The Villa Angela-St. Joseph Vikings were more than ready to play on Feb. 6 against NCL White Division foe Warren JFK.
The Broadmoor Bobcats might be as much a reason for the focus and success for VASJ as any practice or pregame speech.
The Vikings dismantled Warren JFK, 104-62, on Friday night less than 10 hours after hosting the Bobcats in a special exhibition game at Viking Village in front of the entire school and VASJ faculty.
The Broadmoor Bobcats – a team of developmentally disabled and challenged students from the school in Lake County – defeated the Vikings earlier in the day on Feb. 6 in a game that VASJ coach Babe Kwasniak called the most important game on the Vikings schedule. The energy and enthusiasm of the event carried over to the varsity action and Warren JFK was overwhelmed from the opening tip as VASJ improved to 13-2 and 6-0 in league play.
“I really think the Broadmoor game and the kids gave our guys something special and it carried over because we were really focused and ready to play with tremendous passion,” Kwasniak said.
“We had guys taking charges and diving on the floor even when the score was greatly in our favor. You love to see that. I don’t know what it was, but I really think the experience from the game this morning had a lot to do with it for our guys. The Broadmoor kids really got them going.”
McDonald’s All-American and Kansas recruit Carlton Bragg led the way for VASJ with 23 points. Dererk Pardon (Northwestern recruit) and Simon Texidor each added 17 points for the Vikings. Marist recruit Brian Parker had 16 points for VASJ.
The Vikings – who have not lost a home game this season – led, 57-27, at halftime.
It was the 90th career win for Kwasniak, who is in his fifth season at VASJ.
Eleven players scored in the game for the Vikings.
