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St. Laurence’s boys basketball program loves a good challenge.
Last summer after the Vikings played Pecatonica at the Romeoville Shootout, the Indians coaching staff asked if St. Laurence were interested in playing a nonconference game at the end of the 2024-25 regular season.
The Vikings accepted. And on Feb. 21 in Burbank, St. Laurence was exceptional as it rolled to a convincing 75-48 victory over the No. 1 team in the state in Class 1A. The Vikings are ranked No. 2 in Class 3A by the Associated Press.
Pecatonica (29-2) came into the game having defeated its opponents this season by an average of 28.4 points per game. Offensively, the Indians are averaging 75.2 points per game.
St. Laurence finished the regular season at 26-5, setting a program record for wins. For good measure, the Vikings didn’t lose at 77th and Central this season.
“Finishing undefeated at home was one of our goals this season,” St. Laurence coach Roshawn Russell said. “I wanted to schedule some tough games late in the season so we could be at a playoff level.
“It feels good (Friday) night, but we have bigger goals as we go into the playoffs.”
As it has been for a majority of the season, St. Laurence’s offense was nicely balanced with Zerrick Johnson, Markese Peoples and Jacob Rice (12 rebounds) sharing team-best scoring honors with 15 points apiece. EJ Mosley chipped in 11 points.
The Vikings were decidedly quicker than Pecatonica, getting to the basket for layups essentially at will. In all, the hosts scored 26 field goals within three feet of the rim.
Johnson, a four-year starter, was particularly impressive in the middle two quarters, scoring 13 of his points.
“This win shows how good we are and our development,” Johnson said. “(Pecatonica) is a really good team and this helps us prepare for the playoffs and helps with our confidence.
“We know that going into the playoffs, we’re really strong. …This puts a target on our back because we know we’re going to get everyone’s best game. They’re not taking us lightly like they did in the beginning of the year.”
With the score tied at 12 late in the first quarter, the Vikings began a 21-3 run that gave them a 33-15 lead midway through the second. St. Laurence led 40-21 at halftime.
“Zerrick is just everywhere,” Russell said. “His motor is unbelievable.
“He takes on the best player on the other team defensively and he’s a load on offense when he goes downhill. He’s a jack-of-all-trades. He asks, ‘Coach, what can I do or what do you need?’ and then he delivers.”
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