X marks the spot for Marist
Xavier Sulaiman steps up to spark Redhawks to comeback win over Joliet Catholic
Ahead of Friday’s game, Marist coach Brian Hynes issued a challenge to junior guard Xavier Sulaiman — let your offense come from your defense.
To say Sulaiman was up for the task would be an understatement.
He spent the entire night stifling rallies from Joliet Catholic while kick-starting a few of his own.
Sulaiman’s relentless play on both sides of the court helped host Marist snap a two-game skid and bring home a hard-fought 57-52 East Suburban Catholic Conference victory.
“He can get to the rim pretty much whenever he wants,” Hynes said of Sulaiman. “He thinks more offensively. To play at the next level, we want him to think defensively, too.
“He’s our glue. His energy in many games so far, whether it’s a dunk or just positive body language, has helped get us a rally.”
Sulaiman proved that throughout the game for the RedHawks (5-4, 2-1). His efforts were needed early as Joliet Catholic (8-3, 0-3) threatened to blow things open at the start of the second quarter.
The Hilltoppers began the quarter with a 9-0 run, quickly putting Marist down 20-10. But just as the Hilltoppers appeared to seize control, Sulaiman hit a contested 3-pointer that brought the home crowd back into the game.
It became a running theme throughout the night — the Hilltoppers grabbing momentum, then watching Sulaiman snatch it away. He erased a four-point deficit by starting the third quarter with six points in less than a minute.
When Joliet Catholic senior Alex Brown tied the game with a pair of free throws, Sulaiman hit another three that sent the Marist bench into a frenzy.
“It’s just a mentality coming into the game,” Sulaiman said. “We wanted to put the two losses