The game program for IC Catholic’s boys basketball team does not list positions, and that was definitely appropriate for junior Alex Meurer when the Knights faced Timothy Christian on Friday.
Against the Trojans, Meurer knocked down a 3-pointer in the first quarter, then banged down low for a put-back basket under the hoop in second quarter.
Meurer’s impact both on the perimeter and inside the paint allowed the Knights (12-6) to build a double-digit lead in the first half, and they cruised to a 61-46 Metro Suburban crossover victory in Elmhurst.
“Really, I am a combo,” Meurer said. “Throughout my whole career I have really just played both guard and forward. I like playing both; it is good to switch. If I had to pick, (I would) probably (pick) guard because I am undersized for a forward.”
When teams see Meurer, listed at 6-foot-2, knock down an outside shot early, it can give a false sense of security that he might not mix it up inside.
“They probably do not look at me and think I am going to get those rebounds all the time,” said Meurer, who lives in Elmhurst. “I enjoy shooting from the outside, so it is a good combo that teams may not see coming.”
Leading scorer Austin Reed did not start for the Knights against Timothy Christian (10-6), so Meurer picked up some of the early scoring slack, netting 7 of his 11 points in the first quarter. He also finished with seven rebounds.
The main thing is trying to help my team win, however I can do that,” Meurer said. “A lot of times it is just going as hard as you can, and sometimes other teams are not ready for that.”
Knights coach T.J. Tyrrell said Meurer’s versatility benefits the other players on the floor.
“He settles the team down, you see a difference when he is out there,” Tyrrell said. “What he brings, just being in the right spot, getting rebounds, fighting underneath versus guys three or four inches taller than him — he really settles the group down when he is out there.”
The season statistics for IC Catholic reflect Meurer’s all-around impact on the team. He leads the team in offensive rebounds, is second in total rebounds and steals, and is third in blocks and points.
“Alex is an all-around superstar that goes unnoticed,” Tyrrell said. “He does all the little things that make it fun to coach. He is always in the right spot and is always giving his best effort.
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“With Alex, his size, he is long and can handle the ball. He plays bigger than he is physically. He has a very high basketball IQ, so those components make him a tough opponent.”
Despite missing over five minutes to start the game, Austin Reed still managed to lead all scorers with 23 points, including three 3-pointers. Amari Reed knocked down two early 3-pointers and finished with 10 points.
Joey Davidson led the Trojans with 17 points and connected on a long two-point basket at the third quarter buzzer, while Jonny Strube finished with nine points. Baskets by Davidson and Michael Thomas gave Timothy Christian a 4-0 lead early, but it never regained the lead over the last three quarters.
Patrick Kelly is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer Press.