Here comes the Rams: St. Mary’s upsets Jesuit and punches ticket to Golden 1
St. Mary’s coach Ken Green was all smiles when the final buzzer sounded Tuesday night after a Division Il semifinal in Carmichael.
His two-time defending tournament champion Rams of Stockton knocked off top-seeded Jesuit 48-42 behind outstanding play from Jamar Marshall, who had 11 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter.
After coaching his heart out for 32 minutes for the school in which he was once a star player, Green reflected with laughs and praise for what his team had just accomplished. Sure, they’re a No. 5 seed, but they’re playing for a title yet again.
“I couldn’t be more elated for my team,” Green said. “They put in so much hard work the last week. I am just so happy for these guys. Everything is about these players right now.”
St. Mary’s at one point this season was 3-2 in Tri-City Athletic League play after dropping back-to-back games to Modesto Christian and Edison of Stockton. Since then, the Rams have found their groove, playing their best ball when the games matter most.
“This team has clicked come playoff time,” Green said. “They made the turnaround after losing those games. We didn’t have much chemistry in the middle of league but we turned it around. The playoffs are like a third season for us.”
Grant Jory dropped 10 points and Deven Thompkins had eight for St. Mary’s. Jamar’s sophomore brother Jadyn, only had two points but played lockdown defense on a stout Jesuit backcourt led by national recruit Isa Silva, who finished with 11 points.
“I have to give props to my little brother, because of how well he plays defense,” Jamar said. “We are stronger together. My little brother is my best friend in the whole world and playing with him and getting to experience these moments are priceless.”
Jamar has played basketball since he was 6 and says it was his first love. The two brothers play basketball and football and run track together. Jamar is a state hurdles champion and has signed with Arizona State. He continued to play the sports he loves with his brother because of their connection.
“I fell in love with basketball when I was a little kid,” Marshall said. “I had to play this season because I don’t want to live with regrets. Basketball helps me stay in shape and the reason I keep playing is for games like these.”
The Rams (23-8) will face Grant for the D-II title for the third year in a row. No. 6 Grant beat No. 2 Whitney 61-54 in the other semifinal. Thursday’s title game is at 8 p.m. at Golden 1 Center.
“At this point, it’s like we are playing with house money, no one thought we would be here,” Green said. “Here we come Golden 1!”
Jesuit (22-9) still has some season left. The Marauders await their Sunday seeding for the CIF NorCal playoffs.
SAC-JOAQUIN SECTION PLAYOFFS
Division I
Sheldon 73, Rocklin 55
Capital Christian 77, Weston Ranch 59
Friday’s championship at Golden 1 Center:
No. 1 Sheldon vs. No. 2 Capital Christian, 8 p.m.
Division II
Grant 61, Whitney 54
St. Mary’s 48, Jesuit 42
Thursday’s championship at Golden 1 Center:
No. 6 Grant vs. No. 5 St. Mary’s, 8 p.m.
Division III
Vanden 68, Golden Valley 59
Central Catholic 48, Wood 34
Friday’s championship at Golden 1 Center:
No. 1 Vanden vs. No. 2 Central Catholic, 4 p.m.
Division lV
Sonora 52, Calaveras 38
Liberty Ranch 62, Union Mine 61
Thursday’s championship at Golden 1 Center:
No. 3 Liberty Ranch vs No. 1 Sonora, 4 p.m.
Division V
Brookside Christian 80, Argonaut 59
Bradshaw Christian 60, Denair 45
Friday’s championship at Golden 1 Center:
No. 2 Bradshaw Christian vs No. 1 Brookside Christian, noon
Division Vl
Ripon Christian 72, Alpha Charter 35
Stockton Christian 73, Foresthill 68
Thursday’s championship at Golden 1 Center
No. 2 Stockon Christian vs No. 1 Ripon Christian, noon