Salpointe Catholic's Isaac Cruz 'proudly' takes on role of team leader

The lane parted as the 5-foot-8-inch Cruz scored in traffic and seemingly drew the foul among the timbers down low. Just as Cruz and his teammates on the Salpointe bench celebrated the game-tying bucket, the baseline official blew his whistle and called on offensive foul on Cruz, saying he warded off the defender with his arm.

Salpointe players and fans roared in frustration as the game-tying bucket was disallowed. The Lancers trailed by three points with less than four minutes left in play.

 

Catalina Foothills would go on to win the game 52-41, extending its winning streak to eight games and defeating the rival Lancers in one swoop, largely on the momentum gained after the foul call against Cruz.

 

That one play was a microcosm for the game itself. Salpointe would get close to seizing momentum before Catalina Foothills stepped up with big play after big play to stifle the Lancers.

 

Cruz finished with seven points, but his importance to the team is measured by more than his points in the scorebook.

 

Despite big performances from senior guard Cameron Miller, the son of Arizona coach Sean Miller, and sophomore forward Majok Deng, who has collegiate offers from schools like Arizona and Utah, it was Cruz who had the ball in his hands when the Lancers needed a bucket most.

 

His on-ball defensive intensity allowed Salpointe to be physical off the ball, knowing Cruz is quick enough to keep his man in check and dictate where the opposing point guard goes. Not to mention he consistently worked to get his teammates in the best possible position to score.

Often the smallest player on the court, Cruz doesn’t let his size determine his performance on the court.

 

Salpointe coach Brian Holstrom said Cruz’s love for the game is hard to match. He’s led the Lancers for the last three years.

 

“I’m just so proud of him,” Holstrom said. “He’s spit-fire, full throttle and it’s everything he’s got, every time he plays. A lot of players say they love basketball, but he loves this game. I love him to death.”

While Cruz may not have agreed with the call, the play where he was called for the offensive foul perfectly exhibits the kind of impact he has on the Lancers every time he steps on the court.

 

The grit, determination and skill needed to navigate through a thicket of defenders and shoot amongst the trees illustrates why Holstrom loves his point guard so much. Cruz isn’t afraid to take over during the biggest moments and has gravitated to a leadership role during his senior year.

 

“You have to be real mentally tough to play games like this and be down and still try to execute your game plan,” Cruz said. “I’ve been doing it for a long time and I know that it’s not going to get easier from here on out; it’s only going to get harder.”

 

Cruz’s play will factor heavily into how far the Lancers make it this season. He wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

“It means a lot and it’s a big job … and I proudly take it on,” Cruz said. http://tinyurl.com/z3jpyto