In one of the most anticipated sporting events in the yearly Prep athletic year and undoubtedly the most looked forward to in the winter months, the Cathedral Prep Ramblers face the McDowell Trojans on the road tonight, Thursday, Jan. 22. The Ramblers look to bounce back after their first two losses of the season to a pair of top tier teams at the Burger King Classic this past weekend. Senior Matt Colpoys has led the team so far this year and is expected to continue leading the team in the first of two games against their rival this year.
Prep finished with a 2-1 record against McDowell last year. They were victorious in the two regular season match ups, but they came up short in the D10 Championship. This year will be slightly different. Both teams lost their star player to graduation so both are in need of a replacement. Matt Colpoys looks to be the Rambler answer to fill in for UMass-Lowell player Matty Harris and Andrew Stromenger is set to replace Mike Beck of Edinboro.
The Ramblers have had an excellent season hitherto, and their 11-2 record is proof of that. Having won out in the Bahamas earlier this season and having only lost their first games of the season at the BK Classic, Prep is in an excellent position for the upcoming match up. They are led by seniors Matt Colpoys, Joe Fustine, and Jack Lindenberger, as well as junior Carter Cross. These players lead a generous offense that can be fruitful if ran correctly. Their pass-first mentality is what has proved to be so successful. Rather than acting selfishly and taking the first shot available, they like to work the ball around for the best shot possible.
Jack Lindenberger is a forward for the Ramblers who has high hopes for the team. “Prep versus McDowell is always an exciting game to be a part of, and I am very excited to play in a rowdy environment tonight,” he said. “These are the games that we really want to win, the tough crazy games where the gym is full. It’s a big game and I cannot wait for it later tonight.”
Tickets for the game have already sold out at both Prep and McDowell so fans looking to catch a glimpse of the game in person are out of luck. Unfortunately, those who weren’t lucky enough to get tickets will miss a classic Prep-McDowell basketball game. The McDowell gym will surly be tightly packed and will undoubtedly be a thunderous one with two loud and rowdy crowds. The varsity game starts at 7:30 p.m. and JV starts at 6. So if you have tickets, get out and support the Ramblers tonight in the first of two basketball match ups against their rival planned for this basketball season.