STAMFORD, Conn. With five thunderous slam dunks between two big players Friday night against Norwalk, it quickly be came clear how dominant the Trinity Catholic boys basketball team might be this season. With 7-foot-1 sophomore center Paschal Chukwu and 6-foot-8 recent transfer Jason Boswell on the court, the Crusaders have a physical and psychological edge heading into this season.
Playing in his first full season, Chukwu dominated whenever he was on the floor. The native of Nigeria almost singlehandedly eliminated Norwalks low post game, racking up nine blocks and 13 rebounds. He also added a career-high 15 points. Boswell added 27 points as Trinity handled a feisty Norwalk team, 80-69.
We really stayed poised, played with confidence and listened to the coaches, Boswell said. Between Paschal, me, Schadrac [Casimir] and Kevin Leumene, too weve got a lot of weapons on this team. The skys the limit.
Though Chukwu and Boswell will grab headlines this season, the Crusaders still have their best pure shooter from last seasons state championship squad. Schadrac Casimir posted one of the quietest 22-point games a basketball fan is likely to see.
The proof that Chukwu gives the Crusaders an edge came in the first quarter after he was charged with his first foul and took a seat on the bench. Norwalk then went on a 10-0 run. The Bears held a brief 16-14 lead in the first, but once Chukwu returned it was all Crusaders.
Norwalk stayed competitive throughout, going on a 12-2 run and pulling within seven points with just more than two minutes to play in the fourth. Boswell nabbed a steal on the next Bears inbounds pass, though, and Trinity kept Norwalk at bay.
Norwalk dealt with foul trouble all night, though, and the Crusaders took advantage of their free throws. Trinity was and impressive 21-for-29 from the line.
All anyone could talk about, though, was Chukwu. Paschal alters shots, blocks shots. He makes the other team think. I dont even mind when get gets goaltending called against him. He really changes the game, Trinity head coach Mike Walsh said. And hes just going to get better and better.
Trinity (2-0) will host Staples on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
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