\n<\/p>\n
RJ McPartlin was a huge factor in St. Patrick\u2019s run to the state finals last season in Class 3A. The 6-7 senior is a force in the post and an impressive leader on the court and in the locker room for the Shamrocks.<\/p>\n
So, when McPartlin spent most of the second quarter on the bench with foul trouble on Tuesday at Marist, it appeared likely the RedHawks would build a significant lead.<\/p>\n
That didn\u2019t happen. Junior guard Steven Quach and senior guard Joseph Costanzo kept St. Patrick settled, Jimmy Czeslawski checked in and was a scoring threat and 6-7 Omar Ajanovic anchored the Shamrocks\u2019 defense in the post.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s the way it has been all season for St. Patrick. The unselfish, hard-working group finds a way to win. The Shamrocks may be the best team in the area without a significant star player. No. 16 St. Patrick knocked off No. 8 Marist 72-61.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have the most charges taken, most loose balls grabbed in years at St. Pat\u2019s,\u201d McPartlin said. \u201cThis is a gritty group of guys. We talk about it in the locker room and it isn\u2019t talk. We are going to go out and do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
McPartlin finished with 10 points and seven rebounds. Quach led with 24 points and Costanzo added 14 points and six rebounds.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a breakout game for [Quach],\u201d St. Patrick coach Mike Bailey said. \u201cThis is what we kinda thought he could do. I\u2019m not sure 24 points, but we expect him to be a floor general.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Shamrocks (17-3, 4-1 East Suburban Catholic) led by seven at halftime and by 18 near the end of the third quarter. St. Patrick shot 10-for-16 from three-point range.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was just a team connection,\u201d Quach said. \u201cWe had it going. We followed the game plan and executed really well and moved the ball well. We caught some momentum and kept our energy up.\u201d<\/p>\n