Check out the recaps for SOL boys’ basketball teams in action Thursday. Neshaminy/Truman photos provided by Darryl Rule of JD Photography. Check back for a gallery.
SOL National Conference
PENNSBURY 43, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 39
The Falcons, who led 20-18 at halftime, appeared to be in command after a 13-4 third-quarter surge put them on top 33-22 heading into the final frame. The Indians staged a late rally, but the Falcons held on for the road win.
“We were up 14 at one point, and we let our foot off the gas,” coach Bill Coleman said. “When we’re at our best, we are five strong defensively, and we take what I call ‘we’ shots instead of ‘me’ shots.
“I think the guys started feeling themselves a little bit and went away from it, but we were able to claw our way to victory with some key free throws at the end.”
Chad Weldon and Jake Martell both sank a pair at the foul line in the fourth quarter for the Falcons, who are battling more than just their opponent these days. Like many teams, they also need to overcome a stomach bug that is making its rounds. Josh Arruda, according to Coleman, played despite being under the weather as did Jake Martell, who was sick at halftime and after the game.
“We have a bug going around with some key guys, and we could tell our focus was slightly off due to it in the fourth quarter when they made that comeback,” Coleman said. “So there’s a lot for us to work on.
“I’m happy with the win as always, but what we wouldn’t accept in defeat, we are not going to accept in a victory.”
Raylil Winton led the Falcons with 12 points – all in the first half. Gary Francis added 11 – including a pair of threes. He scored all of his in the second half. Arruda contributed eight second-half points and also buried two 3-pointers.
For the Indians, Brady Haggerty and Matt McAlister each scored nine points. DJ Mischak added seven and Joshua Fisher had six on a pair of 3-pointers.
“They didn’t quit, and we’re proud of them for that,” Rock North coach Jesse Krasna said.
The Indians’ second-year coach drew a tip of the hat from his opponent.
“Jesse (Krasna) is doing a great job at North,” Coleman said. “They’re playing hard, and they’re close – you can see that they’re close.
“We have to do a better job on our part closing out games, but we’re 6-5, and I’m happy about that.”
Pennsbury (6-5, 2-2 SOL) will travel to Central Bucks East on Saturday for a 2 p.m. game, and Council Rock North (3-7, 1-4) face Springfield Township on Saturday at noon at North Penn. Both games are part of the SOL Challenge.
Pennsbury 12-8-13-10 43
Council Rock North 7-11-4-17 39
Pennsbury (43) – Jake Martell 2, Collin Connor 6, Raylil Winton 12, Josh Arruda 8, Gary Francis 11, Chad Weldon 4.
Council Rock North (39) – DJ Mischak 7, Stewart 2, Justin Walton 2, Brady Haggerty 9, Matt McAist 9, Joshua Fisher 6.
BENSALEM 53, COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 35
The visiting Owls limited the Golden Hawks to just five first-half points – zero in the second quarter – en route to a 16-5 halftime lead.
“We played great defense as a team,” coach Mike McCabe said. “We made it difficult for them to score against our man-to-man defense.”
The Owls added to their lead in the second half, outscoring the Hawks 23-13 in the third quarter to go on top 39-18 on their way to the convincing win.
Ward Roberts led a balanced Bensalem attack with 12 points. James Leible added eight while Carlos Gonzalez and Mohammed Jabateh each had seven in a contest that saw nine Owls put their names in the scoring column.
“It was a total team effort – bench and all,” McCabe said.
Trey Irvin’s 13 points led the Golden Hawks. Kyle Meakim added eight and Zach Schade, six.
Bensalem (6-5, 3-2 SOL) will host Souderton on Saturday at 12:30 p.m., and Council Rock South (2-7, 1-3) will face Cheltenham on Saturday at William Tennent (3 p.m.). Both games are part of the SOL Challenge.
Bensalem 8-8-23-14 53
Council Rock South 5-0-13-17 35
Bensalem (53) – Taco Douglas 5, Ward Roberts 12, James Leible 8, Lamont Hasker 5, TJ Igielski 2, Carlos Gonzalez 7, Nasir Williams 3, Nick Fossile 4, Mohammed Jabateh 7.
Council Rock South (35) – Jack Rebholz 3, Trey Irvin 13, Klye Meakim 8, Simon Magidenko 1, Shawn Blank 4, Zach Schade 6.
NESHAMINY 61, HARRY S TRUMAN 47
Neshaminy won Thursday’s game going away, but not before Truman made things very interesting.
Sparked by six points from Danny Bodine, the Redskins raced out of the gate to an 18-10 lead after one quarter. The second quarter was all but a rerun of the first as the Redskins opened up a 35-21 halftime lead. Chris Arcidiacono had 14 points before intermission to lead the Redskins.
The Redskins led by as many as 17 in the third quarter before the Tigers came roaring back to make it a two-point game. The Redskins responded, upping their advantage to as many as 15 and winning 61-47.
“It was a good game,” Neshaminy coach Mark Tingle said.
Arcidiacono led all scorers with 24 points, which included a 9-for-12 effort at the foul line. He also had six rebounds and four assists. Bodine finished with 10 points and six rebounds while Charles Dominick added 10 points. Greg Deluca chipped in with six.
Neshaminy (9-2, 3-1 SOL) will be on the road at Plymouth Whitemarsh on Saturday for a 7 p.m. game, and Harry S. Truman (5-5, 1-3) will host Upper Moreland on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Both are part of the SOL Challenge.
Neshaminy 18-17-9-17 61
Harry S Truman 10-11-19-7 47
Neshaminy (61) – Pat Campbell 1, Logan Williamson 2, Chris Arcidiacono 24, Anthony Papeo 4, Cam Jeffers 2, Danny Bodine 12, Greg Deluca 6, Charles Dominick 10.
Harry S Truman (47) – Jeff Nixon 7, Zierr Reid 8, Kashun Holden TJ Rogers 12, Gabe Gipli 14, Alex Fisher 3.
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