PONTIAC — It’s easy to overlook senior guard Max Justic as the quiet fifth starter for Brother Rice. Justic, though, is a steady contributor who always embraces his job.
Well, several different jobs, that is.
“It’s fun to get on loose balls,” Justic said. “It’s fun to do the little things. You can do something different every game. There’s a new role every night. You’re not just stuck to one, so it’s fun.”
Justic’s efforts went a long way toward Brother Rice making history Monday night. He played his usual tough defense and came through with six big points in the third quarter as the Crusaders rolled to a 60-41 win over Peoria in the Class 3A Pontiac Supersectional.
Citadel recruit Marcos Gonzales scored 20 points and Jack Weigus finished with 19 points and six rebounds to lead Brother Rice (30-6), which clinched the first state trophy in program history.
KJ Morris added six points for the Crusaders, who will take on St. Patrick (28-7) at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in a state semifinal at the State Farm Center in Champaign.
Orlando Edwards Jr. scored eight points and Miami of Ohio recruit Leshawn Stowers finished with seven points for Peoria (29-7).
Brother Rice has been to state just one other time in basketball, losing in a Class AA quarterfinal in 2004-05.
“It’s insane,” Justic said. “We’re creating history. It’s never been done before and that’s just so special. Our school’s rallied behind us so well, so it’s awesome.”
Justic got fouled on a 3-point attempt early in the third quarter and knocked down all three free throws. He then buried a three, helping the Crusaders stretch their lead to a comfortable 43-25.
“It was awesome,” Justic said. “My offense has been a little bit off lately, so it was great to contribute on both ends of the floor (Monday). My teammates trusted me to take those shots, and I always keep faith in myself because of them.”
Weigus pointed out that the Crusaders have always kept their confidence in Justic.
“Max has brought everything to this team,” Weigus said. “He’s one of the best on-ball defenders I know. He’s so gritty. He’ll hit the big shots. He’s great from the free-throw line.
“He’s just going to battle and give it his best. He’s one of the most competitive people I know. He’s a great teammate, as well.”
Brother Rice held Peoria without a field goal in the first quarter, taking a 10-2 lead. And the Crusaders’ defense carried them to state.
Morris was a big part of that as he drew the tough assignment of guarding Stowers, long considered one of the top seniors in the state.
Stowers scored just seven points, and five came with Morris on the bench. Stowers was shut out in the second half.
“He definitely seemed frustrated,” Morris said. “It’s a great feeling. I’m taking their best player out of the game and I love that. I’m always excited to match up with a guy like that.
“We watch film, we get the scouting report and we just have to execute it.”
Now, the Crusaders are two wins from a state title.
It’s a dream Weigus knew could become reality when he first played with Brother Rice over the summer after transferring from Hinsdale South.
“It’s not cliche, it’s just what we are,” Weigus said. “We’re a super tight, together group. We’re best friends on and off the court. I’ve said sometimes that we’re playing with the power of friendship.”
And Justic is thrilled to be an integral part of that group. He was on the varsity team last season but played scarcely. He finally got his opportunity as a senior, earning a starting spot.
“I worked so hard in the offseason to find myself in this role, so it just means everything,” Justic said. “It’s just such a blessing. Through all my years of basketball, this was always what I wanted.”
