Bombers Battle Through Tampa, Finish Third at 2025 Cookie Garcia Tournament

Sun, sweat, and high-level competition defined Cincinnati St. Xavier's trip to Tampa, Florida, where the Bombers faced three out-of-state opponents at the 2025 Cookie Garcia Tournament. Over three days at Tampa Jesuit, St. Xavier showcased its depth, toughness, and ability to respond to adversity, finishing the tournament with a 2–1 record and a third-place finish.
 

Game One: Bombers Set the Tone Against Jesuit (New Orleans, Louisana)

St. Xavier opened tournament play with a dominant 64–24 victory over Jesuit High School of New Orleans, setting the tone from the opening tip. The Bombers jumped out to a 17–8 lead after one quarter and never looked back, holding Jesuit to single-digit scoring in all four periods.

The offense was sharp and unselfish, shooting 57.1% from the field and knocking down 13 three-pointers.
George Kinney led the way with a near-perfect shooting performance, scoring 12 points on 4-for-5 shooting, all from beyond the arc. Liam McGeady added 10 points and four rebounds, while Aiden Graham chipped in 11 points, hitting three threes of his own.

St. Xavier's depth was on full display, with 12 players scoring and the Bombers finishing with 17 assists, a reflection of crisp ball movement and balanced scoring.

Game Two: Heartbreaker Against Rockhurst (Kansas City)

The tournament semifinals delivered a defensive battle and one of the most intense games of the trip. St. Xavier led for much of the night against an undefeated Rockhurst High School squad before falling 41–40 in a one-point thriller.

The Bombers carried a slim 20–15 halftime lead, but Rockhurst's surge in the third quarter swung momentum. Still, St. Xavier answered late, taking the game down to the final possessions.

Charlie Gruber turned in a standout performance, scoring a game-high 16 points, attacking the rim and getting to the free-throw line seven times. Liam McGeady followed with 13 points, while Luke Sorce added seven. Jack Ryan orchestrated the offense with six assists, anchoring the Bombers' composure in a tight game.

Despite shooting 46.9% from the field, St. Xavier came up just short, as Rockhurst edged ahead in the final moments to hand the Bombers their only loss of the tournament.

Game Three: Strong Finish Secures Third Place vs. Canisius (Buffalo, New York)

Determined to end the trip on a high note, St. Xavier responded emphatically in the third-place game, defeating Canisius High School 61–33 on December 31.

The Bombers jumped out early with an 18–4 first quarter, setting the defensive tone and never allowing Canisius to find rhythm. St. Xavier forced turnovers, dominated the glass (32 rebounds), and controlled the tempo from start to finish.

John Veith delivered a flawless offensive performance, scoring 17 points on 8-for-8 shooting, providing a steady interior presence. Liam McGeady continued his consistent tournament play with 13 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while George Kinney added nine points on three triples.

Even on a day when scoring was spread around, Jack Ryan filled the stat sheet with six assists and four rebounds, and the Bombers finished with 20 team assists, underscoring their collective approach.


Junior Liam McGeady was awarded with all Tournament team for his strong play over the 3 day tournament!


 

A Trip That Builds Momentum

With wins over Jesuit (LA) and Canisius and a narrow loss to Rockhurst, St. Xavier left Tampa with more than just a trophy. The Bombers proved they can defend, share the ball, and respond after adversity — valuable lessons as the season continues.

The third-place finish at the Cookie Garcia Tournament marked a successful and growth-filled trip to Florida, one that showcased both the Bombers' talent and their resilience on a national stage.