Trinity Repeats As Republic Bank LIT Champion

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Just a week ago Coach Mike Szabo's Shamrocks were upset by rival St. Xavier. Things didn't improve as he then lost two starting players while preparing for the Louisville Invitational Tournament (LIT). Top scorer Darryl Hicks (foot injury) and Sam Strothman (flu) would not be available, leaving just ten players available, five of whom are sophomores.

The Shamrocks struggled past Western (51-41) then picked up momentum with a win over PRP 61-44 to earn a semi-final match up with red hot Fairdale (who had beaten St. Xavier and Butler). It took overtime on Saturday morning, but the Shamrocks advanced to the finals with a 55-52 win.

Meanwhile in the opposite side of the bracket, Seventh Region foe Ballard was advancing with impressive wins over Desales (80-31), Jeffersontown (79-60) and in the semi-finals, an 82-53 ousting of Moore.

The championship game was a back and forth thriller with outstanding play by both sides. Trinity senior James Quick sank a free throw with just one second left on the clock to give the Rocks a 53-52 win and back to back LIT titles. It was also the Shamrocks third title in four years.

 All-tournament team: Craig Owens, Trey Ivory (Trinity); Kelan Martin, Quentin Snider (Ballard); Cory Thomas, Boo Crabtree (Fairdale); Jamon Sanford, Jaelin Sanford (Moore); Moe Hendricks (Jeffersontown); Jeremiah Bell (Butler); LaMontray Harris (Pleasure Ridge Park); Dominique Chandler (Central).

L.J. “Butch” Charmoli MVP: James Quick (Trinity).