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O'Connell explodes as Prep outguns Knights

Some might consider a full week of preparation the ideal situation before playing Catholic Conference power Catholic Memorial.

But not St. John's Prep coach Dan Letarte. The extra time only gave him more opportunity to agonize over three straight losses.

"I had a lot of sleepless nights," Letarte said. Those days are behind him now after the Eagles out-ran and out-gunned the Knights, 98-93, in Danvers last night.

Ryan O'Connell broke out of a minor shooting slump by connecting on 15 of 23 shots, including 7 of 10 3-pointers, for a game-high 41 points. He added eight rebounds and five assists for St. John's, which erased a five-point third quarter deficit with 33 fourth quarter points.

O'Connell scored 13 of the Prep's final 21 points.

Freshman guard Patrick Connaughton provided O'Connell with plenty of support, dropping 18 points and grabbing 10 boards. Brendon Felder contributed 16 points, Sam Baker added 10 points and 10 rebounds, and Andrew Knight finished with nine points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.

"The key was breaking their pressure," said Letarte, whose team improved to 6-5. "We're hoping to build off this and play our best from here on in. I think it's going to happen. The kids have worked hard in practice."