
When the Bishop Lynch Friars make their final home appearance of the season on Friday, they'll not only celebrate their senior class, but have a chance to clinch a third consecutive district title.
The Friars – ranked No. 3 in the TABC Large Private Schools poll – close out their home schedule Friday night against Bishop Dunne and can earn yet another district championship with either a win over the Falcons, or a loss by John Paul II.
Bishop Lynch (29-4, 6-0) will tipoff against Dunne (10-15, 1-4) at 7:30 pm Friday in the Competition Gym. The regular season concludes Tuesday at Prestonwood Christian.
The Friars bring a 9-1 home record and seven-game win streak into Friday's contest, including a 70-60 win at Dunne on Jan. 22. Jake Milkereit hit seven three-point shots in that game, finishing with a team-high 24 points. Imo Essien added 22 while shooting 8-for-11 at the foul line.
The Falcons have lost two straight and six of their last seven games dating back to Jan. 5. Their lone district win came against last-place Parish on Jan. 25, putting them in position to grab the district's fourth and final playoff spot.
The Friars overcame a slow start last Friday to complete a season sweep of second-place John Paul II, 67-53 in Plano. Essien pumped in 22 points and Milkereit added 17 to go with seven rebounds. Zach Muller had 10 points and eight rebounds as the Friars outscored JP2 by a 38-23 margin in the second half.
On Tuesday, the Friars led 41-9 at the half and saw their lead grow to as much as 43 in the third quarter on the way to a 70-39 blowout of Parish. Twelve players contributed to the scoring, led by Milkereit's 15 and 10 from Essien. Jack Bradley posted a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
RANK |
TEAM |
DISTRICT |
OVERALL |
1. |
Bishop Lynch |
6-0 |
29-4 |
2. |
John Paul II |
4-2 |
24-9 |
3. |
Prestonwood Christian |
3-3 |
20-14 |
4. |
Bishop Dunne |
1-4 |
10-15 |
5. |
Parish Episcopal |
0-5 |
4-17 |