Last Saturday night, the Saint Patrick Shamrocks provided a resounding answer to the question of “who owns Belmont?” The Shamrocks demonstrated their ownership of Belmont, outscoring the Gators of Guerin College Prep by a score of 42-19 in the first half of their annual “Battle of Belmont,” easily cruising to a 64-52 victory. The Shamrocks are now 14-3 overall, and 7-0 in conference play, good for first place in the East Suburban Catholic Conference.

The Shamrocks jumped all over the Gators from the opening tip. Seven different Shamrocks scored in the first quarter, as Saint Patrick raced out to a 24-10 lead. Edmund O’Callaghan led the way with seven first-quarter points. The Shamrocks maintained their balanced attack in the second quarter, getting points from six different players as they established a 42-19 halftime lead. The Gators tried to make a run with 22 fourth-quarter points, but the game had already been decided. O’Callaghan was too much for the Gators, finishing with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks. Sam Maniscalco and Jerome Robinson hit double-figures as well. Maniscalco scored 14 points, and Robinson added 12 as the Shamrocks won their fifth straight game.

The previous night, the Shamrocks went south and beat the Roadrunners of Nazareth Academy in an E.S.C.C. match. Maniscalco scored 13 points in the first half as the Shamrocks took a 29-25 lead into the dressing room at halftime. A big third quarter, keyed by David Campbell and Robinson gave the Shamrocks a 44-33 edge heading into the final period. The Shamrocks were unable to put the game away in the fourth quarter, due in part to inconsistent free throw shooting, but held on for a 56-47 win. Maniscalco finished with a game-high 19 points. O’Callaghan scored 11 points, and Robinson added
10 points.

This week Saint Patrick plays at Benet Academy on Friday night. Next weekend the Shamrocks return home, hosting Notre Dame on Friday night and Elk Grove on Saturday night.