LEXINGTON — Virtually the entire St. Peter’s cheering section worked in concert Friday night at Lexington High School.
So when senior Elijah Cobb drained a trey from the right wing in the second quarter of a 70-30 sectional title win over Monroeville, the Spartans’ faithful was prepared. Coach Joe Jakubick signaled for a timeout as the students and parents offered a standing ovation, many of them holding placards to salute the standout guard.
“I just appreciate all the love and support I’ve gotten through the years,” Cobb said. “This was great.”
Cobb was stuck on 16 points, he needed 19, and misfired on a couple of treys — with anticipation mounting in the stands. When he hit the big shot, grins all around.
“I’m excited for him,” teammate Jared Jakubick said. “I know how hard he works.”
Cobb finished with 23 points and Jakubick added 20 as the Spartans triggered a running clock for the second straight game in eliminating the Eagles (1-22). No. 1-ranked St. Peter’s (24-0) will tackle Lucas in Tuesday’s 8 p.m. tilt at the Willard District.
Coach Joe Jakubick noted some similarity in Cobb hitting the milestone during the tournament.
“It was sort of awesome because I think Jared had his 1,000th in the tournament last year against Monroeville, too,” coach Jakubick said. “It’s a tribute to Elijah, how hard he’s worked and his ability.”
The game itself was over in a hurry.
St. Peter’s used a 14-0 blitz in the first quarter to fuel a 21-6 lead after eight minutes. The margin grew to 43-14 at the half and expanded to 61-19 after three periods.
The Spartans dominated in every facet, owning a 39-21 margin on the glass and turned the Eagles over 22 times, while committing just five miscues of their own.
The level of competition figures to ramp up dramatically at next week’s district tournament.
“A team only has to be better than you on that one night,” Jakubick said. “We’re just focused on the next game.”
