Publications & Sites 
Friars’ defense revolves around Carlisle
Fenwick's Joshua Carlisle moves to the basket against Holy Trinity's Darius Douglas. | Stacia Timonere~for Sun-Times Media
Don’t Miss
Friday Boys basketball: vs Loyola, 7 p.m.
Saturday Boys swimming: at New Trier, 1:30 p.m.
Article Extras
Updated: February 25, 2013 11:30AM
OAK PARK — Whenever Fenwick’s Josh Carlisle is not in the starting lineup he makes the most of his time on the sideline.
The senior guard develops his own scouting report.
“It gives me a different vibe,” Carlisle said of coming off the bench. “I get to scan the players before I go in. It gives me more ambition to do my very best. I want to show coach what I can do. I just try to do the most with my minutes.”
While Carlisle has been a defensive specialist his entire basketball career, he’s capable of scoring as well.
He scored seven of his nine points in the fourth quarter Friday to help Fenwick beat St. Joseph 53-46 in a Chicago Catholic League North home game.
“We got a great lift from Josh Carlisle,” said Fenwick coach John Quinn, whose team improved to 3-0 in conference. “He’s one of our co-captains and so much the heart and soul of our team on and off the court. He provides a great example of leadership and we are so happy for him that he had the kind of game he did on both ends of the floor.”
Carlisle believes his athleticism is a big reason why he’s been able to thrive defensively. He has also played soccer and run track.
“I think my foot speed really helps me out,” Carlisle said. “I try to anticipate where the offensive players are going and then look in their eyes to see where I need to go.
“Growing up, (defense) was my forte. I’d try to push the break and then get a couple steals, a couple layups and take some charges. I just always try to do my very best on defense and whatever is best for the team. I just try to do my best on defense and see what I can do offensively.”
Fenwick senior and fellow captain Luke Lattner, who scored eight of his game-high 16 points in the fourth quarter Friday, recognizes how important Carlisle’s role is to the team’s success.
“We’re pretty deep when we have a senior like him coming off the bench,” Lattner said. “His experience is going to really help us down the road in the state tournament. He’s playing well right now, so we’re happy. His defense is the best on our team. He gets up in your face and just does everything right for us to help us win.”
Every team benefits from having players that take care of the dirty work. Carlisle fits that description perfectly for the Friars.
“He’s just a worker bee,” Quinn said. “He takes a charge, he makes the tough plays and he gets on the floor after loose balls. He’s always been a joy to coach.”
