PLANO:  The Varsity Boys Basketball team played host to UIL 6A powerhouse Arlington Martin on Friday, as the Cardinals and Warriors met for the first time in program history.  Coming off a convincing win over Rockwall Heath on Tuesday, the Cards would have their hands full on Friday night. 

JPII struggled to get things going early, as Martin opened with an 11-0 run and jumped out to an 20-11 first quarter lead.  The Cardinals settled down in the second quarter, turning up the defensive pressure and outscoring the Warriors 21-16 to enter halftime trailing 32-36.  The Cards exploded for 34 in the third quarter, thanks in part to a 20 point outburst from senior Manny Obaseki, who caught fire and finished the game with 35 points on 11 of 15 shooting.  A strong 25 point fourth quarter finish from the home team sealed the deal, denying the Warriors comeback attempt, and JPII would go on to win 89-79.  The Texas A&M commit filled up the stat sheet, recording six rebounds and six assists, as well as four steals.  

Cameron Brown had himself a career night, logging 22 points on six of eight, while going six of seven from beyond the arc.  The senior sharpshooter also added five boards and four assists to go along with a pair of steals.  Junior Cameron Corhen was indeed the biggest player on the floor for either side, and played like it with 11 points, six rebounds, two assists, and a couple of blocks.  Senior Nick Kendall did a little bit of everything for JPII, notching nine points, four rebounds, five assists, and two steals.  Sophomore newcomer Gabe Warren had his best night as a Cardinal, with 13 points on 5 of 7 shooting, and added four boards.  

With the win, JPII improves to 8-1 overall and turns its focus to a home date with HSAA on Friday this week.