Soph Brian Johnson Leads OConnell

FROSTBURG, MARYLAND -- In the most comeptitive matchup of Friday's games at the 42nd annual Alhambra Invitational Tournmant, Bishop O'Connell High School (Arlington, VA) topped Gonzaga College High School (DC), 68-60.

Sophomore center Brian Johnson, who is being recruited by many top schools including North Carolina, Florida, and Maryland, led O'Connell with a game-highs of 19 points and 13 rebounds as well as four steals.

Johnson is one of the top forwards in the class of 2004. It's likely his list will expand before it shrinks because he has the ability to take over a game offensively in the paint.

O'Connell also made 21 of 33 free throw attempts, compared to Gonzaga's 12 for 15 as the DC-squad was called for 24 fouls (O'Connell 13).

Gonzaga coach Richard Meyers noted afer the game that free-throw shooting, as well as turnovers, was the difference in the game.

O'Connell's 6-4 sophomore guard Freddie Stanbeck tied Johnson with a game-high 19 points. A third sophomore, 5-8 Erik Smith had 10 points while freshman Marcus Ginyard tallied 13 while shooting 7-10 from the charity stripe.

Gonzaga was led by senior guard Chris Sumner with 15 points. Sophomore Antwan Harrison and junior Luke Owings added 11 points each.

O'Connell will face DeMatha High School in a rematch of the WCAC title game, won by DeMatha 60-50 last month. And coach Joe Wootten will facing his dad, Hall of Fame coach Morgan Wootten at 8:15 Saturda. The Woottens, who were both uncomfortable when first having to face each other, are now adjusting to the situation.

"I think it's a great chance for our kids and it should be a great game," said the younger Wootten. "It's an honor to be invited to this event and to make the finals."