Boys Basketball: Pilots Back in NorCal Title Game

Just moments after the  boys basketball team's exciting overtime victory in the Northern California Division V semifinals last week, a slew of fans and supporters gathered outside the Pilots' locker room, anxiously waiting for the re-appearance from the stars of the night.

There was starting point guard Jacari Whitfield, who scored 11 points and engineered an impressive fourth quarter comeback en route to the 75-71 win over Vacaville Christian.

There was 6-foot-9 big man Brendan Keane, who tallied a game-high 19 points and made sure he would put on the St. Joseph jersey for at least another time before heading off to Northern Colorado next season.

There was also forward Nick Lacy, who poured in an important 13 points.

But, the biggest cheers of the night, the loudest shouts for an encore wasn't for the talented Whitfield, the physically imposing Keane or the versatile Lacy.

The hoots and hollers were for 6-foot-4 reserve forward Garrett Rich, who in more ways than one, is the biggest reason why the Pilots are still alive for the California Division V state title.

"His intensity and pursuit was phenomenal," said veteran coach Don Lippi right after the win. "That's one of the best games (from a player) I've seen."

In a season full of drama and highlights, the biggest — and maybe most surprising of all — came last Saturday from the humble Rich.

Often overshadowed by his more talented and well-known teammates, Rich was simply outstanding against Vacaville Christian.

When the night was over and the scoreboard showed another St. Joseph victory, Rich was all over the box score, as the senior had the best game of his high school career, notching 18 points and 17 rebounds.

"It's definitely a team sport and I was just glad I could help the team," said Rich. "I worked hard over the summer. I'm just glad the hard work paid off."

In many respects, the "hard work" Rich is refering to began way back in the summer.

As one of the more distinguished and respected boys basketball programs in the country, St. Joseph — home to basketball notables such as Jason Kidd and Ray Young — runs a year-long program that helps its student-athletes prepare for the rigors of the basketball season.

This past summer, Lippi — the coach who some pundits consider to be the premier strategist in the business — ran something he called the "Breakfast Club."

While that might sound fun, the club actually consisted of three-hour workouts beginning at 7 a.m every single day.

Rich was present for every one.

"I'm very happy for him," Lippi said. "That kid was in my gym every single day in the summer at 7 a.m. in the morning. He worked out everyday for three hours.  To have that discipline to come every day showed that he wanted to be a good player."

No more was that true than Saturday night. With the Pilots struggling to get going offensively against a game Vacaville Christian squad, Rich's hustle and grit helped St. Joseph gather several second-chance scoring opportunities. In a contest that was ultimately decided by four points, Rich's play proved to be a major difference.

"Garrett has worked hard the whole season," said Whitfield. "It means a lot to see him step up. I'm very happy for him. It doesn't matter to me who gets the credit. It's just great to see."

"If I'm in the stands and I'm a coach at a junior college right now, I'm looking at a (good) 4-man right there," added Lippi. "What more would you want?"

As Rich walked out of the locker room after the contest, the group of fans gathered outside the door gave him a huge ovation. With chants of "Garrett!, Garrett! Garrett!" filling the gym, the scene marked a great example of why the Pilots are just two steps away from the state title.

Even with their star players struggling, the Pilots -- thanks to players like Rich -- find a way to win.

"It's a great feeling to see when hard work pays off," said Rich. "It's no other way to explain it."

——————————

LOOKING AHEAD:

NorCal Division V Finals: St. Joseph vs. University-SF

Where: Folsom High School

When: Saturday, March 19 at 3 p.m.

What's at stake? The Pilots have a chance to return to the state title game with a win over University. St. Joseph in the North Coast Section championship game and 65-54 in a non-league game on Dec. 10. The last time the Pilots were in the NorCal final (2008-09), St. Joseph recorded one of the biggest and most dramatic comebacks in high school basketball history.

The Quote: "If people only knew where we started from to where we are now, it's an amazing accomplishment. It hasn't been smooth sailing. It's such as a precious game. What I have to work on this year is to loosen them up. When we went up there in '09, Branson came out and jumped on top of us. We have to be ready and play loose." -- Coach Don Lippi.

——————————

Follow Patch Sports East Bay on Twitter