Crossroads Has the Hot Hand: They Defeat Host John Burroughs 63-57

Earlier this week, Burroughs' 16 points per game senior scorer Foye Oluokun has arthroscopic knee surgery and was sidelined for the showdown game with high-flying Crossroads (14-2). 

But, excuses are never in order. Teams play with the hand delt them.

Oluokun, decked in blue sweat suit got on the court only long enough to wipe perspiration from the floor.

The Crossroads Current rode some torrid perimeter shooting to end Burroughs win streak at home Friday night, 63-57. 

That was despite the heroic effort of mighty Ezekiel Elliott who drove the lane constantly for 23 points, 20 coming in the second half.

But the Clay brothers of Crossroads lit up the second board. Junior Trevor Clay had 22 points; his brother Kameron, a sophomore had 17. Sean Monroe chipped in 12 and Milton Spaulding had 10.

Current coach Stephen Abdul-Hamid left the court elated.

His team had just capped off a perfect week, winning all four games scheduled. Starting Monday, they ran off wins over Kennedy, Valley Park and St. Pius X of Festus.

“This was our biggest win of the season,” said Abdul-Hamid. Burroughs was 14-0, dating back to the season-opening 51-21 win over Metro High.

“We have Maplewood and we have Bayless this coming week, so it won’t be easy,” said the Crossroads coach.

“I just told our guys tonight they had to believe it. No one would believe that (we would beat Burroughs) but the guys in the locker room,” he said.

“That (Zeke) Elliott is an unbelievable player and we got them when their big guy (Foye Oluokun) was out. You just gotta do what you can do,” said the coach.

Burroughs’ coach Wilcutt, knowing his senior headed to Yale would not play said “I told you they’d be tough. They were,” said Wilcutt after all the action was over.

The fact remains, Elliott played a great game, even in defeat.

“I guess he did,” said Wilcutt. “Sometimes, he tries to do more than he can do.”

Wilcutt knows just what happened.

“We didn’t guard them at all. They hit six big three pointers. They can’t hurt you much inside, but they sure can shoot.”

Crossroads jumped to an early 4-0 start; Burroughs broke the ice at 6:49 of the first quarter.

The Bombers slipped behind by as many as 13 points; then cut the lead to 29-24 at halftime.

With 9.8 seconds left in the game and trailing 61-57, Trevor Bain missed the front end of a one and one, and that was it.

“It has been a good run. We’re not feeling sorry for ourselves. We were 14-0, this is the Super Bowl for everyone. We play Priory on Tuesday and we’ll try and win the conference,” said Wilcutt.