Junior point guard TJ Tate excels in the art of the sudden transition for Marist. Tate uses his quick hands and superb anticipation skills as a prelude to taking his outside shot. “I like to use my speed a lot, especially on defense,” Tate said, summing up his best asset. “If I see their big man posting up, once he turns his head, I try to get in there for the steal. “Once I do that, it’s easier for me to penetrate and make things happen, getting to the basket or finding the open shooters.” Tate found all of the openings Tuesday night, scoring a team-best 13 points for the RedHawks in a 63-31 victory over Shepard at the Andrew/Lincoln-Way Central Tournament in Tinley Park. Junior guard Adoni Vassilakis and junior forward Ryan Lawlor added nine points apiece for Marist (2-0). Junior guard Aurion Lee-Barnes hit three 3-pointers and scored a game-high 15 points for Shepard (0-2). Tate sparked a 20-2 run during the second quarter with three assists and three steals and also made three 3-pointers in scoring 10 points. He also finished with five steals and four assists. After scoring just three points Monday for Marist in a 61-41 victory over tournament co-host Andrew, Tate looked to be more aggressive with his own offensive opportunities Tuesday. Marist’s TJ Tate (2) brings the ball up the court against Shepard during an Andrew/Lincoln-Way Central Tournament game in Tinley Park on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown) “I had a lot of steals and assists last night, but tonight I was looking for my own shot,” Tate said. “In that second quarter, they were in a zone and I really wanted to shoot them out of that.” His ball-hawking created multiple fast-break opportunities, and the RedHawks ended up cashing in for a 40-13 halftime lead. Junior forward Karson Thomas offered up heartfelt praise of his classmate. “TJ’s been playing really well as our point guard, running the offense and getting everybody involved,” Thomas said. “He’s a great defender who knows how to run our offense. “He gets the ball down the floor and does a great job of handling the pressure.” Sophomore forward Kendall Meyers pointed out that Tate has taken the time to diversify and open up all aspects of his game. Marist’s Adoni Vassilakis (0) puts up a shot over Shepard’s Zach Cosme (12) during an Andrew/Lincoln-Way Central Tournament game in Tinley Park on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown) “He spent a lot of time during the summer working on his shot, and you can see the impact,” Meyers said. “Defensively he’s just everywhere with his hands. We saw that last night and tonight. “He attacks the other team and always knows how to run our offense.” Tate, who lives in Lansing, is the youngest of four. His much older siblings played basketball and softball. He tried his hand at any sport open to him until an injury playing baseball. That convinced him basketball was his future. “I was pretty spoiled because everybody else is so much older, but I was probably 3 or 4 and my grandmother took me to play basketball at this place by our house,” he said. “I fell in love with it. “I kept up with football and baseball until about sixth grade, but basketball just stuck.” Marist’s TJ Tate (2) puts up a 3-pointer against Shepard during an Andrew/Lincoln-Way Central Tournament game in Tinley Park on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown) The 5-foot-9 Tate balances quickness off the dribble with a pure, clean shot that opens up his creativity and ability to read the entire court. “I really like playing fast,” Tate said. “I always want to work on pace and the rhythm of the game. We did a great job of getting the ball out and running them off the court. “As the point guard, I like having the ball and getting everybody involved and calling out the plays.” Tate, a two-year starter, received his varsity introduction as a freshman when he was called up for the playoffs. “I feel like I’m doing a much better job of getting used to how the game is played,” Tate said. “Last year, I was still getting used to the speed. Now everything feels slower. “I’m the point guard and coach gives me a lot of control. I feel like I’m a coach on the floor.” Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.