As gifted an offensive player as St. Laurence’s EJ Mosley is, he’s not used to missing — at least on the court.
After spending his first two seasons as a Viking, Mosley transferred to Romeoville where he played last season.
But the 5-foot-11 senior guard missed being around his teammates and friends in Burbank. So the Purdue Fort Wayne recruit returned to St. Laurence to play his senior season.
The decision is working very well.
In a 82-45 Catholic League White victory over visiting Montini on Jan. 17, Mosley finished with 14 points and five assists as the Vikings (16-4, 4-0) remained undefeated in conference play.
“I wanted to finish up where I started,” Mosley said. “I came back here because I feel like we can make it downstate. I wanted to do something big for the school.
“I missed it here. I missed the culture, the environment and being with the guys. I’m definitely glad I’m back.”
St. Laurence displayed a strong scoring balance against the Broncos (11-8, 2-1). Zerrick Johnson led the way with 16 points, while Bradley Stratton, who made four 3-pointers, added 14 as did Mosley, who also made four 3s. Jacob Rice chipped in 11 points, Reggie Stevens added nine and Markese Peoples (seven points) and Logan Brown (six points) also contributed.
As a team, the Vikings shot the ball well from the perimeter, making 14 3-pointers. The hosts also shared the ball impressively with 13 baskets coming off assists.
“We really had a balanced attack,” St. Laurence coach Roshawn Russell said. “Zerrick doesn’t get enough credit for what he does, Brad shot the ball well and our sophomores have given us a huge lift.
“We got contributions from a lot of people. It can be anyone’s night. That’s our motto and the guys let that happen.”
Leading 29-24 in the latter stages of the second quarter, St. Laurence closed the half with a 10-0 run to grab a 39-24 halftime lead. The spurt began and ended with 3-pointers — one of from the top of the key and one from the left wing with 1.6 seconds remaining — by Stratton. Mosley scored on a layup after a steal and feed from Rice and Peoples found Rice for a layup.
“We’ve been very consistent all year with (scoring balance),” Russell said. “EJ knows the importance of what he brings to the table whether it’s setting up others or knowing when to score.
“I think he’s a Player of the Year candidate. There’s his unselfishness and he doesn’t look for himself. He wants to get others going when he’s on the floor. We have a chance every game just because of his ability to control what’s going on on the floor.”
The Vikings outscored Montini 26-12 in the third quarter to widen their advantage to 65-36 at the end of the period.
“(Having scoring balance) is a blessing,” Mosley said. “The defense can’t just focus on one person.
“We can all get a bucket at any time and that’s what makes us special.”