New Haven’s Romeo Weems proved that he can fill up any (and almost every) stat column in Wednesday’s regional semifinal victory over Detroit Country Day.
The junior forward recorded an eye-popping quadruple double, stuffing the statsheet with 21 points, 16 rebounds, 12 assists, 10 steals and seven blocks, nearly cinching an ultra-rare quintuple double.
“He can do everything, he rebounds, he steals, he defends.” Coach Tedaro France said about the star forward.
“People just see that he’s a great player, but they don’t see how hard he works,” said France. “He’s a great teammate, he gets better everyday, but the thing about him is that he’s a great leader.”
“One thinghe does is make his teammates better. Four guys are averaging double figures this whole year. Kids love playing with him because he shares the ball and creates shots.”
Weems was joined in double-figures scoring by three teammates. Ronald Jefferey led New Haven with 22 points. Tavares Oliver scored 19 points, and Ashton Sherrell added a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Coach France commended Weems’ unselfish style of play as a key factor in New Haven’s success.
“How he plays, he gets them involved and they feed off his energy.”
“It’s a blessing to coach a player of that caliber, and still be so humble, and have such great character.”
The victory over Detroit Country Day marks New Haven’s 51st consecutive victory, dating back to last season.
“Fifty-one consecutive games, we prepped each day the same way. We prepared for this game the same way we would prepare against the last place team in our league.”
“Win the day,” France said. “That’s our team motto. We want to win each day, and we want to get better.”
Despite Country Day’s Julian Roper leading all scorers with 25 points, New Haven came out on top, crowned regional champs for the fourth year in a row.
“I’m so proud of our team and their hard work. They’re unselfish, great teammates, and it’s an honor to coach such great young men, and to have the opportunity to teach life lessons through the game of basketball.”
The Rockets will go for 52 straight wins in the state quarterfinals on Tuesday at Corunna against Bridgeport (24-1) at 7 p.m.