Reigning Class LL state champ St. Joseph outscored the host Ridgefield High boys basketball team, 18-8, in the third quarter to erase a six-point halftime deficit and set the course for a 48-42 victory Wednesday night.
The season-opener was an anticipated meeting of two highly regarded teams: Ridgefield was ranked third and St. Joseph fourth in MaxPreps Connecticut Fab Five Preseason Rankings.
The Tigers led 11-8 after one quarter and 22-16 at halftime. But St. Joseph took the lead for good at 27-26 midway through the third quarter on Quincy McKnight’s three-pointer.
The Crusaders led 34-30 after three quarters and then held on for the win in the final period.
Senior swingman Kurt Steidl had a big night for Ridgefield with a game-high 26 points. But the rest of the team struggled, combining for just 16 points. Sophomore center Patrick Racy was the second-leading scorer for the Tigers with five points.
