Photos by Jim Marczesky Cardinal Newman's Jake Motto blocks Morgan Whalen's lay up attempt. Cardinal Newman completed a varsity sweep of the visiting Heathwood Hall Highlanders by winning the boys' contest 38- 30 on Friday, January 23. The victory pulled the Cardinals into a first- place tie with Heathwood Hall in SCISA Region I- AAA.

Cardinal Newman (13- 5, 4- 1) had a 12- 8 lead after one quarter, as five different players scored. However, Heathwood (15- 5, 4- 1) outscored the Cardinals 12- 2 in the second quarter, led by Corey Littlejohn's seven points in the period. The Highlanders closed the half with a 6- 0 run in the last four minutes to lead 20- 14 at the break.

Whatever Cardinals coach Kevin Rose said in the locker room must have worked as the third quarter was a total reversal of the second. Behind six points from Jake Motto, the Cardinals out- pointed the Highlanders 14- 3 in the third to take a 28- 23 lead after three. Heathwood, battling injuries, dressed only eight players, and it showed as their legs got tired. Littlejohn had the only scores for Heathwood in the quarter.

Heathwood Hall's Corey Littlejohn tries to score against Cardinal Newman's Ryan Zurcher. In the fourth, Mac Whalen scored five of his eight points to draw Heathwood to within four, but Motto, Edward Dannelly, and Ryan Zurcher hit six- of- eight free throws to keep Heathwood from getting any closer.

Motto led the Cardinals with 13 points, and Dannelly added 10. Littlejohn, despite being held scoreless in the fourth period, led the Highlanders with 14 points.

Cardinal Newman travels to Brookland- Cayce on Wednesday, January 28, then St. Joseph's the following Friday. Heathwood Hall hosts Laurens Academy on Tuesday January 27 and travels to Ben Lippen the following Friday.