Balanced effort by VASJ overwhelms Warren JFK, 88-46

Warren JFK was the latest Northeast Ohio team to find out just how deep and balanced the Villa Angela-St. Joseph Vikings can be.

With nationally ranked senior Carlton Bragg limited to three points because of an ankle injury, VASJ turned to its plethora of other options in an easy 88-46 rout to remain unbeaten.

“What is impressive to me – and I have received comments from other coaches as well – is how unselfish this team is and how they love to share the basketball,” VASJ coach Babe Kwasniak said. “Several times we passed up good shots to get great shots. I love that about these guys.”

Vikings senior center Dererk Pardon (Northwestern recruit) led the way with 21 points. Marist recruit Brian Parker scored 16 points and Simon Texidor added 14 for VASJ. Jeff Grudzinski came off the bench to score 11 and Tre’Von Williams-Scruggs playing in his first game of the season chipped in four points and played solid minutes while battling back from injury suffered in football.

“A lot of guys played and a lot of guys contributed,” Kwasniak said. “It was great to see Tre back out there. We are really going to need him. And Jeff is just so versatile. We did a great job getting the ball inside to Dererk, and Brian and Simon did what Brian and Simon do. It was a complete game and a good game for momentum heading into Lake Catholic.”

VASJ (4-0) will take on host Lake Catholic on Dec. 20 in a NCL crossover game.

The Vikings have scored 60 or more points in all four games and are averaging 87 points per game. Against Warren JFK, VASJ put up 75 points through three quarters and cruised to the victory.

Freshman point guard Jerry Higgins played meaningful minutes along with veteran senior Mo Johnson.

“It was great to see the young guy out there with Mo at the same time,” Kwasniak said. “Every game, Higgins gets more confident and does something special. He is going to be a good one.”