A Basketball Comeback

Neal Goldman has won 16 District titles during his 37 seasons as head coach of Jesuit basketball, but none may have been less likely after the 3rd quarter of the title game than Saturday’s 46-44 triumph at Blake.

With just one quarter to play in the District Championship on Feb. 10, the Tigers trailed by 14 points, 41-27. They were on the road vs. the No. 1 seed and pretty far behind. It looked bleak.

But guards Nate Boakye ’23 and Chris Moliere ’23 (game-high 16 points) kept the pressure on as the 4th quarter began, and the Tigers kept chipping away. Boakye’s steal and dunk with 3:50 to go cut the margin to 43-39. With just over two minutes remaining, Tyler Caouette ’26’s 3-point play gave Jesuit the lead it would never relinquish.

After the final horn sounded the Tigers, who had outscored Blake 19-3 in the final period, celebrated passionately, holding the trophy up high. It is the school’s 7th District title this school year, joining cross country, football, golf, swimming, soccer, and wrestling.

Jesuit (21-7) advanced to the Region as the No. 3 seed and will host a Region Quarterfinal on Thursday, Feb. 15, vs. No. 6-seed Ocala Vanguard. If the Tigers win, they will either host Lecanto or travel to Leesburg for the Region Semifinal on Feb. 20.

Go to the Facebook page Jesuit High School of Tampa for photos from the District victory.