Published Feb 15, 2002
Montrose Christian Wins St. James Opener
Denny Conroy
Publisher
Montrose Christian took the final game of this year's opening round of the St. James Invitational Tournament Thursday with a 64-47 win over St. John's of Prospect Hall in a repeat matchup of Coach Stu Vetter's prior and current teams. The two teams met last year in the opening round of this event with Montrose taking a 59-45 win.
Vetter, who took over Montrose after a successful career at Prospect Hall, has another strong cast of characters at the Rockville, MD, school. Perhaps the most intriguing player is Linas Kleiza, a 6-9, 225 pound junior center from Lithuana. Kleiza, in his first year at a U.S. school, has quick hands and strong fundamentals. He led Montrose with 14 points. Eric Price, a 6-2 freshman, addded 11 and 6-6 senior Nick George dropped in 10 points for the victors.
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St. John's at Prospect Hall was paced by senior Aaron White's 15 points. Jered Lyons, a 5-9 sophomore, put in 10 points for the Frederick, MD, school.
Montrose pushed the ball for a 22-7 lead at the end of the opening quarter. Prospect Hall, with it's active defense, narrowed the margin to 10 (31-21) at the half. Montrose's steady play enabled them to rebuild the lead to 46-32 as the teams broke before the final stanza. Prospect Hall fought back but was unable to eat into the deficit as the game ended at 64-47.
Montrose will meet Thomas Johnson in the tournament semifinals Friday night at 7:00 pm. St. John's at Prospect Hall's matchup is against Riverdale Baptist in the second game of the evening (tip at 5:30 pm).
Box Score
Montrose Christian
St. John's at Prospect Hall