HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Junior-led Saints growing up

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By Daniel Vega, Xavier senior

CEDAR RAPIDS - With only five seniors, the Xavier boys' basketball team is led by juniors Adam McDermott and Calvin Winker.McDermott leads the Saints in every category except field goal percentage and free throw percentage.

'It is nice helping the team out,' McDermott said. 'I believe the best asset of my game is shooting the '3'  ball.'

McDermott had a game high of 23 points against Mt. Pleasant in the first game of the year. The junior sharpshooter has roughly 200 points this season and is adding to that number as the season heats up. He adds around 30 assists and 20 steals to his resume that blends well with the scoring.

Winker, like McDermott, is in his second year of varsity basketball. Winker brings height, quickness and shooting for the Saints. He can drive to the basket as well as shoot the long ball. Winker has his season going smoothly with around 130 points to go along with more than 20 assists, 10 steals and three blocks.

'I like to drive or shoot the pull-up jumper,' Winker said. 'Our teammates have helped get me open. They have good vision and they get me the ball when I'm available.'

At times, this team will have no seniors on the court.

'Calvin and I have been playing since around fifth grade,' McDermott said. 'We've built up a great team chemistry over the years.'The young basketball Saints take the floor Tuesday against Cedar Rapids Prairie at Prairie.