By Richard Lenke
Staff Writer
The boys’ basketball team started their season with the annual St. Patrick High School tournament this past weekend.
Along with the host team, Prospect faced off against Oak Park River Forest and Chicago Senn.
The Knights narrowly lost their first game against Oak Park River Forest 80-73, despite junior Mike Latulip and senior Matt Loebbaka scoring 17 points each.

For their second game, the team faced off against St. Patrick,  and though the score was tight throughout the game, they were unable to find a win, losing 75-69 in overtime. Latulip led the scoring again with a game-high 27 points, including four three-pointers.
In the Knights’ final game, they were put everything together and found their first victory of the season, 78-60,  against Chicago Senn.
Despite losing two of the three games in the tournament, the Knights’ left with an overall positive feeling about the tournament.
“We finally learned the speed at which really good teams need to play, and I think that we’re going to be one of those really good teams,” head coach John Camardella said.
Camardella understood coming in that with many new players and new roles , he was satisfied with the team’s effort.
“It just comes with time,” Camardella said.
In spite of the inexperience on the team, Camardella and Latulip found achievements in the tournaments. Both were quick to mention, as a team, they are shooting 81% from the free throw line.
Additionally, Camardella was also happy to see that there was a scoring balance, and Latulip sees leadership as the biggest positive from the tournament.
“I thought our leadership was fantastic, top to bottom,” Latulip said. “I believe that will take us as far as we want to go this season.”