Despite his team's impressive record and seven-game winning streak, Calvert Hall coach Mark Amatucci feels there's room for improvement.
But if there's one thing Amatucci can be pleased about, it is the way the second-ranked Cardinals have played with the same intensity he displays on the sidelines.
In their battle to remain tied for first in the Catholic League yesterday, the host Cardinals struck early and didn't let up, posting a 67-41 victory over No. 18 Loyola.
Juan Dixon led Calvert Hall (18-2, 5-1) with 20 points, and Aaron Herbert, Gary Williams and Reggie Bryant each added 13. Brian Cosgrove led Loyola (12-7, 4-2) with 11 points.
The victory also moved Calvert Hall into a tie for first with Loyola in the MIAA A Conference, each with a 3-1 mark. The Cardinals won the MIAA A title the previous two seasons.
During the same period, Calvert Hall has been runner-up to St. Frances in the Catholic League during the regular season and in the postseason tournament.
The Cardinals defeated St. Frances, then ranked No. 1, two weeks ago. St. Frances defeated Goretti, 70-50, yesterday to remain tied for first.
Last season, Calvert Hall defeated St. Frances in their first meeting, but played inconsistently much of the rest of the season. There has been no regression for Calvert Hall this season, and the Cardinals appear to have raised their game a notch.
"This team has a lot more heart than last year's team," said Herbert, a 6-foot senior point guard. "This team works much harder and we're much closer."
Calvert Hall dominated Loyola in every facet of the game yesterday, out-rebounding the Dons, 34-11, and limiting them to 15-for-48 shooting. Loyola was unable to set up its half-court offense and spot up for perimeter shots.
"We know that Loyola-Calvert Hall is a big game, but we know what we want ahead of this," said Amatucci. "We know right now if we just win six in a row [league games], we win the thing, and that's what we're concentrating on."
Pub Date: 1/27/97
