By Joseph W. Gex II/Sports Writer

Biloxi — The Saint Stanislaus Rock-A-Chaws used a 28-6 second quarter as a springboard to the Rocks claiming their second consecutive Division 8-3A basketball title with a 70-31 drubbing of Presbyterian Christian Friday night here at St. Patrick High School.

The win and title marks the first time since the 2002-03 that the Rocks have repeated as division champions on the hardwood. 

Rafael Cohen opened the game for SSC (26-4) with a three-pointer and the Rocks never looked back. 

SSC jumped out to a 11-2 in the first period on buckets from Jason Forte, Tre Schwandt, and Alan Gilliam before the Bibcats responded. Consecutive three-pointers by Eli Walton and Smith Stringer closed the gap quickly on SSC to 11-8 with 1:15 left to play. But, that would be as close as PCS would get. 

Cohen closed the period for the Rocks with a basket and a free throw to push the score to 14-8 at the end of the period. 

In the second period, the Rocks exploded for 28 points in the period. The Rocks were paced by Jason Forte’s 14 points in the period and David Belle’s consecutive three-pointers. The Rocks enjoyed a 42-14 lead at intermission.

With 5:16 left in the third period, Rafael Cohen turned in the running clock when his basket put SSC up 52-16. It was simply a matter of time before the Rocks claimed the title. 

SSC head coach Daniel Grieves commented, “The coaches were glad to see us put four quarters of basketball together tonight. We have really worked hard to put together four quarters of play together the last 2-3 weeks. We have organized stress on our team all season long to be in this position at this moment. Now, we move on to the second season.”

In the game, the Rocks were paced by Forte with 20 points and Cohen added 12 and Belle chipped in 13 points. 

The Rocks will host Hazelhurst at the Brother Peter Memorial Gymnasium on Tuesday, February 17 at 7 pm. 

The Rocks had Tre Schwandt, Raymond Ellis, Alan Gilliam, Waring Kane, David Belle, Rafael Cohen, Jason Forte, and Max Baria all named to the All-Division 8-3A team. Cohen was selected the Offensive Player of the year, Forte the Defensive Player of the Year, and Baria was named the Most Valuable Player for Division 8-3A. Daniel Grieves was selected Coach of the Year.