13 34 .382 1.42
Drew Joyce SF 60 107 .561 35 37 .946 13 35 .371 1.57
Tyler Grant C 16 28 .571 10 17 .588 0 1 .000 1.50
Luke O'Connor PG 16 26 .615 19 24 .792 2 7 .286 2.04
Rolland Faris SF 1 1 1.000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 2.00
Sal Lavin SG 4 6 .667 1 2 .500 2 3 .667 1.83
Jon Hunt PF 4 9 .444 3 6 .500 0 0 .000 1.22

Aaron Voelker was fifth in the nation in scoring, and second in the conference behind Tate Crenshaw.

Jamari Stokes, despite playing in a time-share with another talented point guard in Reese Malloy, led the league in assists. Reese was fourth.

Darius Kincaid and Liam Whitworth were second and fourth, respectively, among conference rebounders.

[MoonlightGraham]

April 11, 2020

All-American voters weren't terribly impressed with the credentials of the Saints' stars, but pro scouts absolutely were.

For the second straight year, a St. Michael's big man was drafted first overall. This time, it was Darius Kincaid. Two more Saints were picked in the first round: Jamari Stokes (#15) and Liam Whitworth (#22).

Jamari would be the professional teammate of a conference rival; St. Bonaventure's Clinton Rucker was selected with the #45 pick.


The day after the draft, Cyril Caulfield announced his retirement. "It was a short ride," the veteran coach said, "but it was a great one." He'd been fitted for an NCAA championship ring, after all.

2019 Recruiting Rankings

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Notre Dame Great Lakes PF Roderick Longley ***** 3 2 1 0 0
2. Temple Mid-Atlantic PF Andre Henderson ***** 3 1 0 0 0
3. Memphis Conference USA SF Erick Patrick **** 0 3 2 0 0
4. Houston Southwest PF Daniel Garretson ***** 2 1 1 0 0
5. Georgia Tech ACC SF Gregory Meeks ***** 1 2 2 0 0
6. St. Michael's Mid-Atlantic SG Malcolm Rivers ***** 1 2 0 0 0
7. North Carolina ACC SF Joseph Buggs ***** 1 2 1 0 0
8. Charlotte Blue Ridge SF Justin Hart ***** 2 0 1 0 0
9. Marshall Blue Ridge PF Horace Torres **** 0 3 1 0 0
10. Northwestern Big Ten C Thomas Hunt **** 0 2 2 0 0
11. Florida SEC SF Tod Gipson **** 0 3 1 0 0
12. Central Florida Conference USA SF Tony Mask **** 0 2 2 1 0
13. Tulane Conference USA PG Joseph Powell ***** 1 1 0 0 0
14. Southern Methodist Southwest PG Emanuel Johnson **** 0 2 1 0 0
15. Pittsburgh Mid-Atlantic SG Cole Bianco **** 0 2 2 0 0
16. Auburn SEC PF Elvin Gustin ***** 2 0 1 0 0
17. Tulsa Conference USA SF Jerry Berry ***** 1 1 0 0 0
18. Pepperdine WCC C Joseph Tarrant ***** 1 1 1 0 0
19. Minnesota Big Ten PG John Bergeron ***** 1 1 0 0 0
20. Georgetown

Notre Dame's huge class included three five-star players, led by rugged forward Roderick Longley and sharpshooter Richard Burgess. Andre Henderson, a big man whom the Saints pursued, headlined Temple's strong class.

Malcolm Rivers looks like the most college-ready of the Saints' three freshmen, but all three newcomers should turn out to be the kinds of players who can help teams win games in March and April.

2019 Recruiting Rankings

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Temple Mid-Atlantic PF Andre Henderson ***** 3 1 0 0 0
6. St. Michael's Mid-Atlantic SG Malcolm Rivers ***** 1 2 0 0 0
15. Pittsburgh Mid-Atlantic SG Cole Bianco **** 0 2 2 0 0
33. St. Bonaventure Mid-Atlantic SF John Neil ***** 1 0 1 0 0
54. Duquesne Mid-Atlantic SF Brian Cole **** 0 1 2 0 0
55. La Salle Mid-Atlantic SG Friedhold Schindlbeck *** 0 0 3 1 0
74. Rutgers Mid-Atlantic PF Wesley Leeper *** 0 0 3 0 0
111. Saint Joseph's Mid-Atlantic SF Jae Breckenridge **** 0 1 0 0 0
280. Penn State Mid-Atlantic PG Michael Simonds ** 0 0 0 1 1

Poor Penn State. This is the Nittany Lions' second consecutive poor recruiting haul.

I'd have recruited Friedhold Schindlbeck simply for the sake of his name, but he's actually a nice player. I wish we'd signed him.

[MoonlightGraham]

April 30, 2020
Nora Decides

Late afternoon sunlight slanted across the Whittaker kitchen, warm but heavy, like the weight of the day. Nora sat at the island, laptop open. She had known about her acceptances for weeks, and now the moment had come: by tomorrow, she would commit.

Grace and Eli lingered nearby, nibbling on muffins and trading whispered commentary. Claire poured herself a cup of coffee, watching her eldest with that careful blend of anticipation and pride. Toby leaned against the counter, arms crossed, quiet as always, but present.

“So,” Nora said, taking a deep breath, “this is it. The day before I have to decide. Feels… heavier than I thought it would.”

Claire leaned in. “That’s normal. You’ve thought about it for weeks. You’re ready, Nora. You just have to pick the one that feels right.”

Nora clicked open the list of her schools again, scanning: Notre Dame, Georgetown, Swarthmore, Amherst, Bryn Mawr, Villanova, St. Michael’s. The names were familiar now — each one a story she had already imagined, lived in her mind countless times.

“Let’s start with the sentimental one,” she said, smiling faintly. “St. Michael’s. Always home, always family. I love it. But… I think I need more than just ‘familiar.’ I want challenge. I want excitement. I want to push myself.”

Claire nodded. “You’ve earned the freedom to pick without worrying about anything but choosing the best fit for you."

“Exactly,” Nora said. “I don’t have to stay close. I don’t have to pick comfort. I can pick… my path.” She paused, looking at her parents. “And that’s why it’s between Notre Dame and Georgetown.”

Toby straightened, quietly supportive. “Two excellent schools. You know your priorities — faith, academics, independence. Listen to that instinct.”

Claire smiled, tilting her head. “Let’s talk through it. Georgetown — big city, global exposure, all that buzz. Notre Dame — strong academics, campus life, faith built into every corner. Which feels more like you?”

Nora bit her lip. “Georgetown is exciting. I’d meet people from all over the world, learn in the heart of DC… but Notre Dame feels… like purpose. Like home, but also responsibility. Like I can grow and thrive and still stay connected to what matters to me.”

Eli piped up from the corner. “So… Notre Dame? That’s the one you want?”

Nora smiled, nodding. “Yes. It’s the one that fits everything I care about. The right balance between independence, challenge, and faith. It’s the place I want to start the next chapter.”

Claire reached over, squeezing her hand. “I’m so proud of you. And don’t worry — St. Michael’s will always be there if you ever need a little family magic.”

Grace grinned. “Good choice. Now I just have to live in your shadow for the next two years.”

Nora laughed softly, closing the laptop with a sense of relief and certainty. “Thanks, you guys. I feel ready.”

Toby nodded quietly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He glanced at Claire, then back at Nora. “You’re making your own path. That’s all we ever wanted for you.”

Nora looked around at the family that had guided her this far — messy, warm, unwavering. She felt grounded, excited, and completely herself, ready to step into the next chapter at Notre Dame.

[MoonlightGraham]

May 1, 2020

One of Toby's favorite rival coaches announced his retirement today, but it wasn't the coach Toby, and almost everyone else, thought it would be.

Michael Hall hadn't shown any indication that he was ready to retire. His Temple team was a top-tier program, and had been for years. He'd just signed the nation's top recruiting class. He was only 60 years old, and seemed to be in excellent health. There seemed to be no reason, other than his desire to spend his energy on other things, for Coach Hall to step down. But step down he did, leaving with a career record of 714-360, six conference championships, and the 2016 national title. His wins total was the highest among active coaches.

When St. Bonaventure coach Levi Parks shared an especially warm handshake with Toby at the end of the national semifinal in April, many observers wondered if Coach Parks was saying goodbye. But Coach Parks laughed off the suggestion. "Not today; not this year," he stated. At age 72, he would return to the position he'd held since 2007...the year Toby started at St. Michael's. Coach Parks had a lifetime 624-324 record, and six conference trophies.

Well-traveled Peter Luna, age 54, was third among active coaches with 566 victories. He had won a national title at Purdue in 2008, and he was now at Georgia.

Coach Luna ranked 45th on the career victories leaderboard, and he and Coach Parks were the only active coaches to be found there. Toby, with 411 wins, was still several seasons away from a spot on this list, but his .849 winning percentage was the highest in NCAA history, and no active coach could match his three national championships.


Cyril Caulfield's retirement opened up a spot for a scouting specialist on Toby's staff. It was filled by a talented coach named Tom Reilly, a New Englander who had played for Amherst in the 1980s and spent time as a high school coach before moving into the college ranks in 1999. Coach Reilly was a career assistant; he'd spent more time at Virginia than anywhere else, but he'd just completed a year at Purdue before the whole staff was pushed out the door.

Coach Reilly believed his value was in clarity, not command. He had no interest in running a program or recruiting off hype. He wanted to know how a kid reacts when his shot isn’t falling, whether he listens during timeouts, and how he treats teammates who won’t play much.

That’s why Toby Whittaker hired him.

Tom brought his wife Kathleen to Elmridge with him. Fortunately for her, St. Aloysius School needed a librarian, and the school was quick to hire Kathleen and her 29 years of experience. Their children John (26) and Stephanie (23) both lived in suburban Boston.

[MoonlightGraham]

November 8, 2020

Toby set recruiting tasks aside for an October weekend to take Claire, Grace, and Eli to visit Nora at Notre Dame. They stayed at the Morris Inn, only two miles or so from campus.

Nora lived in Walsh Hall, a beautiful older building on the Main Quad. Her family met her roommates: Maeve Kelleher, from suburban Chicago, and Sofia Alvarez, from San Antonio. The Whittakers made all the classic stops together--the Basilica, the Grotto--before finding their seats in Notre Dame Stadium for the game. That night, they had dinner together at Rohr's, enjoying a delicious meal and wonderful conversation before they walked Nora back to her dorm.

"This place suits you," Claire told her daughter.

Nora smiled. She knew exactly what her mom meant.

***

Two weeks later, the Saints fall camp began. The team that emerged from camp was markedly different from last season's champions. The Saints lacked the marquee names that pro scouts had known for years; this year's edition was built around solid veterans who had spent three and four years together.

#2 ST. MICHAEL'S General

Player # Pos Yr Ht Wt Sch Acd Status Hometown
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Philo Wipplinger 0 C Fr 6-9 231 No 29 OK Tubingen, Germany
Reese Malloy 2 PG Sr 6-1 185 Yes 82 OK Williamsburg, VA
Drew Joyce 4 SF So 6-7 225 Yes 97 OK Radnor, PA
Ethan Rosenzweig 5 SF Sr 6-5 215 Yes 99 OK Rosemont, PA
Sal Lavin 20 SG So 6-5 188 Yes 51 Unhappy North Versailles, PA
Justin Manning 23 PF Jr 6-9 232 Yes 86 OK Hockessin, Delaware
Sean Callahan 24 PF Fr 6-9 234 Yes 80 OK Wethersfield, CT
Luke O'Connor 25 PG So 6-1 198 Yes 93 OK Wimington, DE
Felix Sauter 31 PF So* 6-7 218 Yes 71 OK Cambridge City, IN
Malcolm Rivers 32 SG Fr 6-4 207 Yes 83 OK White Plains, NY
Tyler Grant 33 C So 6-11 241 Yes 77 OK Philadelphia, PA
Dudley Flower 43 SG Fr 6-3 210 Yes 99 OK Cairnryan, UK
Jon Hunt 53 PF So 6-9 209 No 45 OK Marshall, MI


Senior Ethan Rosenzweig was the only returning starter. A study in patience, Ethan had spent two years as a deep bench player before emerging as a starter as a junior. He'd always been able to shoot, but now he was among the nation's best, a player Toby trusted to take any shot. Ethan was also a willing defender.

Ethan's classmate, Reese Malloy, also benefited from remaining a Saint for four years. Good enough to claim playing time at the expense of a player (Jamari Stokes) who was a first-round pick, Reese was now the unquestioned starter at the point. He was ready; he was an elite ballhandler and passer, and a shut-down defender who could create turnovers. Toby thought Reese would be one of the best players in the nation at his position.

Justin Manning worked hard in camp to prove he was more than a disruptor, more than a bench player. This fall, the junior big man showed improved defensive awareness and rebounding instincts. If he could continue to make half his shots, as he had so far as a collegian, he could also represent a sneaky-good offensive option.

Joining Justin in the post would be sophomore Tyler Grant. Like Manning, he made a high percentage of his shots off the bench, and Toby thought he could be nearly as effective playing against opponents' best bigs. He knew Tyler would hustle and play solid defense, and he was a fine rim protector.

Five-star freshman Malcolm Rivers proved to be every bit as good as advertised. An electric athlete with a scorer's mentality, Malcolm worked tirelessly to improve his fitness and hone his body for the demands of college basketball. "He's ready," assistant Mark Graham said of the precocious guard from New York.

Drew Joyce didn't play as much as a freshman as most top five recruits did. Most high school phenoms don't have to compete for playing time against veterans like Rosenzweig and Liam Whitworth, and even fewer received NCAA championship rings like the one Drew would receive at the Saints' home opener. Drew's versatility made him, in Toby's words, a "sixth starter," able to play as many as four positions. It also made pro scouts consider him as a possible lottery pick if he left school in the spring.

Freshman Dudley Flower and sophomores Sal Lavin and Luke O'Connor would all receive some run in the backcourt. Dudley and Sal were shooters, and Luke was a distributor. Freshman Sean Callahan and redshirt sophomore Felix Sauter, a former transfer, provided frontcourt depth.

And who couldn't love a player named Philo Wipplinger? Philo was a walk-on big man from Germany who won his roster spot by finishing second to Tyler Grant in the team's strength competition and by being willing to defend Grant and the other big men with every ounce of his energy.

Coach Graham was careful in his assessment of this year's team. "For the past several years, we had players everyone was talking about. Players like [Aaron] Voelker, [Colton] Reddick, [Minaugas] Vairys. This year's team doesn't have one guy everyone knows. People don't realize what a player Ethan is. Reese is better than people think he is.

"I don't know if it's possible for the defending national champion to sneak up on anyone, but if it is, we might be the team to do it."

[MoonlightGraham]

If you paid even the least bit of attention to college basketball recruiting, you knew Tyrese Coleman's name.

Eli Whittaker and his friends at St. Michael's College School certainly did. They usually called him by his first name alone, as in "Tyrese was at the AAU tournament I played in last summer in Maryland, but he's not in my age group."

Seeing Tyrese was worth bragging about. He was the top player in the Class of 2021, and he'd held that position since ninth grade. Now, Tyrese was a 6'10" big man, with a game-changing combination of power and precision. His scouting report was peppered with phrases like drop-coverage anchor, elite rebounder, vertical spacer, and paint deterrent.

Tyrese attended Trinity Episcopal School in Richmond, Virginia. His father, Marcus, was a civil engineer, just like Toby's dad had been. David Whittaker remembered meeting Marcus at conferences. Tyrese's mother, Adrienne, taught literature at Virginia Commonwealth. They hadn't enrolled Tyrese at Trinity because of its basketball program (which was very good), but for its academic quality and its structure. Tyrese was in the top ten percent of his class, especially interested in his history, government, and religion classes. He read a lot, and it wasn't fluff. If Tyrese hadn't been a basketball star, selective colleges and universities would still have been interested in him.

Toby saw him play for the first time at the AAU tournament Eli mentioned. Tyrese blocked six shots in the game Toby watched, and probably altered a dozen more. Almost all his blocks were redirected to teammates to trigger fast breaks; only once did he hammer the shot far out of play. That shooter didn't attempt to step into the paint again.

On the court, Tyrese was calm in a way that unsettled people. He didn't bark, he didn't celebrate blocks, and he didn't stare people down. He simply turned, ran the floor, and set the next screen. Teammates trusted Tyrese because he didn't panic. Opponents hated playing against him because nothing rattled him.

***

It was late afternoon when Toby’s rental car turned into a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood outside Richmond. Brick colonials. Trim lawns. Basketball hoop over one driveway with a slightly bent rim — used, not decorative.

He noticed that.

The Colemans’ house wasn’t flashy. Two stories. Clean porch. A Trinity Episcopal yard sign tucked near the steps. Tyrese answered the door.

“Good evening, Coach.”

Not “Hey.” Not “What’s up.” Good evening.

Toby clocked that immediately.

The house smelled like something slow-cooked. Toby identified garlic and rosemary, and he felt family meal energy. Marcus Coleman was steady, solid, broad-shouldered. His handshake was firm and his eyes were direct and warm.

"You're David Whittaker's son, aren't you?" Marcus smiled.

Toby smiled, too. "Yes, I am."

"Your father is a good man." Toby smiled even more.

Adrienne Banks-Coleman was thoughtful and observant. She was the type of person who listened before she spoke. There was a younger sister, too: Laila, an eighth grader. She pretended not to care about basketball but absolutely did.

They sat at the dining room table. No catering. No show. Just dinner. That mattered to Toby. They didn't talk basketball at first, Instead, Adrienne asked about St. Michael’s academic advising structure. Marcus asked about graduation rates. Toby didn't deflect, and he didn't pivot to talk about banners. He answered directly.

“Eighty-nine percent graduate in four years. The other eleven percent graduate in five. Colton Reddick will graduate in May, and he's in the pros now. We build schedules around travel. And if a player struggles academically, we address it immediately.”

Tyrese listened more than he spoke. But when he did speak, it was precise.

“What’s the balance like between defensive responsibility and pace in your system?”

Toby smiled slightly. “That’s a real question.”

After dinner--Tyrese cleared the table, while Laila loaded the dishwasher--Tyrese pulled up a clip on the television. It's a Trinity game, with the Titans playing high ball screen coverage.

Tyrese paused it himself. “I should’ve switched earlier here.” When he restarted the clip, Toby saw that Tyrese blocked the shot anyway.

Toby leaned forward. “Why?”

“Because the guard had his shoulders downhill. If I switch sooner, he doesn’t get to the lane.”

Tyrese's reply didn't reflect ego. Just evaluation. And that's when Toby realized he was having a basketball conversation, not making a recruiting visit.

While Toby was still processing this exchange (and smiling), Marcus asked him another question.

“Coach, what kind of young man leaves your program?”

Toby didn't rush it.

“Accountable. Prepared. Tired, because we work. But prepared.”

Adrienne studied him.

“And if he’s two-and-through?”

There it is. Toby doesn’t flinch.

“Then he’s two-and-through the right way.”

He didn't sell longevity. He sold development. Tyrese and his family knew that two St. Michael's centers have been the first overall pick in the professional draft in the past three years. Mindaugas Kairys and Darius Kincaid were ready for the next level, and St. Michael's made that happen.

Tyrese watched that exchange closely.

In the car, Toby sat for a moment before starting the engine. He thought about:

The calm in that house.

The way Tyrese owned his mistakes on film.

The parents asking about graduation before playing time.

The discipline of Trinity layered onto natural maturity.

He didn't think, “Five-star.”

He thought: Tyrese stabilizes everything.

And that’s rarer than talent.

[MoonlightGraham]

The Saints also wanted to sign a point guard from the Class of '21. They had their eyes on two players in particular: Julian Mercado and Lucas Moretti.

Mercado was as good a pure point guard as Toby had recruited in years. He could settle his team down into its offense and run it like a symphony conductor, or push the pace and create easy baskets with dazzling passes. Quick and aggressive, Julian was a superb on-ball defender, perfect for Toby's man-to-man scheme. He was from Teaneck, New Jersey; the Saints usually recruited well in that area.

Moretti was as scrappy as Mercado was elegant. He was a product of a good program at La Salle Academy in Providence. Lucas shot the ball more, averaging 20 points a game to Julian's 12. Some scouts believed he'd be no better than a secondary ballhandler, but Toby and his staff disagreed--and everyone graded his shooting ability at an easy A.

Both Julian and Lucas were extremely bright; Julian scored 1480 on his SAT and Lucas hit a 1410. Both young men took challenging classes and made good grades. Julian was a whiz at calculus and physics, while Lucas took AP French and AP Latin.

There was very little to separate the two guards except their college preferences. Julian bonded well with Temple's new coach, Bert Schwartz. Lucas had been wearing St. Michael's gear since he was in elementary school.

"We brought Julian to campus," Olen Hargrove remembered, "and he was polite and seemed interested...but I could tell he didn't love the place. Lucas, on the other hand..." Coach Hargrove smiled. "Lucas headed for the Cloister first, instead of The Pavilion. He looked like a kid on Christmas morning.

"He told us that day he was coming."

On Decision Day, Lucas kept his word. The Saints had their point guard.

The early departures of the Wisconsin boys, Jamari Stokes and Darius Kincaid, left St. Michael's with four scholarships to offer this year. Two of them were awarded to Moretti and Tyrese Coleman. The others were given to Sean McKenna and Marcus Bellamy.

McKenna was the Saints' sleeper pick. He was a 6'10" forward from Bucks County, a suburban Philly kid who grew up rooting for the Saints. He also developed a jump shot that looked like it came out of a training video. "He's money from 25 feet in," assistant Mark Graham said with a smile.

Sean was also, in another coach's words, "one of the least athletic good players I've ever seen." Still a bit gawky at 210 pounds, Sean wasn't quick, he wasn't particularly strong, and he could barely dunk. Those limitations caused the experts to consider him a three-star prospect. But Sean had a five-star ability to shoot the ball, and the Saints staff liked him. Toby offered him a scholarship and Sean accepted it as soon as he could.

Marcus was almost Sean's mirror image, a supremely athletic 6'6" wing whose basketball skills needed refinement. Unlike a lot of top basketball players, Marcus kept playing the other sports he enjoyed at Our Lady of Good Counsel in suburban D.C. He had been recruited as a wide receiver until he told football coaches he was planning to play basketball. During his junior track and field season, Marcus posted personal records of almost 23 feet in the long jump and just over 49 feet in the triple jump. Recruiting gurus universally gave Marcus five stars, ranking him among the top five players in his class.

Marcus and Tyrese Coleman were AAU teammates and very close friends. "We've talked about playing college ball together," Marcus said in an interview. "We'll make our own decisions, but it's something we've considered."

By November 1, Tyrese and Marcus had narrowed their choices to two programs: N.C. State and St. Michael's. Two high-prestige programs with winning traditions. One large, public school with big-time football; one small, private school where basketball was, by far, the biggest game in town.

"We're going to have to work hard to land those guys," Toby admitted. "Tyrese seemed to like the atmosphere here more than Marcus did.

"If we sign them both..."

[MoonlightGraham]

January 1, 2021

Eli Whittaker would have received a few demerits if any of the teachers at SMCS had caught him with his phone out during the break between his third and fourth classes. Being a the best basketball player in the freshman class wouldn't have protected him. Neither would being the son of the school's beloved art teacher or the college's iconic basketball coach. But Eli was sneaky enough to check his phone when nobody was looking. That's how he learned that Tyrese Coleman had committed to St. Michael's that morning.

The first person Eli told was his best friend, Jack Pendergast.

"We got Tyrese," was all Eli needed to say.

"How about Marcus?" JP asked him.

"Nothing yet." Marcus Bellamy was still deciding between N.C. State and St. Michael's. Tyrese's decision, on the other hand, seemed as solid as the sandstone walls of the old buildings on the St. Michael's campus.

“I chose St. Michael’s because they don’t just build players — they build people," Tyrese said, flanked by his parents and younger sister as they stood in the gym at Trinity Episcopal. "I want to compete at the highest level, but I also want to be challenged every day to be better off the court than I am on it. That’s what this program is about.”

Eli and JP were at basketball practice when Marcus announced his decision. He chose the Wolfpack. A few people wondered if Marcus saw an easier path to immediate playing time at N.C. State; they sorely needed a wing, while the Saints would have three former five-star players--Malcolm Rivers, Sal Lavin, and Dudley Flower--returning at SG and SF next season.

***

#1 ST. MICHAEL'S Schedule

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
11/15/20 Williams 4-8 346 W 80-55 1-0
11/19/20 vs. Indiana State 5-8 45 W 80-65 2-0
11/20/20 vs. Marshall 10-5 12 W 77-61 3-0
11/21/20 vs. #23 Marquette 10-3 6 W 68-66 4-0
11/25/20 at Rice 8-3 18 W 65-64 5-0
11/29/20 Utah 7-5 245 W 74-61 6-0
12/02/20 Vanderbilt 8-4 64 W 74-55 7-0
12/06/20 American 7-6 101 W 90-81 8-0
12/09/20 at Notre Dame 7-4 7 W 76-59 9-0
12/12/20 Milwaukee 7-5 232 W 82-64 10-0
12/15/20 Holy Cross 6-7 306 W 112-57 11-0
12/19/20 Lafayette 6-7 98 W 80-65 12-0
12/30/20 at Richmond 5-7 208 L 73-59 12-1


The Saints rolled through November and into December without missing a beat. Ethan Rosenzweig had blossomed into one of the nation's top scorers, averaging nearly 26 per game. Many of Ethan's buckets came courtesy of Reese Malloy, second in the nation in assists with almost nine per game. Malcolm Rivers was establishing himself as a dangerous second scoring option. Drew Joyce worked his way into the starting lineup, filling the scoresheet on a daily basis. Tyler Grant and Justin Manning combined for 14 points and 13 rebounds a game.

The Whittakers turned the Saints' game at Notre Dame into an occasion to visit Nora. She wore an Irish hoodie and sat with the Notre Dame students; Toby and Claire said that's exactly where she belonged.

The Saints lost their first game of the season at Richmond, where Spiders fans stormed the court after their team dominated the second half and won, 73-59. Richmond's star was freshman Anthony DeLuca, who had played his high school ball a half hour up the road from Elmridge for Abington Friends. Toby and his staff had recruited him, and he'd invited Nora's best friend to his senior prom. Tonight, he dropped 23 points--seven more than his average--reminding Toby why he'd been on the Saints' short list. A streak of 24 consecutive victories, dating back to last February, didn't make it home from Virginia.

The loss at Richmond cast a shadow over the Saints program, but that shadow lifted two days later, when the nation's most highly-regarded high school player picked St. Michael's. Tyrese had been at the Richmond game, and he stopped by the team's locker room after the contest.

"I hope they had fun," Tyrese told his future teammates, taking a rare opportunity to indulge in some trash-talking. "That ain't happenin' again."

[MoonlightGraham]

February 1, 2021

While Toby preferred to complete the Saints' recruiting process early in the season, he and his staff often landed very good players in January and February. They thought they'd found another good one in Scotty Cantrell, a four-star forward from Los Angeles.

Head recruiter Olen Hargrove had been sold on Scotty from the start. “Scotty’s motor jumps off the film. He rebounds outside his area, he runs the floor every possession, and he protects the rim with real timing. You can’t teach that instinct. We think his best basketball is still in front of him.”

Toby praised the newest future Saint, too. “He’s a tough, physical forward who embraces contact. What excites us is how skilled he already is around the basket and how much room he still has to grow. I think Scotty has some real upside as a shooter. We know he'll be able to rebound, defend, and set a tone every night.”

Scotty played power forward for Brentwood Academy, but the Saints staff thought he could play on the perimeter, too. "We saw film of Scotty defending wings on the AAU circuit," Tom Reilly pointed out. "He's not exceptionally quick, but he understands positioning and reads the game well. We can envision him playing alongside Tyrese Coleman, Tyler Grant, Sean Callahan, Sean McKenna."

Signing a top player from California demonstrated the national appeal of the St. Michael's program. "We can recruit nationally now," Hargrove stated.

But, at the same time, Toby pointed out how important it was for the Saints to maintain their reputation as a place where local high school players could thrive. "We'll always recruit the Philadelphia area actively. We'll recruit the DMV. We'll recruit the New York area. Our East Coast roots will remain strong."

[MoonlightGraham]

#2 ST. MICHAEL'S Schedule

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
01/07/21 at #14 St. Bonaventure 24-7 17 W 77-66 14-1 (1-0)
01/09/21 Penn State 11-20 234 W 85-58 15-1 (2-0)
01/14/21 Rutgers 18-11 37 W 72-51 16-1 (3-0)
01/16/21 at Duquesne 19-11 31 L 59-50 16-2 (3-1)
01/19/21 at #24 Temple 20-10 30 W 80-71 17-2 (4-1)
01/23/21 Pittsburgh 14-17 108 W 60-40 18-2 (5-1)
01/28/21 Saint Joseph's 15-15 62 W 91-49 19-2 (6-1)
01/30/21 at La Salle 12-17 78 W 81-73 20-2 (7-1)
02/06/21 #14 St. Bonaventure 24-7 17 L 75-52 20-3 (7-2)
02/11/21 at Penn State 11-20 234 W 90-69 21-3 (8-2)
02/13/21 at Rutgers 18-11 37 W 73-47 22-3 (9-2)
02/18/21 Duquesne 19-11 31 W 79-73 23-3 (10-2)
02/20/21 #24 Temple 20-10 30 W 70-49 24-3 (11-2)
02/23/21 at Pittsburgh 14-17 108 W 73-46 25-3 (12-2)
02/27/21 at Saint Joseph's 15-15 62 W 90-64 26-3 (13-2)
03/04/21 La Salle 12-17 78 W 93-78 27-3 (14-2)

Father Rob Grey stood in the hallway outside the locker room after the La Salle win, hands folded behind his back, smiling in that calm, pastoral way of his.

It was Senior Night for Ethan Rosenzweig and Reese Malloy. When Reese walked by, Father Rob tapped him on the shoulder. "Great game tonight, Reese," he beamed. Reese enveloped the priest in a bear hug. "Thanks, Father Rob." In front of his parents and siblings, Reese had broken the Saints' record for assists in a single game, dishing out 16.

Father Rob didn’t talk about rankings. He didn’t talk about margins. He talked about character.

“You can learn a lot about young men in February,” he said. “Anyone can win when the ball is going in. What I’ve loved about this group is how they responded when it didn’t.”

He pointed specifically to the Duquesne loss and the home setback against St. Bonaventure.

“They didn’t fracture. They didn’t point fingers. They practiced harder. They listened. They trusted one another. That’s maturity.”

He called the 14–2 conference mark “a testament to discipline,” but what impressed him most was the defensive consistency — holding multiple league opponents under 50 points, winning on the road at Temple, answering every stumble with composure.

And then he added, with a little grin:

“Basketball reveals the soul. This team’s soul is steady.”

Classic Father Rob — grounding the whole thing in something bigger than the scoreboard.

#2 St. Michael's 93, La Salle 78

---------------------------------------------------------
La Salle (11-17, 5-10):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Peter Bennett C 31 6-9 2-2 2 5 1 4 14
Clint Arellano PF 32 5-9 3-4 2 3 1 2 14
William Hight SG 29 6-11 0-0 1 3 0 0 16
Jia Fang PG 34 2-8 0-0 1 4 5 1 5
Freddie Galbraith SF 28 3-8 2-2 0 5 5 5 9
Donny Hendry SG 20 2-7 7-7 0 0 2 2 11
Apolinar Garrido PG 5 1-1 0-0 0 0 1 2 3
Fester Looshorn C 13 0-2 0-0 2 3 1 1 0
Gerald Bouton SF 4 1-1 2-5 0 1 1 2 4
Ruben Webb PF 5 1-1 0-0 0 0 0 0 2

Turnovers: 15 (P.Bennett 2, C.Arellano 2, W.Hight 5,
J.Fang 2, F.Galbraith 3, D.Hendry 1)
Blocked Shots: 1 (P.Bennett 1)
Steals: 7 (P.Bennett 2, C.Arellano 1, F.Galbraith 2,
D.Hendry 2)
3P FGs: 8-24 (P.Bennett 0-1, C.Arellano 1-2, W.Hight
4-6, J.Fang 1-6, F.Galbraith 1-4, D.Hendry 0-3,
A.Garrido 1-1, F.Looshorn 0-1)

St. Michael's (27-3, 14-2):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Tyler Grant C 29 2-4 4-4 4 10 0 3 8
Drew Joyce PF 27 5-9 4-4 1 2 1 3 14
Ethan Rosenzweig SF 30 7-17 4-5 2 6 2 5 20
Malcolm Rivers SG 28 6-9 4-7 0 4 3 4 19
Reese Malloy PG 34 4-6 0-0 1 2 16 0 9
Justin Manning PF 21 2-2 0-0 0 7 1 2 4
Dudley Flower SG 12 4-5 0-0 0 0 1 1 10
Luke O'Connor PG 4 0-0 0-0 1 1 2 0 0
Sal Lavin SF 10 1-2 4-4 0 2 0 0 6
Sean Callahan C 4 1-2 1-1 0 0 1 1 3
Felix Sauter PF 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 18 (T.Grant 5, D.Joyce 2, E.Rosenzweig 1,
M.Rivers 4, R.Malloy 2, S.Lavin 2, S.Callahan 2)
Blocked Shots: 3 (T.Grant 2, J.Manning 1)
Steals: 4 (E.Rosenzweig 1, M.Rivers 1, R.Malloy 1,
D.Flower 1)
3P FGs: 8-18 (D.Joyce 0-1, E.Rosenzweig 2-7, M.Rivers
3-6, R.Malloy 1-1, D.Flower 2-3)

Player of Game: PG Reese Malloy (STMIC)

[MoonlightGraham]

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
03/12/21 vs. Pittsburgh 14-18 107 W 72-49 28-3
03/13/21 vs. Rutgers 19-13 35 W 80-63 29-3
03/14/21 vs. La Salle 14-18 66 W 81-78 30-3

The Mid-Atlantic Conference tournament featured a number of upsets. In the first round proper, the Saints were the only better-seeded team to win their game; Duquesne, St. Bonaventure, and Temple all lost.

Seniors Ethan Rosenzweig and Reese Malloy played up to their usual high standards in a rout of Pitt. Ethan scored 24 points, and Reese combined 10 points, 11 assists, and 5 steals. Electric freshman Malcolm Rivers added 15 points.

Rosenzweig netted 25 more the next night, as the Saints beat Rutgers to advance to the final. Drew Joyce scoreld 14, and Justin Manning came off the bench to grab 14 rebounds.

The Saints met La Salle in the championship game. The Explorers were ready; they wanted very badly to pull off the upset and punch a ticket to the Big Dance. But Ethan Rosenzweig was ready, too. He hit five three-pointers en route to a game-high 28 points, and he added 9 rebounds for good measure. Rivers scored 20, Joyce pitched in 15, and Malloy kept the shooters happy with 13 assists.

After the game was over and the nets were cut down, a reporter approached Drew Joyce with a very direct question.

"A lot of pro scouts are saying you'd be a lottery pick if you enter the draft. Some even have you going in the top five. Have you made up your mind about going pro?"

Drew smiled. “Right now? I’m a Saint. That’s it. We just won a championship with my brothers. I’m not thinking about anything past this locker room.”

The reporter kept going. "But have you thought about it?"

Drew didn’t dodge the question, but he didn’t take the bait either.

“Of course I’ve thought about it. Anybody in my position would. But I came here to build something. We’re not done yet. I owe it to this team to stay locked in.”

Then he glanced back toward the court, where the celebration continued.

“Those guys over there? That’s why I came to St. Michael’s. I'll sit down with my family after the season and figure out what’s next. But tonight belongs to us.”

[MoonlightGraham]

April 4, 2021
Indianapolis — 1:12 a.m.

I scored 22 tonight.

It doesn’t matter.

That’s the strangest part of this whole thing. I can see the box score in my head like it’s etched there — 7-for-13. Four threes. Perfect from the line. I felt calm. I felt ready. When the ball left my hands, it felt right.

And we lost by 12.

Houston punched first and we never quite recovered. Eighteen turnovers. Weston Naranjo couldn’t miss. Every time we made a small push, something slipped — a loose ball, a rushed pass, a defensive breakdown. Championship games aren’t dramatic when you lose them. They’re quiet. They’re slow leaks.

Last year we were the ones cutting down the nets. I remember how light everything felt. How the confetti sticks to your shoes. How you don’t want to leave the floor.

Tonight I watched someone else climb the ladder.

That part hurt more than I expected.

But here’s what I keep coming back to:

We went 34–4. We won the league. We got back to the Final Four. We beat two Top Ten teams in the tournament. That’s not an accident. That’s not luck. That’s culture. That’s mornings in the weight room. That’s film sessions nobody sees. That’s Reese talking in huddles. That’s Drew taking the toughest matchup every night. That’s Coach Whittaker believing in us when we looked ordinary in November.

I got to be part of two teams that mattered.

I don’t know what happens next. My college career is over. That sentence looks strange written down. I was a freshman yesterday. Now I’m packing a duffel bag and trying to understand how something can feel both complete and unfinished at the same time.

We didn’t repeat.

But we came back.

And maybe that’s what I’ll remember most — that we didn’t defend the title with fear. We chased another one with joy.

I’m proud of that.

Tomorrow the sting will be sharper. Tonight I just feel grateful.

— Ethan

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
03/18/21 vs. Oakland 16-17 248 W 82-59 31-3
03/20/21 vs. Utah State 26-10 52 W 83-62 32-3
03/25/21 vs. #7 St. John's 28-6 11 W 65-53 33-3
03/27/21 vs. #9 Kentucky 26-9 6 W 71-63 34-3
04/03/21 vs. #5 Houston 34-5 5 L 66-54 34-4

[MoonlightGraham]

#2 ST. MICHAEL'S TEAM INFO

Current Performance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Team Prestige: 100 Record Vs 1-50: 13-3 Poll Rank: #2
Season Record: 34-4 Record Vs 51-100: 8-0 RPI Rank: #2
Conference Record: 14-2 Record Vs 101-200: 6-1
Home Record: 15-1 Record Vs 200+: 7-0


Team Stats CR NR Opp. Stats CR NR Margin CR NR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points 76.3 2 50 Points 61.7 2 9 Points 14.7 1 6
O.Reb 10.7 7 218 O.Reb 9.1 3 17 O.Reb 1.6 3 85
D.Reb 24.3 5 288 D.Reb 21.0 1 3 D.Reb 3.3 3 27
Rebounds 35.0 6 271 Rebounds 30.1 1 2 Rebounds 4.9 2 29
Assists 18.1 1 6 Assists 12.5 2 45 Assists 5.6 1 1
Steals 5.7 5 156 Steals 4.1 1 3 Steals 1.7 1 40
Blocks 3.8 4 129 Blocks 2.9 2 69 Blocks 0.8 4 90
Turnovers 12.1 2 26 Turnovers 14.1 5 130 Turnovers -2.0 4 48
Fouls 16.1 1 4 Fouls 16.4 9 363 Fouls -0.3 6 171
FG% .475 2 4 FG% .420 4 96 FG% .055 1 14
FT% .800 1 1 FT% .701 7 317 FT% .099 1 1
3P% .390 1 19 3P% .343 3 197 3P% .047 1 36
PPS 1.35 1 7 PPS 1.17 3 59 PPS .189 1 13
Adj. FG% .566 1 1 Adj. FG% .480 2 120 Adj. FG% .086 1 4

I don't remember ever seeing a team shoot 80 percent from the line in FBCB.

Again, these numbers--especially the ratios--reflect the Saints' status as one of the best teams in the nation. Their trip to the Final Four was no fluke.

#2 ST. MICHAEL'S Averages

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ethan Rosenzweig SF 38 38 31.8 23.3 2.3 7.0 2.0 1.0 0.3 2.7 2.7 13.0
Reese Malloy PG 38 38 31.2 7.5 0.6 1.7 8.7 1.7 0.1 1.7 2.5 13.3
Malcolm Rivers SG 38 38 29.5 14.4 0.9 3.5 2.1 0.9 0.2 2.2 2.4 11.6
Tyler Grant C 38 38 29.3 4.5 2.6 7.3 0.9 0.3 2.1 1.4 2.0 11.7
Drew Joyce PF 38 36 25.6 10.7 1.3 4.9 1.2 0.5 0.3 1.2 2.3 9.0
Justin Manning PF 38 2 19.7 4.4 1.8 6.0 0.7 0.2 0.4 0.7 1.8 6.9
Dudley Flower SG 38 0 10.1 4.2 0.5 1.3 0.6 0.4 0.1 0.7 0.6 2.4
Luke O'Connor PG 38 0 8.2 2.1 0.1 0.3 1.3 0.4 0.0 0.3 0.4 0.1
Sean Callahan C 38 0 8.2 1.4 0.4 1.6 0.3 0.0 0.1 0.6 0.7 1.5
Sal Lavin SF 38 0 6.6 3.6 0.2 1.0 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.8 0.8 1.9
Felix Sauter PF 23 0 1.7 0.5 0.1 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.4

#2 ST. MICHAEL'S Totals

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ethan Rosenzweig SF 38 38 1207 885 87 266 77 37 10 101 103 495
Reese Malloy PG 38 38 1184 284 21 64 330 65 3 63 94 506
Malcolm Rivers SG 38 38 1121 546 35 134 78 34 6 84 90 442
Tyler Grant C 38 38 1113 172 98 277 34 13 80 52 77 443
Drew Joyce PF 38 36 972 405 50 185 46 20 13 47 86 343
Justin Manning PF 38 2 750 169 68 229 26 9 15 25 67 264
Dudley Flower SG 38 0 384 158 18 51 21 15 3 25 21 92
Luke O'Connor PG 38 0 312 80 3 13 49 16 0 12 17 2
Sean Callahan C 38 0 312 55 15 59 11 1 3 21 28 56
Sal Lavin SF 38 0 251 136 9 39 13 8 3 29 29 73
Felix Sauter PF 23 0 38 11 2 12 3 0 7 1 0 9

#2 ST. MICHAEL'S Shooting

Player Pos Fgm Fga Fg% Ftm Fta Ft% 3pm 3pa 3p% PPS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ethan Rosenzweig SF 318 664 .479 140 159 .881 109 285 .382 1.33
Reese Malloy PG 101 218 .463 48 55 .873 34 99 .343 1.30
Malcolm Rivers SG 186 392 .474 66 89 .742 108 271 .399 1.39
Tyler Grant C 67 149 .450 38 54 .704 0 1 .000 1.15
Drew Joyce PF 139 303 .459 74 83 .892 53 137 .387 1.34
Justin Manning PF 62 124 .500 30 53 .566 15 41 .366 1.36
Dudley Flower SG 52 95 .547 28 36 .778 26 56 .464 1.66
Luke O'Connor PG 27 51 .529 11 15 .733 15 30 .500 1.57
Sean Callahan C 17 43 .395 16 25 .640 5 18 .278 1.28
Sal Lavin SF 43 96 .448 24 25 .960 26 65 .400 1.42
Felix Sauter PF 5 7 .714 0 0 .000 1 2 .500 1.57

Ethan Rosenzweig's senior season was one for the books. His total of 885 points is second all-time at St. Michael's...trailing George Bergman's 2009/10 record by a single point. His 318 made field goals beat Aaron Voelker's record from last year by six buckets.

Reese Malloy shattered the Saints' season record for assists. Harold Toombs, a teammate of Toby's back in the nineties, held that record with 247. And despite starting only 56 games in his career, Reese graduates as the all-time St. Michael's leader in assists, with a total of 712 that beat Harold's mark by three.

Fun fact: Toby Whittaker remains on two career leaderboards at his alma mater. His 362 made free throws ranks 8th all time, and his 143 career steals places him 10th.

[MoonlightGraham]

2020 OVERALL AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

SR PG Dexter Greeson Miami 13.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 8.9 APG 2.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR SG Timothy Shade Canisius 16.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.4 APG 1.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Charles Prine Oklahoma 24 - 10 (9 - 5)

All-league 1st Team:
C JR Rusty Schaaf Georgetown 16.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.9 APG, 0.2 SPG, 3.3 BPG
PF JR Carroll Swartz Illinois-Chicago 18.4 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.4 SPG, 3.4 BPG
SF SR Ethan Rosenzweig St. Michael's 23.3 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SG SR Larry Valles Pacific 26.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PG SR Dexter Greeson Miami 13.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 8.9 APG, 2.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C SR Scott Peterson Indiana State 24.1 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
PF SR Chris Moran Texas-San Antonio 17.9 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG
SF SR Gerard Wiese Virginia Tech 19.9 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.4 BPG
SG SR Colton Laws Tennessee 19.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.2 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG JR Jose Groce Louisiana State 18.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 7.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-league 3rd Team:
C SR Elias Mattson Duke 11.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.5 BPG
PF SR John Higginbotham Tulane 13.5 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 4.4 BPG
SF JR Kevin McClellan Villanova 14.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.6 BPG
SG SR Anacleto Duran UC Santa Barbara 25.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PG SR Thurman McCormack American 21.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Paul Charette Illinois-Chicago 7.3 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.5 SPG, 2.7 BPG
PF FR Junior Natividad Stanford 12.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SF FR Blair Bedard Notre Dame 15.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SG FR Timothy Shade Canisius 16.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PG FR John Bergeron Minnesota 8.7 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Ethan Rosenzweig was a very deserving first team All-American. I wonder how many votes he got for national Player of the Year.

2020 MID-ATLANTIC AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

SR SF Ethan Rosenzweig St. Michael's 23.3 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.0 APG 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR SG Malcolm Rivers St. Michael's 14.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.1 APG 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Toby Whittaker St. Michael's 34 - 4 (14 - 2)

All-league 1st Team:
C SR Darcy Maddock Pittsburgh 6.7 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.5 SPG, 3.1 BPG
PF SR Douglas Elgin Duquesne 15.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 3.1 BPG
SF SR Ethan Rosenzweig St. Michael's 23.3 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SG SR Matthew Haywood Temple 16.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.0 BPG
PG SR Pascal Carter Rutgers 14.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C JR Thomas Dao St. Bonaventure 6.2 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG
PF SR Lester Kessinger Rutgers 8.7 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.4 SPG, 1.5 BPG
SF SR Freddie Galbraith La Salle 10.2 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SG SR Moses Rodas St. Bonaventure 19.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG SR Reese Malloy St. Michael's 7.5 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 8.7 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Charles Moye Penn State 3.9 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.7 BPG
PF FR Isidro Grissom Rutgers 6.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SF FR David Geer Temple 6.8 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SG FR Malcolm Rivers St. Michael's 14.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG FR Sal Romo Rutgers 6.6 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG

The Saints swept the yearly superlatives this year. Toby doesn't always get the CotY prize--it often goes to a coach who is more of an underdog--but he was the voters' choice this year.

Those voters apparently preferred a combo guard like Pascal Carter over a pure point guard like Reese Malloy, who was second in the nation in assists. Carter has been a fine player, but if he and Reese were swapped here, I'd be just fine with that.

[MoonlightGraham]

April 10, 2021

Drew Joyce listened to the pro scouts and entered the draft. It turned out to be a good decision, as he was chosen #5 overall.

What does the fact that Drew started for only one season before being a top-five draft pick say about the Saints' program?

Reese Malloy and Ethan Rosenzweig were undrafted, and both signed free agent contracts, hoping to keep their hoops dreams alive. Playing overseas was an option for both players, too.

2020 Recruiting Rankings

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Temple Mid-Atlantic PG Julian Mercado ***** 3 1 0 0 0
2. St. Michael's Mid-Atlantic C Tyrese Coleman ***** 2 1 1 0 0
3. North Carolina State ACC SF Marcus Bellamy ***** 2 2 1 0 0
4. Houston Southwest SF Christopher Jenkins ***** 3 0 1 0 0
5. St. Bonaventure Mid-Atlantic C Caleb Jennings ***** 2 2 1 0 0
6. Tulsa Conference USA PG Denver Ellis ***** 1 1 3 0 0
7. Auburn SEC PG Steven McCullough ***** 2 1 1 0 0
8. Tennessee SEC SG Joseph Blum ***** 1 3 0 0 0
9. Charlotte Blue Ridge C Brian Schmaranzer **** 0 4 0 0 0
10. Kentucky SEC SF Dorsey Nester ***** 1 2 0 0 0
11. Missouri Big Eight PG Hal Palmer **** 0 1 5 0 0
12. Boise State WAC SF Gregory Simpson ***** 1 0 2 1 0
13. St. John's Big East PG Robert Andino **** 0 3 1 0 0
14. Georgia Tech ACC C Sherman Rooker ***** 1 1 1 0 0
15. Saint Joseph's Mid-Atlantic C James Barker **** 0 3 0 0 0
16. Loyola Marymount WCC PF Rene Lair **** 0 2 2 0 0
17. Central Florida Conference USA SG Martin Roque **** 0 3 0 1 0
18. Louisville Conference USA PG James Bricker **** 0 3 1 0 0
19. Manhattan Empire SF Will Backer *** 0 0 6 0 0
20. Georgia SEC PG Bryan Anglin **** 0 2 2 0 0

2020 Recruiting Rankings

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Temple Mid-Atlantic PG Julian Mercado ***** 3 1 0 0 0
2. St. Michael's Mid-Atlantic C Tyrese Coleman ***** 2 1 1 0 0
5. St. Bonaventure Mid-Atlantic C Caleb Jennings ***** 2 2 1 0 0
15. Saint Joseph's Mid-Atlantic C James Barker **** 0 3 0 0 0
63. Pittsburgh Mid-Atlantic PG Murray Merchant **** 0 1 1 0 0
78. Duquesne Mid-Atlantic PG Andre Jones *** 0 0 2 0 0
173. Rutgers Mid-Atlantic SG Joseph Wampler *** 0 0 1 2 0
191. Penn State Mid-Atlantic PF Otto McCulloch *** 0 0 1 1 0
241. La Salle Mid-Atlantic SG Jerry Neace *** 0 0 1 0 0

Four Mid-Atlantic teams separated themselves from the pack during the recruiting season, led by Temple and their haul of three five-star players. Julian Mercado looks like an instant star; he'll arrive on campus as a Blue/Blue player. Tyrese Coleman will also contribute from Day One.

Toby Whittaker leveled up this spring. He's now a Level 13 coach. Here's how his ratings look now:

Recruiting: 100
Scouting: 77
Coaching Offense: 91
Coaching Defense: 92

The only other coach at Toby's level is Francis Miller, who is--remarkably--an assistant coach at Charlotte. Coach Miller was a head coach for a dozen seasions, compiling a 223-163 record. Veteran Cody McIntyre, who has over 500 career victories, is the 49ers head coach.

[MoonlightGraham]

May 1, 2021

When Carl Wilson decided to retire, the first person outside his immediate family to receive the news was Toby Whittaker.

"It's time," the veteran coach told his one-time colleague.

Now sixty, Carl had just completed one season as the head coach at Austin Peay. He'd been the associate head coach at Boston College and Tennessee, after five years as the head man at Hartford. His ability to coach team and individual defense had earned him respect wherever he'd been, but he remembered his time at St. Michael's most fondly.

That's why Coach Wilson chose to make his official retirement announcement back home, at The Pavilion.

he didn’t hold a big press conference. Just a small gathering, with former players sprinkled in. His son Jalen, St. Michael's Class of 2013, stood beside his father, trying not to look emotional.

Carl spoke the way he always coached — steady, direct, no wasted words.

“I’ve been blessed to coach in a lot of places — Hartford gave me my first shot to lead, Boston College and Tennessee sharpened me in different ways, and Austin Peay let me finish on my terms. But St. Michael’s… this is where I learned what kind of coach I wanted to be.”

He looked at Toby and said, “Those first four years we were building something out of nothing. We didn’t know it then, but we were setting a standard. Watching this program grow from afar has been one of the great joys of my career.”

When he talked about coaching Jalen, it hit differently. Because he didn’t just coach his son — he coached him in a program he helped construct.

Carl's voice grew heavy. “Jalen got to play in a locker room built on sacrifice. That matters to me.”

The moment was less of a goodbye and more of a legacy acknowledgment. It honored Coach Wilson's part in building the program's foundation.

A reporter came to speak to Toby. “Coach Wilson helped build the spine of this program," Toby said, an arm around his friend's shoulders. A lot of what people see now started with him.”

So instead of sadness, the scene carried gratitude. History. Continuity.

It feels like a reunion — not a farewell.

[MoonlightGraham]

Kesher Academy of Greater Philadelphia sat on a quiet, tree-lined stretch in Wynnewood, blending easily into the Main Line landscape of stone homes and neighborhood synagogues. From the street, it didn’t look like a basketball school. It looked like a place where conversations mattered.

The campus was modest but intentional: a brick academic building with Hebrew lettering carved into limestone, a newer glass wing housing science labs and a sunlit beit midrash where long wooden tables filled each morning with study and debate. Students moved between worlds seamlessly — Talmud at 8:00 a.m., AP Calculus by midday.

The hallways reflected that balance. College pennants hung beside Torah portions of the week. Robotics trophies shared space with league sports plaques. Excellence wasn’t flashy there. It was assumed.

The gym, slightly detached from the main building, was compact and loud. Navy-and-silver trim framed a polished hardwood floor stamped with Kesher Lions at midcourt. On winter nights the bleachers felt full even when they weren’t, chants rising in Hebrew and English, echoing off the low ceiling.

Kesher was Modern Orthodox — observant, engaged, outward-looking. No Friday night games. No Saturday tournaments. The calendar bent around Shabbat and holidays, and the athletic program adjusted accordingly.

It wasn’t a powerhouse. It was something steadier: a close-knit, academically rigorous school where teachers knew families by name and seniors might lead morning prayers before tipping off that night.

On certain winter evenings, when the Lions were closing out a tight game and the student section found its rhythm, the place felt bigger than it was.

***

Toby had visited Kesher on a cold Tuesday night in January. He'd driven the short distance from Elmridge to Wynnewood to see a player Mark Graham had mentioned almost in passing — a 6’7” junior forward at Kesher Academy who “really understood the game.”

The gym was small and warm, the bleachers tight to the floor. The student section was spirited, but not obnoxiously so. It felt contained, insulated from the noise of big-time recruiting.

Ari Ben-David did not look like a high-major prospect in layup lines. No dunks. No theatrics. Just steady form shooting.

The first possession caught Toby’s attention. Ari caught the ball at the high post, held it a beat, and slipped a left-handed bounce pass to a cutter for a layup. It wasn’t flashy, but it was precise. Two trips later, he rotated early on defense, walled up without fouling, secured the rebound, and delivered an outlet pass that hit his guard in stride.

By halftime, Toby had stopped watching the ball and started watching Ari. How he spaced. When he talked. Where he stood when he didn’t have it.

Late in the fourth quarter, with Kesher down two, Ari didn’t force anything. He reversed the ball, screened, popped to the elbow, and calmly knocked down a mid-range jumper. On the next possession, he slid over and took a charge.

After the game, Ari shook hands with the opposing coach before turning to his teammates.

Toby approached him. "I'm Coach Whittaker from St. Michael's." Ari's eyes widened slightly, but he didn't gush. He listened carefully, asked thoughtful questions about St. Michael’s offense, and spoke about school before basketball.

On the drive home, Toby kept replaying the first pass of the night.

Ari hadn’t dominated the game. He had controlled it.

That was enough.

***

Eli Whittaker already knew Ari Ben-David. They'd never played against each other, but Eli had seen clips of Ari's games and knew guys who had faced him. When Toby came home, Eli looked up from the history homework he was doing at the kitchen table and smiled.

"You were at Kesher, right?"

Toby nodded. "Ari Ben-David can play."

Toby smiled, putting his pencil down on his notebook. "Griffin played against him last summer. That's what he said, too.

"Do you think he's good enough for St. Michael's?"

Toby paused. "He's good enough for me to want to learn more."

[MoonlightGraham]

By the time Jordan Hayes walked into Room 214 as a senior, Tom Rinaldi had already been teaching at Penn Argyl Area High School twice as long as Jordan had been alive.

The room looked the same every year — campaign posters from elections long past taped carefully along the back wall, a framed copy of the Constitution near the whiteboard, and a corkboard crowded with yellowing newspaper clippings about former students. Mr. Rinaldi kept those up on purpose. “History,” he liked to say, adjusting one of his Friday bow ties, “isn’t just what happened. It’s who keeps carrying it forward.”

Jordan took a seat in the third row, near the window. Not front and center. Not hiding, either. Mr. Rinaldi noticed that kind of thing.

Senior year is different. Students are restless. Distracted. Half looking toward the door.

Jordan wasn’t.

In AP U.S. Government, when other students answered questions, some spoke to be heard. Jordan spoke to be understood.

One afternoon, during a discussion about presidential leadership in crisis, the class was split — some arguing that strong leaders had to be loud and forceful, others insisting consensus mattered more. Jordan raised his hand, waited to be called on, and said quietly:

“Sometimes the loudest leader isn’t the one people follow. It’s the one who makes everyone else feel steady.”

There was no dramatic flourish. No attempt at applause. He simply folded his hands and listened.

After class, Mr. Rinaldi stopped him.

“Where’d you learn that?” he asked.

Jordan shrugged. “Point guard, I guess. If I’m panicking, everybody panics.”

Mr. Rinaldi smiled, the kind of smile he saved for moments when a student revealed more than he intended. “That’s not just basketball,” he said. “That’s life.”

Toby Whittaker already knew a lot about Jordan Hayes, the point guard. Every basketball coach in America did. Jordan was the best player at his position in the Class of 2022. "He's not the best at any one thing," St. Bonaventure coach Levi Parks said of him. "But he's the most complete point guard in the class."

Toby went to Penn Argyl to find out about Jordan Hayes the student, Jordan Hayes the young man. He talked to Tom Rinaldi. He talked to Colleen Martino, the faculty advisor to the National Honor Society. Colleen told Toby that "Jordan doesn't lead from the front of the room. He leads from the center."

Toby talked to Dan Kowalski, who coached Jordan in track and field. Jordan was a very good sprinter--a state qualifier his junior year in the 100 meters (11.02) and 200 meters (22.48) and as a part of a district championship 4x100 relay. Coach Kowalski pushed him hard, and Jordan responded. "He's better at track than any basketball player I've ever coached," Coach Kowalski said. "That's because he's worked harder."

Toby talked to Jeannette Kirby, a custodian at Penn Argyl. "Jordan Hayes?" She smiled. "He speaks to me every time he sees me and calls me by name."

***

When Toby stepped through the front doors of Kesher Academy, the building felt quieter than most schools he visited. Not silent — there was the low hum of afternoon classes, a burst of laughter down one hallway — but purposeful. Measured.

He signed in at the front desk and was soon greeted by Rabbi David Adler, the principal, a thoughtful man with silver-rimmed glasses and an unhurried manner.

They spoke first in his office. Not about points per game. Not about conference tournaments. Rabbi Adler asked about structure — about study halls on road trips, about academic advisors, about how St. Michael's handled holidays and family obligations.

Toby answered plainly. No recruiting sparkle.

“We hold our guys accountable,” he said. “Class attendance isn’t optional. And who they are off the court matters more than who they are on it.”

Rabbi Adler listened, fingers lightly steepled. Then he nodded once. “That is what we hoped to hear.”

Later that afternoon, Toby was led to a modest multipurpose room near the gym. A folding table had been set up. Coffee. Plates of rugelach. Nothing elaborate.

Around the table sat the people who had shaped Ari Ben-David long before college coaches learned his name.

Rabbi Meir Stein, Ari’s Talmud instructor, spoke first. His voice was soft but deliberate.

“He studies patiently,” Rabbi Stein said. “He does not rush the text. He respects it.”

Mrs. Leah Kaplan, who taught AP Calculus, smiled slightly. “He rewrites solutions until they’re elegant,” she added. “Not just correct. Elegant.”

Toby leaned back, absorbing it. Elegant wasn’t a word he heard often in recruiting circles.

Midway through the conversation, Coach Eli Rosen slipped in — Ari’s former middle school basketball coach, still broad-shouldered, still carrying himself like someone who could grab a rebound if needed.

“He was never the loudest kid,” Rosen said. “But when things got tense, everyone looked at him.”

There it was again. Not flash. Not noise. Presence.

At the end of the table sat Mr. Samuel Goldfarb, a longtime synagogue board member and family friend. He had said little up to that point, but when he finally spoke, the room instinctively quieted.

“We are proud of his talent,” Goldfarb said gently. “But talent travels. Character stays.”

The words lingered.

Rabbi Adler folded his hands and looked at Toby directly.

“If Ari comes to St. Michael’s, he carries our values with him. We expect them to be honored.”

Toby didn’t rush his answer.

“You’ve built something strong here,” he said. “Our job wouldn’t be to change that. It would be to help him grow within it.”

No one clapped. No one smiled broadly. But something in the room settled.

Before leaving, Toby stepped into the gym. The bleachers were close to the floor, the banners neatly aligned along one wall. He'd seen Ari play there — pivoting patiently in the post, scanning before committing, never forcing what didn’t need to be forced.

This wasn’t a recruitment built on hype videos or highlight reels.

It was built on trust.

As Toby shook hands on his way out — Rabbi Stein, Mrs. Kaplan, Coach Rosen, Mr. Goldfarb — it didn’t feel transactional. It felt like stewardship.

When he stepped back into the cool Philadelphia afternoon, he realized something.

If Ari Ben-David ever wore St. Michael’s across his chest, he wouldn’t just represent a program.

He would represent a community that had sent him forward carefully.

And that, Toby knew, was something you handle with care.

[MoonlightGraham]

November 1, 2021
Decision Day

One popular recruiting blogger called Ari Ben-David "the best high school basketball player you've never heard of." That blogger was not based in Philadelphia, where every hoops junkie knew who Ari was.

As Decision Day approached, Ari narrowed his choices down to two: St. Michael's and Temple. He was staying close to home. Temple's new coach, Bert Schwartz, was a persuasive recruiter, and he shared his Jewish faith with Ari and his family. Coach Schwartz intensified his efforts to sign Ari during the summer, and what had seemed to Ari and his family to be an easy choice--signing with Toby Whittaker and St. Michael's--was not so easy anymore.

"We see Ari as a four-year man," Toby said. "I envision him as one of the custodians of our culture, a player who has a Senior Night that brings tears to our eyes."

But almost nobody thought Jordan Hayes would play four years of college basketball. Elite point guards almost never did. Jordan's final short list also contained St. Michael's and Temple, along with St. Bonaventure, N.C. State, and Tennessee. The people closest to Jordan--his parents, his coaches, his government teacher--knew he'd already made up his mind.

That's why, as soon as he could, Jordan announced he was signing with St. Michael's. His announcement wasn't flashy; there was no nationally televised cap reveal, no attention-grabbing stunts. It happened in the Penn Argyl gym, with his family, coaches, and teammates by his side. And, just like that, the Saints had a player who looked like he would be the next in a series of talented, composed point guards who had worn the navy and gold.

About an hour later, the news that Ari Ben-David had signed with Temple hit the internet. In a hallway at St. Michael's College School, sophomore Eli Whittaker was enjoying his morning break. He heard his phone buzz, and he took it out of his pocket. He read the message and shook his head. "Crap," he muttered under his breath.

Eli showed his phone to Griffin McGuigan, a senior teammate who knew Ari well from the AAU circuit.

Griffin smiled. "Don't believe everything you hear, dude. He's not going to Temple."

Griffin was correct. When the school day at Kesher Academy ended, the student body gathered in the gymnasium to watch the first Division I signee in the school's history pull on a St. Michael's jacket.

The new lead recruiter at St. Michael's, Ronald Elliott, had hit the ground running. "We identified two players we really, really wanted," Coach Elliott said as he sipped a cup of coffee. "Jordan Hayes and Ari Ben-David. Jordan and Ari are foundational pieces, perhaps for different reasons--but that's what they are. Other guys are going to want to come here to play with them."

[MoonlightGraham]

November 7, 2021

#2 ST. MICHAEL'S General

Player # Pos Yr Ht Wt Sch Acd Status Hometown
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Andrews 4 SF Fr 6-6 196 No 76 OK Warminster, PA
Lucas Moretti 10 PG Fr 6-0 190 Yes 95 OK Providence, RI
Scotty Cantrell 12 PF Fr 6-8 212 Yes 58 OK Los Angeles, CA
Sal Lavin 20 SF Jr 6-5 190 Yes 51 Unhappy North Versailles, PA
Sean McKenna 21 PF Fr 6-10 227 Yes 86 OK Warminster, PA
Justin Manning 23 PF Sr 6-9 234 Yes 86 OK Hockessin, Delaware
Sean Callahan 24 C So 6-9 235 Yes 80 OK Wethersfield, CT
Luke O'Connor 25 PG Jr 6-1 199 Yes 93 OK Wimington, DE
Felix Sauter 31 PF Jr* 6-7 218 Yes 71 OK Cambridge City, IN
Malcolm Rivers 32 SG So 6-4 208 Yes 83 OK White Plains, NY
Tyler Grant 33 C Jr 7-0 249 Yes 77 OK Philadelphia, PA
David Hannon 35 SF Fr 6-5 209 No 52 OK Norwalk, CA
Dudley Flower 43 SG So 6-3 214 Yes 99 OK Cairnryan, UK
Tyrese Coleman 55 C Fr 6-10 259 Yes 80 OK Richmond, VA

A rival coach who wanted to remain anonymous sighed and smiled when he was asked which team in college basketball had the best roster. "St. Michael's," he said without hesitation. "They're loaded."

He paused for a moment. "They usually are, but this year, they've got nine, ten players who could start for anybody. They have some veterans who have grown up in their program, and some guys who will be there for two years before they go pro. They're stacked."

One of those veterans was senior big Justin Manning, who arrived in Elmridge with solid credentials--four stars and a Top 100 ranking--but had always been overshadowed by stars like Mindaugas Kairys and Darius Kincaid. After three seasons in which his role gradually increased, Justin would begin this year as a starter for the first time. "I'm ready," he announced. "This is what I signed up for when I picked St. Michael's." Justin would be counted on to play defense and rebound, but he'd also made over half his shots as a collegian. The offense wouldn't break down if Justin had the ball in his hands.

Another experienced player, Tyler Grant, would be asked to accept a role change that few players handled well. After starting 38 games as a sophomore, Tyler would come off the bench as the Saints' top frontcourt reserve.

The 7'0" junior spoke candidly about this development. "Of course I'd rather start," he admitted. "Until I came here, I'd always been a starter. It's the role I'm most comfortable with. But Coach Whittaker was honest with me when he recruited me. I was a three-star [recruit]. He promised me I'd have a chance to play if I earned it, and he's kept his word.

"Tyrese Coleman is a special player. He already plays a grown man game. It's my job to push him. If he calls me the toughest guy he plays against--even if it's just in practice--I'm doing my job right."

Tyler was perfectly suited for that assignment, too.

The freshman Tyler mentioned was, indeed, special. Tyrese Coleman wasn't the nation's #1 incoming recruit for nothing. A terrific fall camp prepared Tyrese to start from Day One, as expected. His offensive game wasn't quite as polished as his other skills, but he was far from a liability at that end of the floor.

Toby and his staff knew this year's team would do most of its scoring damage from the perimeter, at least early in the season. Malcolm Rivers, the reigning Mid-Atlantic Freshman of the Year, was the Saints' top returning scorer (14.4 PPG). Could Malcolm, a deadly outside shooter with extensive range, handle the increased attention that a team's #1 threat commanded? Toby thought he was ready.

Starting alongside Malcolm on the wing would be junior Sal Lavin. A legendary high school scorer, Sal had seen precious little action as a collegian, almost always as a shooting specialist. He'd been open about his unhappiness. He'd worked hard on his defense during camp and, even more importantly, he'd worked on his attitude. "Sal's smiling a lot more often," Tyler Grant pointed out.

Five-star freshman Lucas Moretti had the big shoes of graduate Reese Malloy to fill at point guard. Lucas was delighted to be a Saint. "I've never seen a guy who was happier to be here," Toby recalled with a smile. "He's embraced everything about our school, on and off the court." Lucas was more of a lead guard, more of a scoring threat than Reese, who was the Saints' all-time leader in assists.

English import Dudley Flower, whose shooting splits had been a gaudy .547/.464/.778 as a first year, would move up the depth chart this season. "When he's in, he's going to shoot," Toby confided. Junior Luke O'Connor, a traditional point guard, and sophomore Sean Callahan, an all-action big, rounded out a nine-man rotation who were all at least Green players as the season began. Freshman Sean McKenna would accept a redshirt.

The Saints weren't a perfect team. There was no proven inside scorer, and no elite distributor in the mold of Reese Malloy. But they would be very, very hard to score against, with eager defenders all over the roster.

You didn't need to be perfect to win.

[MoonlightGraham]

College Choices
Grace Whittaker '22
St. Michael's College School

The second Whittaker child shared several characteristics with her older sister, but Grace was, in most ways, her own person.

Both she and Nora made very good grades--Grace's 4.2 weighted GPA was very similar to her sister's. Both Whittaker girls were athletes, and both enjoyed the arts. Both girls had supportive, loving friends.

But, while Nora had been, by her own admission, a "words kid," Grace excelled in and loved her STEM classes the most. Nora was a good high school track athlete; Grace was a soccer star, good enough to earn All-Conference recognition as a midfielder as a sophomore and a junior, almost certainly good enough to walk on to a Division I program if she chose to. Nora loved to sing, but didn't enjoy acting; Grace was an avid actress who was shy about her singing voice.

Just as Nora had been two years earlier, Grace was the kind of student, and the kind of person, colleges wanted to attract.

***

By late October, Grace’s college list lived in three places at once: a color-coded spreadsheet on her laptop, a stack of half-edited essays on her desk, and a running monologue she delivered to anyone who would listen.

“I’m not overthinking it,” she said one night at dinner, which usually meant she was thinking about it constantly.

She had settled on an early application to the University of Virginia. It felt right in a way she couldn’t fully explain—big, alive, a place where she could disappear into something larger without losing herself.

The rest of her list took shape around it.

She applied to Notre Dame and Georgetown, both for their mix of academics and purpose. She added Boston College and Villanova, places that felt structured but social, serious but not rigid.

She kept Holy Cross on the list because it just made sense, and the University of Richmond and Providence College because they felt like places she could see herself on an ordinary Tuesday.

And then there was St. Michael's.

She didn’t talk about that one as much.

The applications came together in bursts. She wrote her best lines late at night, then crossed half of them out the next morning. Her essay started too polished, then too scattered, before landing somewhere in the middle—honest, a little restless, unmistakably hers.

She wrote about learning how to direct her energy instead of apologizing for it. About soccer, yes—but also about theater, and the strange way both demanded the same kind of presence.

Claire read drafts at the kitchen table, circling sentences lightly. “This part feels like you,” she’d say.

Grace would nod, then rewrite the entire paragraph anyway.

Toby stayed mostly out of it. Once, passing through, he glanced at her screen and said, “Just make sure it sounds like you talk.”

“I do not talk like this,” Grace shot back, laughing.

“Exactly,” he said, and kept walking.

November came and went in a blur of deadlines, rehearsals, and playoff games. Grace moved from one thing to the next without much pause—the way she always had. Practice, rehearsal, homework, applications. Repeat.

If she felt the pressure building, she burned it off on the field or on stage.

By early December, there was nothing left to do but wait.

She told herself she wasn’t nervous.

She was.

***

The email from the University of Virginia came on a gray afternoon, just after she got home from school. She saw the subject line on her phone and froze halfway up the stairs.

“Grace?” Claire called from the kitchen.

“Hold on,” she said, already opening it.

There was a second—one long, suspended second—where her eyes skimmed too fast to understand.

Then she saw it.

Congratulations.

She let out a sharp, surprised laugh. “Oh my—yes. Yes.”

She didn’t sit with it. She didn’t process quietly.

She turned and ran back down the stairs.

“I got in,” she said, breathless, grinning. “UVA—I got in.”

Claire was on her feet immediately, pulling her into a hug. “Grace, that’s wonderful.”

Toby looked up from the counter, a slow smile spreading across his face. “That’s a big one.”

Grace pulled back, already reaching for her phone.
“I have to text—everyone—hold on.”

Within seconds:
Team group chat
Theater group chat
A quick message to a friend at Villanova
And Nora

UVA!!! I’m in!!!

The reply came almost instantly:

LET’S GO. That’s perfect for you.

Grace read it twice, then set the phone down for a second and just stood there, letting it land.

“Okay,” she said finally, half to herself. “Okay, that’s… that’s real.”

That night, the house felt lighter. Not finished—Grace wasn’t done. Decisions from Notre Dame, Georgetown, and the rest were still weeks away—but something had shifted.

She had a place.

A real one. A good one.

And more than that, she had chosen it first—and it had chosen her back.

Later, sitting at the kitchen table with her laptop open again, Grace looked at her list differently.

Not as a set of places she had to impress.

But as places that now had to measure up to how she felt in that moment.

Her eyes moved down the screen—Notre Dame, Georgetown, Boston College, Villanova, Holy Cross, Richmond, Providence… and St. Michael’s.

She paused there for a beat, and then she scrolled again. “Okay,” she said quietly, a small smile forming. “Let’s see what else happens.”

[MoonlightGraham]

November 7, 2021
The Coaches Classic, First Round

The locker room was quiet in a way that didn’t feel normal—not stunned, not angry, just heavy. Shoes were half unlaced, towels hung loose over shoulders, and a few players stared at the floor, replaying possessions they wished they could take back. The score—97–94, overtime—still lingered in the air.

Toby Whittaker didn’t come in right away. He gave them a minute. When he did step through the door, he closed it gently behind him and stood there for a moment, taking in the room—Tyrese Coleman still catching his breath, Malcolm Rivers shaking his head, Lucas Moretti staring down at his hands.

“No one say a word,” Toby said quietly, and no one did.

“We didn’t lose that game because we were the one seed,” he went on. “And we didn’t lose it because they got hot.” A few heads lifted. “We lost it because, down the stretch, we stopped being us.”

He didn’t raise his voice. He didn’t need to. He talked about rushed possessions, about hunting shots instead of making plays, about abandoning the trust that had carried them. His eyes moved deliberately, landing without accusation but without avoidance. Five turnovers from the point guard. Sixteen shots taken without always seeing the next pass. Not one person singled out, but no one excused, either.

“You know what I saw in overtime?” he asked. No one answered. “I saw a team that believed they could beat us. And I saw a team that expected the game to break their way.” He let that sit for a moment. “We don’t expect. We execute.”

The tone shifted then—not softer, but steadier, more forward-looking. “This is November,” he said. “Not March. Nobody’s season ended tonight.” There was a subtle release in the room, the first hint of breath returning. “But this is the kind of loss that defines you—if you let it.”

He told them they had a choice now: walk out believing they were still the best team, or walk out understanding there was work to do. He spoke to them individually without breaking the collective—acknowledging what had been done well, demanding more where it mattered. To Moretti, that the game lived in his hands, not just the ball. To Rivers, that confidence had to be paired with trust. To Coleman, that effort was the standard.

“We don’t run from this,” Toby said. “We learn from it. And we don’t forget how it felt.”

He turned toward the door, then paused, just briefly.

“They didn’t take anything from us,” he said. “We gave it away.”

Then he was gone.

The room stayed quiet, but it wasn’t the same quiet. Not empty. Not heavy in quite the same way. Something had shifted—something sharper now, more focused. The kind of silence that comes when a team understands exactly what just happened… and what comes next.

(16) Western Carolina 97, (1) #2 St. Michael's 94 (OT)

--------------------------------------------------------
Western Carolina (1-0, 0-0):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Lindsay Maynard C 41 4-10 6-8 2 7 4 4 14
Phillip Millner PF 42 3-3 3-6 3 12 1 3 10
Karl Reyes SF 42 7-15 6-8 3 4 3 3 20
Terrell Wood SG 33 5-9 3-4 0 5 4 5 16
Lincoln Cepeda PG 43 7-14 5-5 0 2 2 5 24
Victor Stango SG 27 3-6 0-0 0 2 1 1 8
Daniel Ertmann C 8 0-2 0-0 0 1 0 4 0
Carl Laboy PG 6 2-2 0-0 0 0 0 0 5
Jonathan Maxey C 4 0-0 0-0 0 2 0 0 0
Chris Jost SF 3 0-0 0-1 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 12 (L.Maynard 3, P.Millner 1, T.Wood 1,
L.Cepeda 2, V.Stango 3, D.Ertmann 2)
Blocked Shots: 5 (L.Maynard 2, P.Millner 2, C.Jost 1)
Steals: 5 (P.Millner 1, T.Wood 1, L.Cepeda 2, V.Stango
1)
3P FGs: 12-21 (P.Millner 1-1, T.Wood 3-5, L.Cepeda 5-9,
V.Stango 2-5, C.Laboy 1-1)

St. Michael's (0-1, 0-0):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Tyrese Coleman C 41 6-6 4-6 4 9 1 4 16
Justin Manning PF 41 2-9 5-8 6 12 2 3 9
Sal Lavin SF 37 6-13 5-6 2 4 2 5 20
Malcolm Rivers SG 42 4-16 7-9 0 6 3 4 18
Lucas Moretti PG 39 4-10 2-2 0 1 3 4 13
Tyler Grant C 16 1-3 2-2 0 5 0 1 4
Dudley Flower SG 23 4-6 2-2 2 3 0 1 11
Luke O'Connor PG 2 1-1 0-0 0 0 0 0 3
Sean Callahan PF 2 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 0 0
John Andrews SF 6 0-1 0-0 1 1 0 1 0

Turnovers: 15 (J.Manning 1, S.Lavin 3, M.Rivers 3,
L.Moretti 5, T.Grant 1, D.Flower 2)
Blocked Shots: 8 (T.Coleman 2, J.Manning 1, S.Lavin 1,
M.Rivers 1, T.Grant 3)
Steals: 2 (M.Rivers 1, D.Flower 1)
3P FGs: 11-30 (J.Manning 0-2, S.Lavin 3-7, M.Rivers
3-12, L.Moretti 3-6, D.Flower 1-2, L.O'Connor 1-1)

Player of Game: SG Lincoln Cepeda (WCA)

[MoonlightGraham]

January 5, 2022

#8 ST. MICHAEL'S Schedule

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
11/07/21 vs. Western Carolina 8-6 145 L 97-94 0-1
11/18/21 Northwestern 6-6 37 W 71-45 1-1
11/21/21 Bucknell 5-8 204 W 79-43 2-1
11/26/21 at Wagner 10-3 74 W 65-54 3-1
12/01/21 Sacred Heart 8-4 100 W 90-46 4-1
12/04/21 at #5 Saint Louis 13-2 2 L 82-77 4-2
12/07/21 Michigan 5-8 81 W 74-55 5-2
12/11/21 Dickinson 6-6 226 W 87-73 6-2
12/15/21 High Point 8-6 52 W 76-57 7-2
12/19/21 Bowdoin 4-7 130 W 77-50 8-2
12/29/21 at Gonzaga 9-6 179 W 79-63 9-2
01/02/22 Dartmouth 4-8 186 W 81-57 10-2


The non-conference schedule didn’t begin the way anyone expected. A season that opened with national title aspirations instead opened with a jolt—an overtime loss to Western Carolina in the Coaches’ Invitational that lingered longer than a single November game usually does. The Saints didn’t just lose; they lost control late, and the result sent them tumbling down the rankings, as low as #22 in the weeks that followed.

What followed, though, said more about them than the loss itself.

They responded first with clarity. Northwestern and Bucknell were handled cleanly: defensively sharp, offensively patient, the kind of games that felt like a team reestablishing its identity. A road win at Wagner showed composure, and by the time they dismantled Sacred Heart, 90–46, there were signs that the early-season noise had quieted.

But the non-conference slate wasn’t built to let them settle comfortably. A trip to top-five Saint Louis brought another test—and another close loss. The Saints led stretches of that game, competed possession-for-possession, but couldn’t quite close it out, falling 82–77. It was the kind of loss that doesn’t hurt your résumé as much as it tests your resolve.

“We scheduled this on purpose,” Toby Whittaker said afterward. “If you only play games you’re supposed to win, you learn the wrong lessons. We’re trying to become a team that executes in those moments, not just competes.”

From there, the Saints looked more like themselves.

They beat Michigan decisively, controlled the tempo against High Point, and took care of business against overmatched opponents without drifting. There was less urgency in their play—not because they didn’t care, but because they trusted the system again. The ball moved. Possessions had shape. The frantic edge from November gave way to something more deliberate.

That growth showed most clearly in Spokane.

The trip to Gonzaga, late in December, had all the markings of a trap: cross-country travel, hostile environment, a team eager to make a statement. Instead, St. Michael’s delivered one of its most complete performances of the non-conference season, winning 79–63 with control on both ends. They didn’t chase the game. They dictated it.

“We’re not trying to prove anything in December,” sophomore guard Malcolm Rivers said afterward. “We’re trying to build something we can trust later. Tonight felt like that.”

By the time the Saints closed non-conference play with a comfortable win over Dartmouth, they were 10–2: not perfect, but sharpened. The early stumble hadn’t disappeared, and neither had the close loss at Saint Louis. But those games had done what Toby intended: exposed the gaps, forced adjustments, and hardened a team that no longer looked surprised by adversity.

They didn’t leave November behind.

They carried it with them—just a little more carefully.

[MoonlightGraham]

Early December 2021

The email from the University of Virginia came on a gray afternoon, just after Grace got home. She saw the subject line on her phone halfway up the stairs and stopped cold.

“Grace?” Claire called from the kitchen.

“Hold on,” she said quickly, already opening it.

For a second, her eyes moved too fast. Words without meaning. Then—

Congratulations.

She blinked.

Then let out a sharp, disbelieving laugh. “Oh my—yes. Yes.”

She didn’t sit down. Didn’t process.

She turned and ran back down the stairs.

“I got in,” she said, breathless, already smiling. “UVA—I got in.”

Claire was on her feet immediately. “Grace, that’s wonderful.”

Toby looked up, a slow smile spreading across his face. “That’s a big one.”

“I know—wait, I have to—hold on.” She was already pulling out her phone, thumbs moving fast. “I have to text everyone.”

Within seconds, she’d hit three different group chats.

Then Nora.

UVA!!! I’m in!!!

The reply came almost instantly.

LET’S GO. That’s perfect for you.

Grace read it twice, then set her phone down for a second, like she needed both hands free just to stand there.

“Okay,” she said, half to herself. “Okay, that’s… that’s real.”

That night, the house felt lighter.

Nothing was finished—she knew that. Notre Dame, Georgetown, the rest of her list were still out there, still waiting—but something had shifted.

She had a place.

A real one. A good one.

And more than that, she had chosen it first—and it had chosen her back.

Later, sitting at the kitchen table again, laptop open, she looked at her list differently. Not as a set of places she had to prove herself to.

But as options.

Real ones.

Her eyes moved down the screen, lingering for a second on a few names, then moving on.

“Okay,” she said quietly, a small smile forming. “Let’s see what else happens.”

[MoonlightGraham]

March 2022

If you asked around Elmridge about Saints basketball, sooner or later someone would point you toward Frank “Frankie Tickets” DeLuca.

Frank owned a narrow, overstuffed insurance office just off Lancaster Avenue, but that wasn’t why people knew him. They knew him because he hadn’t missed a home game at St. Michael's in fifteen years—and because he talked about the team like he was part of the scouting report. He had seen every game Toby Whittaker had coached at The Pavilion.

“Come in, come in,” he’d say, waving you past a desk covered in paperwork and into a chair that had seen better days. “You want to talk about this year? You picked a good one.”

He leaned back, hands folded over his still-trim stomach, already smiling.

“You don’t judge this season by the record,” Frank said. “You judge it by who they had to become.”

He always started there.

“Fourteen and two in the league, and still second place? That tells you everything you need to know about this year. St. Bonaventure wasn’t going anywhere. Every time the Saints thought they’d created a little space, Bonaventure answered.”

He shook his head, almost admiring it.

“Two teams playing chess for two months.”

Frank had road-tripped to western New York for the game at St. Bonaventure.

“The one on the road? That’s where it turned,” he said, pointing a finger like he was diagramming a play. “Saints had it. Had control. Then one bad stretch—two turnovers, a rushed three, and suddenly you’re chasing. Against a team like that, you don’t get it back easy. And we'd already lost that close one at home to Duquesne. We'd lost our margin for error."

But what stuck with him most wasn’t the losses.

It was the way the Saints handled the rest of the league.

“They didn’t drift,” Frank said. “That’s the thing. A lot of teams, you lose one like that, you drop another game you shouldn’t. Not them.”

He ticked it off on his fingers.

“Road games at Temple, Duquesne—places that can get weird if you let them. They went in, handled business. Not always pretty, but controlled. That’s maturity.”

He leaned forward a little.

“You could see it, too. Early in the year, they were still figuring out who they were—rushing, forcing things. By February? They trusted each other. The ball moved. Possessions had purpose.”

Frank smiled, softer now.

“Tyrese Coleman,” he said, almost to himself. “That kid changed everything inside. You could feel it in the building—every time someone drove, they knew he was back there.”

Then he laughed.

“And [Malcolm] Rivers? [Sal] Lavin? They’d shoot from the parking lot if you let them. But you live with it, because when they're right, the whole gym feels it.”

He sat back again, letting it settle.

“Here’s the thing people miss,” Frank said. “They say, ‘Ah, second place.’ Like that’s a disappointment.”

He shook his head.

“That league was a war. And the Saints? They didn’t blink. They just… didn’t quite get the last inch.”

A pause.

“But I’ll tell you this,” he added, pointing again, more gently this time. “You come out of a season like that? You’re ready for March. Because nothing you see then is going to surprise you.”

Frank leaned back, satisfied.

“That team didn’t win the league,” he said. “But they became the kind of team that knows how to win...right at tournament time."

#3 ST. MICHAEL'S Schedule

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
01/06/22 at La Salle 16-16 122 W 89-58 11-2 (1-0)
01/08/22 Penn State 10-21 194 W 70-50 12-2 (2-0)
01/15/22 at Pittsburgh 8-23 202 W 51-41 13-2 (3-0)
01/20/22 Duquesne 21-11 36 L 58-56 13-3 (3-1)
01/22/22 at Saint Joseph's 17-13 72 W 85-75 14-3 (4-1)
01/27/22 Rutgers 16-14 69 W 72-63 15-3 (5-1)
01/29/22 Temple 21-13 63 W 61-52 16-3 (6-1)
02/03/22 at #6 St. Bonaventure 26-6 12 L 75-66 16-4 (6-2)
02/05/22 La Salle 16-16 122 W 75-63 17-4 (7-2)
02/10/22 at Penn State 10-21 194 W 69-61 18-4 (8-2)
02/17/22 Pittsburgh 8-23 202 W 50-43 19-4 (9-2)
02/19/22 at Duquesne 21-11 36 W 87-50 20-4 (10-2)
02/22/22 Saint Joseph's 17-13 72 W 88-69 21-4 (11-2)
02/26/22 at Rutgers 16-14 69 W 55-48 22-4 (12-2)
03/03/22 at Temple 21-13 63 W 76-75 23-4 (13-2)
03/05/22 #6 St. Bonaventure 26-6 12 W 91-69 24-4 (14-2)

[MoonlightGraham]

March 13, 2022

#3 ST. MICHAEL'S Schedule

Date Opponent Record RPI Result Score Record
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
03/11/22 vs. Penn State 10-21 194 W 93-57 25-4
03/12/22 vs. Duquesne 21-11 36 W 73-52 26-4
03/13/22 vs. Temple 21-13 63 W 48-44 27-4

The bracket opened up in a way no one quite expected.

When St. Bonaventure—the Saints’ co-champion and season-long rival—fell to La Salle, 69–68, in the first round of the Mid-Atlantic Tournament, it sent a ripple through the field. The anticipated collision never came. For St. Michael's, the path changed overnight.

But the responsibility didn’t.

As assistant Tom Reilly put it quietly before the quarterfinal: “Now there’s no one to blame but ourselves.”

The Saints opened against Penn State and wasted no time asserting control. The game was effectively over by halftime, a 93–57 dismantling executed by a team determined to remove any doubt early. The ball moved crisply, the defense dictated pace, and for the first time all week, everything felt simple.

At the center of it was Lucas Moretti.

The freshman point guard had taken his share of bumps during the season—moments where the game sped up on him, possessions that got away—but against Penn State, he was sharp, controlled, and confident. He scored 20 points, not forcing the game but stepping into it, picking his spots and finishing possessions that earlier in the year might have slipped away.

It wasn’t just production.

It was command: especially for a freshman.

The semifinal against Duquesne was a different kind of test.

Duquesne had the profile of a team that could disrupt rhythm—physical, disciplined, comfortable in the half court. For stretches, they did exactly that. The game slowed. Possessions stretched. Nothing came easily.

That’s where Moretti showed his growth.

He didn’t chase the game. He managed it.

Sixteen points, six assists—but more than that, control. He got the Saints into their sets, made the extra pass when it was there, and resisted the urge to speed things up when Duquesne tried to drag them into a grind. By the second half, St. Michael’s had created just enough separation to pull away, 73–52, the margin reflecting patience as much as talent.

“He’s learning when to let the game breathe,” Toby Whittaker said afterward. “That’s a sign of his growth.”

The championship game against Temple was something else entirely.

No rhythm. No flow. Just possession after possession of resistance.

The Saints didn’t shoot well. Temple didn’t either. Every point felt earned, every mistake magnified. It was the kind of game that, two months earlier, St. Michael’s might have lost—rushed, frustrated, searching for a single play to break it open.

This time, they didn’t.

They defended. They rebounded. They stayed patient, even when the game refused to open up. And when it mattered, they made just enough plays to survive, grinding out a 48–44 win that left both teams battered.
When the final horn sounded, there wasn’t an explosion of relief so much as a recognition.

This was who they had become.

They never got the showdown with St. Bonaventure. That storyline disappeared the moment La Salle pulled the upset.

But in some ways, it didn’t matter.

Because over three days, the Saints showed something just as important: they could dominate when they were better, control when things got uncomfortable, and endure when nothing came easy.

They didn’t win the tournament the way people expected.

They won it the way mature teams do—and with a freshman point guard starting to look like he belonged in the middle of it.

***

Justin Manning celebrated the victory with a walking boot, his left ankle painfully twisted late in the second half as he came down with his twelfth rebound of the game. His status for the NCAA tournament was listed as day-to-day...for everyone but Justin.

"I'm playing," he declared. "I'm a senior. It's not a question."

[MoonlightGraham]

March 18, 2022
The St. Michael’s Sentinel


Rivers’ 46 Leads Saints Past Texas-Arlington in NCAA Opener
By Daniel Kessler, Sentinel Sports Staff

For about five minutes, it looked like a normal first-round game.

Then Malcolm Rivers got going.

And it stopped being normal.

Rivers scored 46 points as St. Michael's defeated Texas-Arlington 105–65 on Thursday night, opening NCAA Tournament play with a performance that was as decisive as it was efficient.

The second-year guard shot 17-of-24 from the field and 9-of-15 from three, setting the tone early and never really letting Texas-Arlington back into the game.

Rivers' performance places him second on the Saints' all-time single game scoring leaderboard. Colton Reddick holds the record with 50 points, established in 2018.

“It just felt like everything was in rhythm,” Rivers said. “We were moving the ball, and I was getting open looks.”


Fast Start, No Let-Up

The Saints didn’t need a dramatic run to take control—they built it steadily.

After a relatively even opening stretch, St. Michael’s began to separate midway through the first half, using balanced scoring and consistent ball movement to create good shots. By halftime, the lead had grown to a comfortable margin, and the second half only widened the gap.

Freshman point guard Lucas Moretti continued his strong postseason play, finishing with 12 points and 7 assists. Moretti controlled the pace and kept the offense organized, something head coach Toby Whittaker emphasized afterward.

“He’s settling into the role,” Whittaker said. “He doesn’t have to do everything—he just has to run the team.”

Moretti agreed.

“I’m just trying to make the right play,” he said. “We have a lot of guys who can score.”


Defense Sets the Tone

While Rivers’ scoring grabbed attention, the Saints’ defense played a major role in the outcome.

St. Michael’s recorded 10 blocks, including four from Tyler Grant, and limited Texas-Arlington to 7-of-25 shooting from three-point range. The Mavericks struggled to find consistent offense, particularly inside, where Tyrese Coleman and Justin Manning controlled the paint. Manning showed no ill effects from the twisted ankle he suffered during the Mid-Atlantic Conference championship game last week.

Texas-Arlington was led by Dallas Breen, who scored 18 points, but no other player reached 15.


A Complete Effort

The Saints shot 16-of-29 from three as a team and assisted on many of their baskets, reflecting the kind of offensive balance they’ve developed late in the season.

Sal Lavin added 13 points, while Coleman and Manning each contributed 9.

“We played the way we’re supposed to play,” Whittaker said. “Shared the ball, defended, stayed disciplined.”


Looking Ahead

With the win, St. Michael’s advances to the second round, where the competition will likely tighten. The Saints entered the tournament as a No. 3 seed after finishing second in the Mid-Atlantic Conference, and Friday’s performance reinforced why they remain a contender.

Still, players were quick to keep the result in perspective.

“It’s one game,” Moretti said. “We did what we needed to do. Now we move on.”

For one night, though, it was hard to ignore.

Not just the margin.

But the way it happened.

(2) #3 St. Michael's 105, (15) Texas-Arlington 65

---------------------------------------------------------
Texas-Arlington (18-15, 8-8):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Spencer Collins C 25 2-7 0-0 1 5 2 4 4
Joshua Nock PF 30 6-14 1-3 1 4 2 2 13
Larry Williams SF 24 3-6 2-3 1 2 4 0 8
Dallas Breen SG 27 6-16 1-2 0 2 0 1 18
David Swain PG 32 1-3 0-0 1 1 6 3 2
Brian Underhill SG 16 1-7 4-5 1 4 1 0 7
Barry Gendron SF 17 2-6 2-2 3 3 1 3 6
Thomas Massey PF 17 1-3 0-0 3 7 0 3 2
Darryl Egbert SF 3 1-3 0-0 0 1 0 1 3
D. Ballentine C 8 0-1 2-2 2 2 0 1 2
Lyle Gonzalez PF 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 10 (S.Collins 1, J.Nock 1, L.Williams 2,
D.Breen 1, D.Swain 3, B.Gendron 2)
Blocked Shots: 3 (S.Collins 1, J.Nock 1, L.Williams 1)
Steals: 5 (J.Nock 1, L.Williams 1, D.Swain 3)
3P FGs: 7-25 (L.Williams 0-3, D.Breen 5-10, D.Swain
0-2, B.Underhill 1-5, B.Gendron 0-3, D.Egbert 1-2)

St. Michael's (28-4, 14-2):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Tyrese Coleman C 31 4-7 1-2 2 8 2 2 9
Justin Manning PF 27 4-7 0-0 1 6 3 1 9
Sal Lavin SF 15 5-9 1-2 3 5 2 4 13
Malcolm Rivers SG 34 17-24 3-6 0 3 0 1 46
Lucas Moretti PG 24 4-6 1-1 0 3 7 3 12
Tyler Grant C 19 3-6 1-1 1 5 2 0 7
Dudley Flower SG 21 1-2 0-1 0 4 5 2 3
Luke O'Connor PG 14 0-0 2-2 0 2 3 1 2
Sean Callahan PF 4 0-0 0-0 0 2 0 1 0
Scotty Cantrell SF 11 2-2 0-0 2 3 1 0 4

Turnovers: 10 (T.Coleman 2, S.Lavin 1, M.Rivers 2,
L.Moretti 3, D.Flower 1, S.Callahan 1)
Blocked Shots: 10 (T.Coleman 2, J.Manning 2, M.Rivers
1, T.Grant 4, D.Flower 1)
Steals: 5 (M.Rivers 1, L.Moretti 2, D.Flower 1,
L.O'Connor 1)
3P FGs: 16-29 (J.Manning 1-3, S.Lavin 2-6, M.Rivers
9-15, L.Moretti 3-4, D.Flower 1-1)

Player of Game: SG Malcolm Rivers (STMIC)

[MoonlightGraham]

The locker room had mostly cleared out by the time Daniel Kessler found a corner near Justin Manning’s locker.

The noise had thinned to the usual postgame sounds—showers running, a couple of guys laughing across the room, the low murmur of equipment being packed away. Daniel flipped to a clean page in his notebook, clicked his pen once, and stepped in.

“Justin—do you have a minute?”

Manning looked up, still catching his breath, jersey half untucked. “Yeah, I got you.”

Daniel nodded. “How did that game feel from your end? Especially defensively?”

Manning leaned back slightly, thinking. “We were locked in early. That was the big thing. We didn’t let them get comfortable inside, and once we did that, everything else kind of followed.”

Daniel scribbled quickly, then asked, “You and Tyrese seemed to control the paint. Was that something you emphasized coming in?”

“Yeah,” Manning said. “We knew if we took that away, they’d have to settle. And once they start settling, we can run.”

He paused for a second, glancing at the lanyard hanging around the reporter's neck.

At the name written at the top of the card attached to it.

Kessler.

Manning frowned slightly.

“Wait,” he said.

Daniel looked up. “Yeah?”

“Your name's Kessler?” Manning asked.

Daniel nodded once. “Yeah.”

Manning stared at him for a second longer, then let out a short laugh, almost surprised.

“No way,” he said. “Like—is your dad that Kessler?”

Daniel gave the same small shrug he always did. “Yeah. That’s my dad.”

Justin shook his head, smiling now, the recognition clicking into place in a different way than it might have for someone else.

“Man, I grew up listening to him,” he said. “My dad used to have the games on in the car all the time. Like—every time.”

Daniel smiled a little at that, but didn’t lean into it. “Yeah, I’ve heard that before.”

Justin studied him for another second, like he was trying to line up the voice he’d heard for years with the person standing in front of him. Then he nodded once, satisfied.

“That’s crazy,” he said.

Daniel glanced back down at his notes.

“So—defensively,” he said, picking right back up, “when they tried to stretch you out, how did you adjust?”

Manning blinked, then smiled again, smaller this time.

“We just stayed disciplined,” he said. “Didn’t try to do too much.”

And just like that, the moment passed.

Same rhythm. Same questions.

Only now, every so often, Manning’s eyes flicked back to the card hanging around Daniel's neck...just to make sure.

***

Daniel Kessler, Jr. was the son of Dan Kessler, the iconic radio Voice of the Saints. In spring 2022, he was a junior, majoring in history and writing about men's basketball and campus life for the Sentinel.

Daniel graduated from St. Michael's College School in 2019. His date for Homecoming his sophomore year was a pretty freshman named Nora Whittaker. It was Nora's first date.

[MoonlightGraham]

March 21, 2022
The St. Michael's Sentinel

Saints Survive Tulsa, Advance to Sweet 16 Behind Lavin’s 25

By Daniel Kessler, Staff Writer

For stretches on Saturday night, it didn’t look like the same team.

Shots didn’t fall as easily. Possessions stretched longer. The rhythm that carried St. Michael's through its first-round win never quite settled in.

And still, they won.

Behind 25 points from Sal Lavin, the Saints held off No. 7 seed Tulsa, 65–62, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, advancing to the Sweet 16 in a game that required more patience than precision.

“It wasn’t pretty,” Lavin said. “But we stayed with it.”


A Different Kind of Game

Two days after scoring 105 points, St. Michael’s found itself in a much tighter contest.

Tulsa slowed the game early, limiting transition opportunities and forcing the Saints into half-court sets. Denver Ellis led the Golden Hurricane with 22 points, including six three-pointers, and kept Tulsa within reach throughout.

The Saints never built a comfortable margin. Every small run was answered. Every possession carried weight.

“We knew it wasn’t going to look like the last game,” head coach Toby Whittaker said. “This time of year, you have to be able to win different ways.”


Lavin Provides the Offense

When the Saints needed scoring, they turned to Lavin.

The junior wing shot 9-of-18 from the field and 7-of-14 from three, accounting for a significant portion of the team’s offense in a game where clean looks were harder to find. Several of his baskets came at key moments, preventing Tulsa from gaining momentum.

“He kept us steady,” freshman guard Lucas Moretti said. “Every time it felt like they were about to make a push, he answered.”

Moretti finished with 5 points and 5 assists, continuing to manage the offense despite increased pressure. Malcolm Rivers, coming off a 46-point performance in the first round, was held to 11 points on 4-of-12 shooting.

Sophomore Dudley Flower added 10 points in 19 minutes, continuing his role as an impact scorer on the Saints' second unit.


Defense and Rebounding

With offense harder to come by, the Saints relied on defense and rebounding to close the game.

Tyrese Coleman and Justin Manning combined for 15 rebounds, helping limit second-chance opportunities. Tyler Grant added four rebounds and two blocks in limited minutes, while the team collectively held Tulsa to 10-of-29 from three-point range.

Still, Tulsa had chances late.

A three-pointer by Ellis cut the lead to three in the final minute, and the Golden Hurricane had an opportunity to tie in the closing seconds. The Saints forced a contested look, and the shot missed, securing the win.


Moving Forward

The contrast between Thursday and Saturday was clear.

One game opened quickly. The other never did.

But both ended the same way.

“We didn’t play our best,” Moretti said. “But we stayed together, and we got it done.”

For a team that has spent much of the season learning how to manage games like this, that may matter more than the margin.

The Saints will face tougher tests ahead.

They know that.

After Saturday night, they also know something else:

They can win when things don’t come easily.

(2) #3 St. Michael's 65, (7) #23 Tulsa 62

---------------------------------------------------------
Tulsa (24-10, 12-6):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Bobby Turner C 33 0-2 0-0 3 11 1 5 0
Carroll Baker PF 26 2-4 2-2 1 1 0 1 6
Jerry Berry SF 22 2-6 3-5 2 4 2 2 7
Rudolf Burrow SG 36 4-9 0-0 2 5 9 5 12
Denver Ellis PG 34 8-19 0-0 0 2 0 2 22
Leland Menchaca SF 25 4-12 1-1 0 2 0 0 9
James Wilkerson PF 15 2-2 2-2 1 4 1 0 6
Gerald Holland PG 2 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
Emmett Emanuel C 6 0-0 0-0 0 2 0 0 0

Turnovers: 10 (B.Turner 2, C.Baker 1, J.Berry 1,
R.Burrow 4, D.Ellis 2)
Blocked Shots: 5 (B.Turner 1, L.Menchaca 2, J.Wilkerson
2)
Steals: 3 (R.Burrow 2, L.Menchaca 1)
3P FGs: 10-29 (J.Berry 0-4, R.Burrow 4-8, D.Ellis 6-12,
L.Menchaca 0-5)

St. Michael's (29-4, 14-2):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Tyrese Coleman C 32 1-3 2-2 1 8 1 3 4
Justin Manning PF 32 1-4 1-2 2 7 1 1 4
Sal Lavin SF 37 9-18 0-1 2 7 0 3 25
Malcolm Rivers SG 27 4-12 0-0 0 2 1 3 11
Lucas Moretti PG 29 2-3 0-0 0 2 5 1 5
Tyler Grant PF 15 1-1 1-2 1 4 0 2 3
Dudley Flower SG 19 4-7 0-0 0 1 3 0 10
Luke O'Connor PG 5 0-0 3-4 1 1 1 2 3
Scotty Cantrell SF 2 0-0 0-0 0 0 1 0 0

Turnovers: 13 (T.Coleman 1, J.Manning 2, S.Lavin 3,
M.Rivers 3, L.Moretti 2, T.Grant 1, D.Flower 1)
Blocked Shots: 5 (T.Coleman 1, M.Rivers 1, T.Grant 2,
S.Cantrell 1)
Steals: 3 (T.Coleman 1, L.Moretti 1, D.Flower 1)
3P FGs: 14-31 (J.Manning 1-3, S.Lavin 7-14, M.Rivers
3-10, L.Moretti 1-1, D.Flower 2-3)

Player of Game: SF Sal Lavin (STMIC)

[MoonlightGraham]

March 25, 2022
The St. Michael's Sentinel

Lavin’s 35 Sends Saints Past Marquette, Back to Elite Eight
By Daniel Kessler, Staff Writer

This one never really settled.

It wasn’t like the first round, when everything came easily. It wasn’t like Tulsa, either, where every possession felt tight and controlled. Friday night lived somewhere in between—fast, physical, and just unstable enough that no lead felt permanent.

And in the middle of it, Sal Lavin took over.

Lavin scored 35 points as St. Michael's defeated No. 3 seed Marquette 93–84 in the Sweet Sixteen, sending the Saints back to the Elite Eight—another step deep into March for a program that has come to expect it.

“It was just there tonight,” Lavin said. “I wasn’t trying to force anything. I just stayed aggressive.”


A Game That Didn’t Slow Down

From the opening minutes, the pace felt different.

Marquette came in comfortable playing fast and wasn’t interested in adjusting. The Saints matched it. Possessions shortened. Shots came earlier in the clock. Both teams found rhythm, and neither gave much ground.

Marquette placed multiple players in double figures, getting balanced scoring throughout the lineup. Every time St. Michael’s looked ready to stretch the lead, Marquette answered.

“We knew they weren’t going to go away,” head coach Toby Whittaker said. “That’s what good teams do this time of year.”


Lavin Leads the Way

In a game where scoring came from both sides, Lavin stood out.

He shot 12-of-20 from the field and 8-of-13 from three, repeatedly finding space along the perimeter and converting when the Saints needed it most. His scoring came in stretches that steadied the team—late in the first half, again midway through the second, and finally in the closing minutes as Marquette pushed to cut into the lead.

“He gave us a lot of answers,” freshman guard Lucas Moretti said. “When things started to get tight, we could go to him and know something good was going to happen.”


Support Around Him

Lavin wasn’t alone.

Moretti delivered one of his most complete performances of the tournament, scoring 17 points on 5-of-8 shooting and hitting all four of his free throws. His ability to attack when the defense shifted toward Lavin added balance to the offense.

Malcolm Rivers added 15 points and three assists, while Tyrese Coleman contributed 12 points, six rebounds, and two blocks, anchoring the defense in key stretches.

As a team, the Saints shot 17-of-35 from three-point range and committed just eight turnovers—numbers that reflected both efficiency and control in a game that could have easily slipped into chaos.


Closing It Out

The difference came in the final minutes.

Marquette cut the lead to single digits more than once in the second half, but never fully closed the gap. Each time, St. Michael’s responded—with a three, a defensive stop, or a controlled possession that ended at the free throw line.

“We didn’t panic,” Moretti said. “That was the biggest thing. We stayed with what we do.”

That composure has become familiar for this group—built through a national championship in 2020 and a Final Four run last season, and reinforced over the course of this year.


Moving On

With the win, St. Michael’s advances to the Elite Eight once again, continuing a stretch of March success that now feels like part of the program’s identity rather than an exception.

The path hasn’t looked the same each game.

But the result has.

“We’re still playing,” Whittaker said. “That’s what matters.”

On a night when both teams played at a high level, the difference came down to execution—and one player who, for long stretches, simply couldn’t be guarded.

For St. Michael’s, that was enough.

(2) #3 St. Michael's 93, (3) #7 Marquette 84

--------------------------------------------------------
Marquette (28-8, 12-6):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Paul Walsh C 30 2-8 7-8 2 4 1 1 11
Zachary Donner PF 33 3-7 0-0 1 8 2 3 7
Paul Morales SF 35 5-11 2-2 0 5 3 4 15
Charles Webb SG 29 3-8 3-3 0 3 2 2 9
Charles Fuentes PG 36 4-7 6-7 1 3 6 3 15
Robert Knox PF 12 3-4 0-0 1 1 1 1 6
Kraig Nissen C 4 2-2 0-1 1 1 0 0 4
Brian Derrick SG 11 3-5 1-2 0 1 0 4 9
John Sutton PG 6 2-2 1-1 0 1 0 0 6
Silas Crews SF 3 1-1 0-0 0 1 0 0 2

Turnovers: 11 (P.Walsh 3, Z.Donner 2, P.Morales 3,
C.Fuentes 1, B.Derrick 1, J.Sutton 1)
Blocked Shots: 4 (P.Walsh 1, Z.Donner 3)
Steals: 5 (P.Morales 2, C.Webb 2, J.Sutton 1)
3P FGs: 8-19 (P.Walsh 0-1, Z.Donner 1-3, P.Morales 3-4,
C.Webb 0-4, C.Fuentes 1-3, B.Derrick 2-3, J.Sutton 1-1)

St. Michael's (30-4, 14-2):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Tyrese Coleman C 32 5-7 2-2 2 6 3 3 12
Justin Manning PF 26 2-8 0-0 2 10 1 2 5
Sal Lavin SF 37 12-20 3-3 1 3 4 4 35
Malcolm Rivers SG 33 5-9 2-2 1 2 3 4 15
Lucas Moretti PG 21 5-8 4-4 1 1 1 3 17
Tyler Grant C 16 0-3 2-2 1 6 1 3 2
Dudley Flower SG 17 2-5 0-0 0 1 2 2 6
Luke O'Connor PG 10 0-1 0-0 0 1 2 1 0
Sean Callahan PF 5 0-0 0-0 1 2 1 0 0
Scotty Cantrell SF 3 0-0 1-2 0 0 1 0 1

Turnovers: 8 (S.Lavin 3, M.Rivers 3, L.Moretti 1,
D.Flower 1)
Blocked Shots: 6 (T.Coleman 2, J.Manning 1, T.Grant 3)
Steals: 6 (T.Coleman 2, S.Lavin 1, M.Rivers 1, D.Flower
2)
3P FGs: 17-35 (J.Manning 1-4, S.Lavin 8-13, M.Rivers
3-7, L.Moretti 3-5, D.Flower 2-5, L.O'Connor 0-1)

Player of Game: SF Sal Lavin (STMIC)

[MoonlightGraham]

March 28, 2022
The St. Michael's Sentinel

Short-Handed Saints Fall to Saint Louis in Elite Eight Rematch
By Daniel Kessler, Staff Writer


The matchup felt familiar.

Same opponent. Same tension. Same sense that every possession mattered a little more than usual.

But this time, something was missing.

Senior forward Justin Manning—one of the Saints’ most consistent interior presences—watched from the sideline, the ankle injury he suffered in the conference tournament finally forcing him out of the lineup. And in a game that came down to control, physicality, and small margins, that absence showed.

In a rematch of their December meeting, St. Michael's fell to top-seeded Saint Louis 69–61 in the Elite Eight on Sunday, ending the Saints’ tournament run one game short of the Final Four.

“It was the same kind of game,” head coach Toby Whittaker said. “And the same kind of lessons.”


A Different Rotation, Same Pressure

Without Manning, the Saints adjusted their frontcourt rotation, asking more from Tyler Grant and the bench. Grant responded defensively—blocking 10 shots and helping anchor a unit that kept Saint Louis from pulling away—but the overall balance wasn’t quite the same.

Manning’s absence wasn’t just about numbers.

It was about stability.

“He does a lot for us that doesn’t always show up,” sophomore guard Dudley Flower said. “Rebounding, talking, being in the right spot. You feel that when it’s not there.”


Turnovers Shift the Game

When the teams met in December, Saint Louis controlled key stretches with defense and execution late.

Sunday followed a similar script.

The Saints committed 19 turnovers, many of them unforced, as Saint Louis pressured passing lanes and forced rushed decisions. The Billikens turned those opportunities into extra possessions and transition chances, finishing with 10 steals.

“We just didn’t value it enough,” Flower said. “Against a team like that, you can’t give them extra chances.”

Even when St. Michael’s found good looks, those empty possessions added up.


Defense Holds, Offense Strains

Despite the turnovers, the Saints stayed within reach for much of the game.

They blocked 13 shots, controlled stretches defensively, and limited Saint Louis to 5-of-17 from three-point range. Tyrese Coleman pulled down 13 rebounds, helping hold the line inside, while Grant’s presence altered multiple shots around the rim. The seven-foot junior's 10 blocks tied a Saints record that had stood, unmatched, since 1999.

For long stretches, it felt like the game was still there.

“We were getting stops,” Flower said. “That’s why it’s frustrating. We just couldn’t convert enough on the other end.”


Lavin Leads Again

As he had throughout the tournament, Sal Lavin carried the offensive load.

The junior forward scored 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting, providing steady production in a game where rhythm was difficult to sustain. Dudley Flower added 7 points off the bench, while others contributed in smaller stretches.

But the Saints never found sustained flow.

Malcolm Rivers was limited to 4 points on 1-of-8 shooting, and the offense never fully recovered from the turnovers that disrupted it throughout the game.


The Margin

The Saints remained close into the second half, but each push was answered.

A three-pointer from Forest Lang extended the lead. A defensive stop turned into a quick score. The gap never grew out of reach—but it never fully closed, either.

“We were right there,” Flower said. “Just didn’t make enough plays in those moments.”


Looking Back

For a program that won the national championship in 2020 and reached the Final Four last season, the expectations are clear.

Saturday’s result doesn’t change that.

But it reinforces how narrow the margin can be.

“This is what it looks like,” Whittaker said. “You can defend. You can rebound. But if you don’t take care of the ball, it catches up with you.”

The Saints finished the season 30–5, navigating a demanding schedule and another deep postseason run.

They were close again.

Just not close enough.


What Remains

In the locker room afterward, the tone was quiet but steady.

This group has been deep into March before. They understand what it takes—and how small the difference can be.

“We’ll remember this,” Flower said. “That’s part of it. You don’t forget games like this.”

For St. Michael’s, the standard hasn’t changed.

If anything, it’s been reinforced.

(1) #2 Saint Louis 69, (2) #3 St. Michael's 61

----------------------------------------------------------
St. Michael's (30-5, 14-2):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Tyrese Coleman C 32 1-3 3-3 5 13 1 1 5
Tyler Grant PF 31 2-5 0-0 1 6 3 1 4
Sal Lavin SF 31 7-14 1-2 1 3 1 2 18
Malcolm Rivers SG 28 1-8 1-2 1 2 2 1 4
Lucas Moretti PG 29 7-12 0-0 0 1 4 1 17
Dudley Flower SG 23 3-5 0-0 0 1 2 3 7
Luke O'Connor PG 5 0-2 0-0 0 0 1 0 0
Sean Callahan PF 15 2-4 0-0 3 6 0 2 4
Felix Sauter SF 4 0-0 2-2 0 0 0 0 2

Turnovers: 19 (T.Coleman 2, T.Grant 1, S.Lavin 8,
M.Rivers 1, L.Moretti 3, D.Flower 1, S.Callahan 2,
F.Sauter 1)
Blocked Shots: 13 (T.Coleman 1, T.Grant 10, D.Flower 1,
S.Callahan 1)
Steals: 5 (T.Coleman 1, T.Grant 1, M.Rivers 1,
L.Moretti 2)
3P FGs: 8-26 (S.Lavin 3-9, M.Rivers 1-6, L.Moretti 3-6,
D.Flower 1-3, L.O'Connor 0-1, S.Callahan 0-1)

Saint Louis (34-4, 15-3):
Player Pos Min Fgm-a Ftm-a Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Joe Addison C 32 3-4 0-0 4 11 1 4 6
Alejandro Vila PF 35 6-19 2-4 7 10 0 1 14
Chester Batista SF 33 5-15 0-0 0 1 5 3 11
Fredrick Harris SG 33 4-9 0-0 1 3 3 1 9
Solomon Mangan PG 24 4-7 0-0 2 5 5 0 8
Forest Lang PG 14 5-7 3-3 0 0 0 3 15
Tom s Ferrer PG 8 1-1 0-0 0 0 0 0 3
Stuart McNeil SF 6 0-2 0-0 0 1 2 1 0
Timmy Nussbaum C 11 1-1 1-2 2 5 1 0 3
Steven Gaffney C 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0

Turnovers: 13 (J.Addison 3, A.Vila 2, C.Batista 3,
F.Harris 1, S.Mangan 1, F.Lang 2, S.McNeil 1)
Blocked Shots: 2 (A.Vila 1, C.Batista 1)
Steals: 10 (J.Addison 1, C.Batista 3, F.Harris 3,
S.Mangan 2, F.Lang 1)
3P FGs: 5-17 (C.Batista 1-6, F.Harris 1-6, S.Mangan
0-2, F.Lang 2-2, T.Ferrer 1-1)

Player of Game: PG Solomon Mangan (STL)

[MoonlightGraham]

The day after Houston defeated Kentucky to win the national championship, Malcolm Rivers and Sal Lavin announced their intentions to enter the professional draft.

Lavin, a junior, had improved his draft stock significantly by playing a third year at St. Michael's. Sal was now assumed to be a lottery pick. Sophomore Rivers had long been considered a two-and-through.

2021 OVERALL AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

SR PG William Harris South Florida 14.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 7.4 APG 1.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR PG Silas Bristow Gonzaga 13.5 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4.5 APG 1.9 SPG, 0.0 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Charles Prine Oklahoma 25 - 10 (9 - 5)

All-league 1st Team:
C SR Carroll Swartz Illinois-Chicago 15.6 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 2.9 BPG
PF SR Alejandro Vila Saint Louis 15.1 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.2 BPG
SF SR Justin Feltner Illinois-Chicago 18.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3.3 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG
SG SO Timothy Shade Canisius 23.6 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG
PG SR William Harris South Florida 14.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 7.4 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C SR Edwin Rogan Tennessee 10.0 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 3.3 BPG
PF SR Bert McGann West Virginia 20.0 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG
SF JR Leonel Mares Buffalo 18.0 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.2 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG
SG SR Kevin McClellan Villanova 21.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.8 BPG
PG SR Jose Groce Louisiana State 15.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 7.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG

All-league 3rd Team:
C SR David Thomas Duke 14.4 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 3.3 BPG
PF SR Armand Fredrickson North Carolina State 13.9 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 3.7 BPG
SF JR Richard Stevens Miami 18.4 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SG SR Andrew Avina Connecticut 16.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG
PG SR Nicolas Jiles Kansas State 14.4 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 8.8 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Tyrese Coleman St. Michael's 7.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 1.6 BPG
PF FR Ulysses Adams San Francisco 8.2 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG
SF FR Christopher Jenkins Houston 16.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SG FR Tom Tessin New Mexico State 14.9 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.5 BPG
PG FR Silas Bristow Gonzaga 13.5 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.0 BPG

When you're the consensus #1 high school recruit in the nation, people almost expect you to be a freshman All-American. Tyrese Coleman lived up to those expectations.

Villanova's Kevin McClellan was once a top Saints recruiting target. He turned out to be a very good college player, a four-year man who kept getting better each year.

2021 MID-ATLANTIC AWARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Player of the Year:

JR PG Chris Bennett St. Bonaventure 13.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 6.7 APG 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Freshman of the Year:
FR PG Julian Mercado Temple 7.1 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 5.5 APG 2.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Coach of the Year:
Toby Whittaker St. Michael's 30 - 5 (14 - 2)

All-league 1st Team:
C FR Tyrese Coleman St. Michael's 7.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 1.6 BPG
PF SR Thomas Dao St. Bonaventure 12.4 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.6 BPG
SF SR Willian Judy Saint Joseph's 15.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.6 BPG
SG SR Dustin Delong St. Bonaventure 15.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PG JR Chris Bennett St. Bonaventure 13.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 6.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG

All-league 2nd Team:
C SR David Wilkey St. Bonaventure 6.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.6 SPG, 2.9 BPG
PF SO Isidro Grissom Rutgers 12.9 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SF SR Brian Grizzle Duquesne 16.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SG SO Malcolm Rivers St. Michael's 16.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG
PG FR Julian Mercado Temple 7.1 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 5.5 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG

All-freshman Team:
C FR Tyrese Coleman St. Michael's 7.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 1.6 BPG
PF FR Otto McCulloch Penn State 5.8 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
SF FR John Lawyer St. Bonaventure 11.0 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG
SG FR Andre Jones Duquesne 8.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.0 BPG
PG FR Julian Mercado Temple 7.1 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 5.5 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Two more honors for Tyrese, and a well-deserved All-Conference recognition for Malcolm Rivers.

All five St. Bonaventure starters earned post-season honors. You start to see how Toby won another Coach of the Year plaque, after having to compete against all those Bonnies stars.

#3 ST. MICHAEL'S TEAM INFO

Current Performance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Team Prestige: 100 Record Vs 1-50: 5-4 Poll Rank: #3
Season Record: 30-5 Record Vs 51-100: 10-1 RPI Rank: #3
Conference Record: 14-2 Record Vs 101-200: 12-0
Home Record: 15-1 Record Vs 200+: 3-0


Team Stats CR NR Opp. Stats CR NR Margin CR NR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points 75.1 3 63 Points 60.1 1 6 Points 15.0 1 1
O.Reb 10.3 6 259 O.Reb 9.9 5 69 O.Reb 0.4 7 151
D.Reb 25.5 3 178 D.Reb 20.9 1 2 D.Reb 4.6 2 9
Rebounds 35.8 5 227 Rebounds 30.8 2 6 Rebounds 5.0 3 30
Assists 13.9 4 144 Assists 13.0 3 91 Assists 0.9 4 92
Steals 5.1 7 227 Steals 4.8 2 43 Steals 0.3 6 145
Blocks 5.9 1 22 Blocks 2.9 2 82 Blocks 3.0 2 17
Turnovers 12.7 2 56 Turnovers 13.2 6 225 Turnovers -0.5 5 151
Fouls 16.0 1 6 Fouls 18.6 6 279 Fouls -2.6 2 36
FG% .464 2 21 FG% .395 1 12 FG% .069 1 10
FT% .762 1 6 FT% .713 8 357 FT% .049 2 31
3P% .399 1 8 3P% .331 2 118 3P% .068 2 11
PPS 1.42 1 1 PPS 1.11 1 12 PPS .317 1 2
Adj. FG% .571 1 2 Adj. FG% .454 1 14 Adj. FG% .118 1 2

This year's Saints were one of the best defensive teams of the Whittaker era, if not the best of all.

#3 ST. MICHAEL'S Averages

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tyrese Coleman C 35 35 31.0 7.8 2.8 8.3 1.1 0.6 1.6 1.4 2.1 10.2
Malcolm Rivers SG 35 35 30.9 16.2 0.9 3.6 2.0 0.9 0.3 2.3 2.4 12.2
Sal Lavin SF 35 35 29.6 17.2 1.0 3.7 1.7 0.7 0.3 2.6 3.0 14.0
Justin Manning PF 34 34 28.8 7.8 2.5 8.7 1.5 0.4 0.5 1.1 2.9 10.7
Lucas Moretti PG 35 35 28.1 10.2 0.5 1.5 3.7 1.0 0.0 1.8 2.1 9.7
Dudley Flower SG 35 0 19.6 8.5 0.8 2.2 1.4 1.0 0.1 1.7 1.5 6.2
Tyler Grant C 35 1 16.9 2.9 1.3 5.0 0.7 0.1 2.8 0.6 0.7 8.4
Luke O'Connor PG 35 0 7.1 2.3 0.1 0.6 1.5 0.2 0.1 0.3 0.6 2.7
Scotty Cantrell SF 22 0 5.9 1.8 0.4 1.5 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.6 0.3 1.1
Sean Callahan PF 33 0 5.2 1.0 0.2 1.4 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.3 0.5 1.8
John Andrews SF 12 0 5.1 0.8 0.3 0.8 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.2 0.8
Felix Sauter PF 2 0 2.5 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.0 -1.0
David Hannon SF 7 0 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.0 -1.3

#3 ST. MICHAEL'S Totals

Player Pos GP GS Min Pts Orb Reb Ast Stl Blk To Fls +/-
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tyrese Coleman C 35 35 1086 274 98 291 38 22 57 48 74 356
Malcolm Rivers SG 35 35 1083 567 33 125 70 30 10 80 84 426
Sal Lavin SF 35 35 1037 601 34 129 60 25 10 92 106 490
Justin Manning PF 34 34 979 266 84 295 50 15 17 39 97 364
Lucas Moretti PG 35 35 984 357 16 53 130 36 0 64 73 340
Dudley Flower SG 35 0 685 298 28 76 50 34 3 58 54 216
Tyler Grant C 35 1 593 100 44 175 25 4 97 21 25 293
Luke O'Connor PG 35 0 250 82 4 20 51 8 2 12 22 93
Scotty Cantrell SF 22 0 129 40 8 32 7 3 4 13 7 25
Sean Callahan PF 33 0 170 33 8 47 5 1 7 11 15 58
John Andrews SF 12 0 61 9 4 10 1 2 0 2 2 10
Felix Sauter PF 2 0 5 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 -2
David Hannon SF 7 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 -9

#3 ST. MICHAEL'S Shooting

Player Pos Fgm Fga Fg% Ftm Fta Ft% 3pm 3pa 3p% PPS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tyrese Coleman C 102 194 .526 70 97 .722 0 0 .000 1.41
Malcolm Rivers SG 185 427 .433 83 111 .748 114 310 .368 1.33
Sal Lavin SF 196 428 .458 88 103 .854 121 290 .417 1.40
Justin Manning PF 87 207 .420 65 100 .650 27 87 .310 1.29
Lucas Moretti PG 110 240 .458 69 77 .896 68 153 .444 1.49
Dudley Flower SG 94 169 .556 60 80 .750 50 105 .476 1.76
Tyler Grant C 35 78 .449 30 44 .682 0 0 .000 1.28
Luke O'Connor PG 20 47 .426 30 35 .857 12 30 .400 1.74
Scotty Cantrell SF 15 22 .682 6 11 .545 4 9 .444 1.82
Sean Callahan PF 12 25 .480 8 11 .727 1 8 .125 1.32
John Andrews SF 1 11 .091 7 9 .778 0 3 .000 0.82
Felix Sauter PF 0 0 .000 2 2 1.000 0 0 .000 2.00
David Hannon SF 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0.00

As expected, this year's Saints were deep and talented, and they almost got to play in April.

[Young Drachma]

do you mod your FBCB.ini at all or are you playing with the stock game settings?

[MoonlightGraham]

do you mod your FBCB.ini at all or are you playing with the stock game settings?

I'm using the stock game settings. I wouldn't know how to go about modding the .ini file.

I've made very few changes to my universe. I added some college teams from New England and the Mid-Atlantic region, including my fictional St. Michael's College. I put a number of high schools into the pool, too. Most of them are private schools from the East and Midwest, but I've also added public schools that have recently opened in the Eastern states I'm most familiar with.

Thanks for stopping by!

[MoonlightGraham]

April 9, 2022

Three Saints heard their names called on Draft Night. I'm almost positive this has never happened before; if it has, it was long before I began writing about the program.

Sal Lavin's performance in the NCAA tournament probably earned him millions of dollars. It certainly earned him a spot in the lottery; he was drafted 8th overall. And, perhaps just as significantly, Sal had successfully completed three years' worth of course work at St. Michael's, majoring in Political Science. He promised his family he would complete his degree.

Joining him in the first round was Malcolm Rivers, taken with the #22 pick.

Two years ago, Justin Manning said "I'll never be a pro" when he was describing his role in the Saints program: a hard-working reserve who helped toughen more talented players and prepare them to face the best big men in the nation. But by his senior year, Justin was a starter, and tonight, he became a professional draft choice. Justin sobbed with joy when he learned he was chosen at #51.

2021 Recruiting Rankings

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. St. Bonaventure Mid-Atlantic SF Drew Hardison ***** 2 2 0 0 0
2. Temple Mid-Atlantic C Ethan O'Connell ***** 2 1 1 0 0
3. Saint Louis Conference USA SF Van Crowe ***** 3 1 0 0 0
4. Marquette Great Lakes C Thomas Gentry ***** 1 3 0 0 0
5. Saint Mary's WCC PF Thomas Elam ***** 2 1 2 0 0
6. Minnesota Big Ten SG Augustine Hiatt **** 0 1 5 0 0
7. North Carolina ACC SF David Boudreaux ***** 1 2 1 0 0
8. Duke ACC SG Joseph Trotter ***** 2 1 1 0 0
9. Miami Conference USA SG Chris Richerson ***** 2 1 0 0 0
10. Illinois-Chicago Great Lakes SF Dwight Perry **** 0 3 1 0 0
11. Loyola Marymount WCC C David Haire ***** 1 1 2 0 0
12. Tennessee SEC SF Elijah Gammon ***** 1 1 2 0 0
13. Houston Southwest SF Joe Bussell ***** 1 1 1 0 0
14. Louisville Conference USA SG John McKellar ***** 1 1 2 0 0
15. Virginia Tech Blue Ridge SG Louie Matz **** 0 3 0 0 0
16. Auburn SEC SG Booker Burney ***** 1 1 1 0 0
17. St. Michael's Mid-Atlantic PG Jordan Hayes ***** 1 1 0 0 0
18. Clemson ACC C Jack O'Neil **** 0 1 3 0 0
19. Portland WCC C Theron Turner **** 0 2 3 0 0
20. Georgia Tech ACC SF Leroy Batista ***** 1 1 1 0 0

It's hard to win the recruiting ranking battle when your incoming class is only two players. Toby was very pleased with how prepared for college ball Jordan Hayes and Ari Ben-David seemed to be.

St. Bonaventure's Drew Hardison, the nation's top recruit, looks just as ready.

2021 Recruiting Rankings

# Team Conference Best Player Rtg 5* 4* 3* 2* 1*
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. St. Bonaventure Mid-Atlantic SF Drew Hardison ***** 2 2 0 0 0
2. Temple Mid-Atlantic C Ethan O'Connell ***** 2 1 1 0 0
17. St. Michael's Mid-Atlantic PG Jordan Hayes ***** 1 1 0 0 0
22. Duquesne Mid-Atlantic PG Chase Eldridge **** 0 2 2 0 0
25. La Salle Mid-Atlantic PG Martin Wiggins **** 0 2 0 1 0
33. Saint Joseph's Mid-Atlantic SG Jerry Mullins *** 0 0 4 0 0
50. Pittsburgh Mid-Atlantic PG Chris Roberts **** 0 1 1 1 0
52. Penn State Mid-Atlantic PG Merv Short *** 0 0 4 0 0
112. Rutgers Mid-Atlantic SG Lamont Henkel *** 0 0 2 1 0


This is the best recruiting performance, top to bottom, the Mid-Atlantic has ever seen. St. Michael's had Ethan O'Connell and Chase Eldridge on their call list, and offered O'Connell a scholarship early in the recruiting cycle.

[MoonlightGraham]

April 30 and May 1, 2022
Grace Decides

April 30 didn’t feel like a deadline at first.

It felt like a long day that wouldn’t quite start.

Grace moved through it without urgency—late breakfast, a quick scroll through her phone, a few texts she didn’t answer. Everyone else seemed to know what day it was. She did too. She just wasn’t ready to act like it yet.

Her laptop sat open on the kitchen table, the spreadsheet still there—columns, notes, careful comparisons that had once felt useful and now felt… irrelevant. Across the top were the names she’d been living with for weeks:

University of Virginia
University of Notre Dame
Georgetown University
Boston College
Villanova University
St. Michael's College

All good. All real.

That was the problem.

Claire sat nearby, giving her space without leaving the room.

“You don’t have to decide today,” she said at one point.

Grace looked up. “I kind of do.”

Claire smiled gently. “You have to decide by tomorrow.”

Grace leaned back. “That’s worse.”

***

Toby passed through later, on his way out, keys already in hand.

“You still working through it?” he asked.

“Define 'working,'” Grace said.

He nodded, like that was fair.

Then, more quietly: “You don’t owe this place anything.”

Grace met his eyes. “I know.”

“I’m not saying that so you don’t pick it,” he added. “Just so you’re clear.”

“I know that too.”

He held her gaze for a second, then gave a small nod and left.

***

That night, Nora called.

“Okay,” she said immediately. “Where are you?”

“Physically or emotionally?” Grace asked.

“Emotionally. Obviously.”

Grace hesitated, then said it.

“I keep going back to the same two.”

“Which are?”

“UVA… and Notre Dame.”

Nora let that sit. “Those are very different.”

“I know.”

A pause.

“Which one feels more like you?” Nora asked.

Grace didn’t answer right away.

“I don’t know,” she said finally. “That’s the problem.”

***

Later, when the house had gone quiet, Grace stepped outside.

Fox Hollow at night didn’t ask anything of you. No noise, no movement—just space to think.

She sat on the front steps and let everything come back.

Charlottesville—the energy, the openness, the feeling that she could step into something new.
Notre Dame—the familiarity, the meaning, the pull of something already connected to her life.

She’d been saying it all year:

I can actually see myself there.

But sitting there, she realized something.

Seeing it wasn’t the same as choosing it.

***

When she went back inside, Claire was still awake.

Grace stood in the doorway for a second.

“I think I know,” she said.

Claire didn’t move. “Okay.”

“I just needed it to feel like my decision,” Grace said. “Not the obvious one. Not the safe one.”

“And now it does?”

Grace nodded. “Yeah.”

***

Sunday morning was quiet.

Not dramatic. Not tense. Just still.

Grace woke up early, sunlight already in the room, and lay there for a minute before reaching for her phone. Messages were waiting:

Did you decide???
Today’s the day 👀
UVA?? Notre Dame??

She smiled, but didn’t answer.

***

Downstairs, the house had that slow Sunday rhythm. Coffee made. Claire at the counter. Toby at the table, paper in hand but unread.

They looked up when she walked in.

“Morning,” Claire said.

“Morning.”

Grace poured a glass of water, leaned against the counter, and let the quiet stretch just a little longer.

Then:

“I decided.”

Claire set her cup down.

Toby lowered the paper.

“Okay,” he said.

Grace smiled, small and a little disbelieving.

“I’m going to Virginia."

For a moment, no one moved.

Then Claire crossed the room and hugged her.

“That’s wonderful.”

Toby smiled, steady and certain. “That fits you.”

Grace exhaled.

“Yeah,” she said. “I think so too.”

***

She didn’t announce it right away.

Not yet.

Instead, she walked back to the table, opened her laptop, and pulled up the portal.

The page looked exactly the same as it had for weeks.

Same message. Same button.

Accept Admission

She stared at it.

All the thinking, all the conversations, all the circling—it all narrowed down to this.

Her hand hovered over the trackpad.

For a second, everything else passed through again.

Then it cleared.

“Okay,” she said quietly.

She clicked.

The page refreshed. A confirmation message appeared—simple, almost anticlimactic.

But something shifted anyway.

Grace leaned back in her chair and let it settle.

No second-guessing.
No reopening the list.

Just the quiet realization:

It was done.

A minute later, she picked up her phone.

UVA. I’m going.

She hit "send."

And this time, it felt real.

[MoonlightGraham]

I want to step out of character for a moment to thank all of you who have taken the time to click on my dynasty and read my posts, most of whom are still anonymous to me.

I'm flattered by the fact that my thread has been viewed 17,757 times since I started writing it last August. That's not a particularly large total--my Graham Sims story has over 120,000 views--but I know this dynasty is unlike many of the others I've read here. A few very talented storytellers wrote dynasty stories on the Out of the Park Baseball forums that I enjoyed reading very much. The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell and Robert J. "Bubba" Jones are, in many ways, my inspiration for writing this kind of tale. Both writers created worlds around their protagonists and their exploits within OOTP. If my effort is half as good as theirs were, I'm happy.

I've had an incredible amount of fun creating Toby Whittaker's world. Making it come to life has made me feel a level of connection to my dynasty that I've never felt before. I've often found myself losing interest in my long-running saves, but I'm enjoying the Whittaker family, St. Michael's, and the Elmridge community so much I can't imagine setting this story aside until its natural ending comes along. Toby won't coach forever, after all.

I hope Toby's story has brought some of you joy. I've had a blast writing it, and I can't wait to see what happens next. :)

[Young Drachma]

This has been a staple so long around here, it's been stellar to see you able to keep up with it for so long.

Congrats on the Virgnia job, I think it was long about time for him to test his powers at the higher level!

[MoonlightGraham]

This has been a staple so long around here, it's been stellar to see you able to keep up with it for so long.

Thanks very much! I've had lots of fun creating the world behind my dynasty. It's kept me engaged with the story, because there are so many things going on besides the action taking place in my FBCB game.

The game remains the engine that drives the story, but I'm enjoying filling out the world around Coach Whittaker and the Saints program.

Congrats on the Virgnia job, I think it was long about time for him to test his powers at the higher level!

Thanks, but Toby isn't leaving St. Michael's for Virginia. His daughter, Grace, will be a first year student there in the fall of 2022.

My universe began in 1960. I quick-simmed almost 50 years before I created my player-coach, so there would be some history in place. That history doesn't always fit neatly with the actual history of Division I basketball.

For example, here are the 25 winningest programs in my universe's history:
# Team Wins Losses Pct Conference Champs Conference Tourney Champs
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Tennessee 1678 495 .772 18 19
2 Kentucky 1639 543 .751 14 17
3 Temple 1597 553 .743 15 16
4 Duke 1593 531 .750 19 16
5 Houston 1549 581 .727 17 14
6 North Carolina State 1539 589 .723 17 14
7 North Carolina 1533 586 .723 14 11
8 Connecticut 1528 627 .709 8 8
9 Saint Louis 1517 616 .711 17 13
10 Marquette 1489 647 .697 11 11
11 Pittsburgh 1453 659 .688 12 11
12 Georgetown 1451 681 .681 10 9
13 Purdue 1443 661 .686 15 15
14 Florida 1415 704 .668 8 6
15 Mississippi 1396 672 .675 7 5
16 Maryland 1368 724 .654 4 5
17 Oklahoma 1366 724 .654 13 13
18 Villanova 1366 727 .653 1 3
19 Kansas 1365 704 .660 13 13
20 Louisville 1365 735 .650 8 9
21 Southern Methodist 1357 721 .653 11 10
22 Michigan State 1354 729 .650 12 9
23 Arizona State 1341 726 .649 21 11
24 Memphis 1334 730 .646 11 8
25 Fresno State 1322 719 .648 20 16

Most of these teams are powerhouse programs in "real" college basketball, but you also see Saint Louis among the top ten.

Here are the 25 teams with the most conference championships:
# Team Wins Losses Pct Conference Champs Conference Tourney Champs
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Arizona State 1341 726 .649 21 11
2 St. Michael's 1198 855 .584 20 22
3 Fresno State 1322 719 .648 20 16
4 Belmont 1179 807 .594 20 16
5 Duke 1593 531 .750 19 16
6 Tennessee 1678 495 .772 18 19
7 Iona 1267 806 .611 18 8
8 Winthrop 1115 871 .561 18 15
9 Houston 1549 581 .727 17 14
10 Saint Louis 1517 616 .711 17 13
11 North Carolina State 1539 589 .723 17 14
12 Cal State Northridge 1112 884 .557 16 15
13 Holy Cross 1040 921 .530 16 7
14 Houston Baptist 1052 935 .529 16 14
15 Western Kentucky 1058 927 .533 16 10
16 Temple 1597 553 .743 15 16
17 Purdue 1443 661 .686 15 15
18 Sam Houston State 1091 864 .558 15 15
19 Tennessee-Martin 972 955 .504 15 8
20 Vermont 1078 888 .548 15 8
21 Kentucky 1639 543 .751 14 17
22 North Carolina 1533 586 .723 14 11
23 Davidson 1095 887 .552 14 6
24 Utah 1151 844 .577 14 9
25 Texas 1320 760 .635 14 5

Toby Whittaker coached 12 of those regular season champions and 10 of the tournament winners.

St. Michael's began as a member of the Centennial Conference, a home-made mid-major league. For several reasons, I realigned the conferences in my world before the 2013/14 season.

I wanted to return the legacy conferences I grew up with, so I recreated the world of college basketball so it looked more like it did in the early 1990s. St. Michael's had outgrown the Centennial Conference, with a Prestige of 84 that was almost twice as high as any other team in the league. Putting the Saints in the new Mid-Atlantic Conference, with teams such as Temple, St. Bonaventure, Pitt, and La Salle, made sense.

Now the Saints, with a Prestige of 100, are among the elite programs in the country. Here are all the teams that currently have Prestige of 90 or higher:

Team Conference Prestige
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Charlotte Blue Ridge 100
Houston Southwest 100
Saint Louis Conference USA 100
St. Bonaventure Mid-Atlantic 100
St. Michael's Mid-Atlantic 100
Memphis Conference USA 96
North Carolina State Atlantic Coast 95
Temple Mid-Atlantic 94
Kentucky Southeastern 93
Tennessee Southeastern 93
North Carolina Atlantic Coast 92
Southern Methodist Southwest 92
St. John's Big East 92

Let's look at the ACC's Prestige.
Team Conference Prestige
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North Carolina State Atlantic Coast 95
North Carolina Atlantic Coast 92
Duke Atlantic Coast 85
Georgia Tech Atlantic Coast 82
Maryland Atlantic Coast 79
Clemson Atlantic Coast 69
Wake Forest Atlantic Coast 60
Virginia Atlantic Coast 59

Virginia's Prestige has never been higher than 71. Terry Holland and Tony Bennett aren't part of our story.

So, even if Toby weren't a Saints alumnus, he wouldn't leave St. Michael's for UVA. He and Claire will proudly send their daughter to school there, but unless he wanted to undertake a rebuilding project, he won't coach there.