Strake Jesuit Continues To Seek Perfection

Top-ranked Houston Strake Jesuit can make history in the Class 5A state tournament. If the Crusaders (34-0) go unbeaten, they will be the first Houston-area boys team to do that since Milby in 2004. Leading the crusade is one of the top players in the state, Joey Brooks.

The 6-foot-5, 200-pound senior forward has been practically unstoppable for Strake Jesuit this season. Brooks is among the area leaders in scoring, averaging over 22 points a game. He scored a game-high 21 points in the Crusader's win over Madison in area round play. That sets up a showdown Wednesday against Alief Taylor.

Brooks will be taking his power game to South Bend to play for Mike Brey and Notre Dame. He picked the Fighting Irish over Oklahoma State, Wake Forest, Arizona State and Marquette. He officially signed his letter of intent last November.

Jesuit basketball coach Wayne Jones says Brooks was looking for the best fit and felt Notre Dame was the place for him. Brooks' commitment was the earliest that a recruit has made to Brey during his eight seasons at Notre Dame.

Brooks brings a physical style of play to the perimeter. He plays an aggressive style of basketball, constantly using his strength to attack on the offensive end. Brooks is among the best at taking it to the rim and can play an inside and outside game.

But right now, Brooks and Strake Jesuit have their sights set on a state championship. Brooks says team chemistry has been a key part of going undefeated thus far. The team is loaded with seniors who are looking to end their high school careers with a title. And with a player like Brooks leading the way, there is no reason to think history can't be made.

Date of Article: Mon Mar 02, 2009 2:49 pm

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