De La Salle’s Derek Needham wanted to talk about only one thing after the Meteors knocked off Steinmetz 68-47 in the Class 3A St. Patrick Regional semifinals on Tuesday.
“We’re focused,” Needham said. “We’re only concerned about one issue -- get Downstate and get a state ring.”
Needham and De La Salle (19-4) were businessmen-like against the Streaks (15-15). They did what they had to and let the subs take care of the rest. The Meteors built a double-digit, first-quarter lead, stretched it to 23 at halftime and the bench held on in the second half.
The way they did it was no different than any other game. Needham ran the show with six points, eight assists and five steals. Mike Shaw was a force inside with 10 points and seven blocks. Rich Fisher drained shots from the perimeter, hitting three threes and went for 13 points.
Aaron Samuel (11 points), Joe Jesse (14 points), Rob Robinson (seven points, eight rebounds) and Troy Torrence (seven points) also contributed in the win.
The one missing piece was Dre Henley, who missed the game with a strained left Achilles' tendon. Henley said he visited the doctor on Tuesday and expected to return to practice today.
James Spencer led the Streaks with 11 points and 13 rebounds.










