Boys Basketball: Union Catholic showcases scoring versatility, downs St. Joseph (Met.)

Union Catholic (14-5) brought an aggressive and dynamic brand of offensive basketball to its Metro Classic game versus St. Joseph (Met.) at Kean University Saturday, and by night's end the Vikings proved to possess an array of scoring options in a convincing win.

Led by one of New Jersey's premier scorers in 6-foot-6 senior Isaiah Still, the Vikings pounced on St. Joseph (16-3) from the start of the game and pulled away for the 65-55 victory. Still finished the night as Union Catholic's leading scorer with 13 points, but it was the balance of the Viking attack that kept St. Joseph's defense off-kilter for the majority of the night. The Vikings finished with nine scorers - eight with at least multiple buckets - as their attack off the dribble created scoring opportunities via cuts to the rim and spot-up jumpers on the perimeter.

"As the season has progressed it's been our depth that has taken over for us," Union Catholic head coach Jim Reagan said.

Still put together an elite first half, scoring 11 points while going 5-for-5 from the free throw line. The Vikings would register five first quarter scorers, and the prolific early offensive outing combined with some bad luck for St. Joseph gave Union Catholic a commanding lead it wouldn't lose for the rest of the game as Union Catholic took a 37-27 lead into the break.

Earlier in the game, with one minute remaining in the first quarter, St. Joseph's athletic star junior guard Breein Tyree fell to the floor grasping his right ankle. The Falcons unquestioned leader would leave the game helped off the court and wouldn't return until two minutes remained in the third quarter and Union Catholic held a 44-34 lead. When Tyree returned he contributed three points, but the Vikings maintained their command of the game despite the star's return.

The injury forced St. Joseph head coach Dave Turco to utilize his bench to a great degree, including some players who began the year on junior varsity. Attempting to use their size advantage, St. Joseph fought hard to stay within striking distance without Tyree as eight players scored led by Marcus Ashamole's ten points.

But Union Catholic's precise and patient half court offensive execution proved too much in the end, as the Vikings created good shot after good shot for various players who all fulfilled their roles with confidence. George Pappas and Zahir Newell joined Still in double figures with 11 and 12 points respectively.

"We try to break people down off the dribble, get to the basket and kick out for 3," Reagan said. "We are not the biggest team, so we have to use what we do have to the best of our abilities, and we have a number kids who can do that."

Antonio Olivero may be reached at aolivero@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @antonioolivero. Find NJ.com on Facebook.