SEASON REVIEW – 2012-2013 & ’13-’14 PREVIEW
“Continued Excellence”
Despite graduating the winningest class of Council Rock basketball players in the history of the school, the 2012-13 CR North Boys Basketball team continued its excellence and again showed itself as one of the top teams in Suburban One and District I. The season included some impressive wins over well-respected programs, one of the best starts in school history, and a top eight ranking in the District I AAAA playoffs.
With a challenging early season schedule and some inexperience in the starting lineup, the Indians saw an opportunity to test themselves in the early season. With great non-league wins against Malvern Prep (Scholastic Play by Play Tip Off), Philadelphia Pub power Constitution, and local rival Holy Ghost Prep, as well early season league wins over William Tennent and Truman, CR North jumped out to a 5-1 record. The end of 2012 was highlighted by a fourth consecutive Athletes Helping Athletes Championship with a victory over an eventual state tournament team, Central Bucks South.
In January, CR North kept rolling, compiling a 10-game winning streak to bring its record to 13-1. Highlights of the winning streak included a great home win over rival Pennsbury, a thrilling 10-point win in front of a soldout crowd at Glen Mills, and the program’s eighth consecutive win over intra -district rival CR South. After three consecutive heartbreaking losses to Wissahickon (OT), SOL leader Abington, and Truman, the Indians responded with a tough road win at Pennsbury, keeping the hopes for a fourth consecutive SOL Championship alive.
Although Abington never stumbled and captured the SOL Championship in February, CR North finished the regular season campaign with an impressive 17-5 record and received a well-deserved eight seed in the 32-team District One AAAA field. With the Indians positioned for a fifth consecutive berth in the PIAA State Tournament, they were shocked on their home floor by #25 seed Harriton. A tough shot off the dribble with 0.8 seconds doomed the Indians, 53-51. Despite the season ending in such a difficult fashion, the 2012-13 team represented CR North basketball with a great effort and attitude. Their 17-6 record will go down as one of the most successful teams in Council Rock’s 60-year history.
SUBURBAN ONE LEAGUE HONORS
1ST TEAM – Rip Engel, 2nd Team – Kyle McCloskey, 3rd Team – Brandon Knotts, Honorable Mention –Chris Rowland
2013 – 2014 SEASON PREVIEW
The 2013-14 season comes with great anticipation as the Indians look to mix a balance of experience and youth. CR North loses four starters, including Kyle McCloskey (York College), Brandon Knotts, Ryan Baker, and Rip Engel.
The Indians return senior starter and Honorable Mention All - League player Chris Rowland (10 pts, 3.4 reb.) In addition, the Indians return productive sixth man, senior Josh McWilliams (3.3 pts., 1.5 assists), and senior reserve Tyler Madison (0.7 pts., 0.8 reb.). Returning varsity letter winners include senior Quinn Johnson, juniors Matt Margolis and Steve Nowmos, and sophomore Will Desautelle.
The 2013-14 schedule is once again challenging. Highlights include CR North opening the season against Philly Public League favorite Math, Civics, and Sciences. Other early season non - league games include Holy Ghost Prep and Philmont Christian Academy. In January, CR North will participate in the the SOL Challenge (North Penn). The Indians will again host the Athletes Helping Athletes Classic at CR North (12/27, 28) and will look to claim a fourth championship in five years in the highly respected Suburban One League National Conference.
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