Check out the recaps for SOL boys’ basketball teams in action Thursday. CR South/Academy Park photos provided courtesy of Mike Sperando. CLICK HERE for a gallery of photos.
SOL National Conference
HARRY S TRUMAN 42, NESHAMINY 30
The Tigers turned up their defensive intensity several notches in the second half, allowing just nine points after the intermission and turning a 21-13 halftime deficit into a 42-30 win.
“Everybody picked up their defense,” coach Tyrone Lewis said. “Guys locked in in the second half, and we held them to nine points in two quarters – actually, seven because we gave up one at the end.
“The big difference – the two stars of tonight’s game were Treszon Chapman and Donald Imo. They both had big second halves for us. Donald scored 10 points in the second half, and Treszon finished with a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.”
The win was the first of the season for the Tigers and the first for Lewis, who took over the helm this season.
“They have gone through a big change from what they’re used to, to now my coaching style,” Lewis said. “I think everyone thought it was going to be instant wins when I got the job because of what I did at Bristol and obviously who I was as I player.
“But I’m not playing, I’m coaching and trying to get these guys in the right direction. Every game they’re getting better. The biggest focus on the team was trying to change the culture, and I think we took a big turn today with that. They had a great week of practice after the (Council Rock) North game.”
The game started out on a less than promising note for the Tigers, who fell behind 11-0.
“They came out with a little jitters,” Lewis said. “It was only the second home game for us, and we honored the football team. It was nice little crowd, and some of my guys are football guys so it was a little emotional.
“We don’t play for another week, so it was great to get this win going into the Christmas tournament.”
Lewis credited the play of several other players in the win.
“Javeer Peterson didn’t score a lot of points, but he guarded their best player most of the night and did a really good job,” the Tigers’ coach said of his senior guard. “Also, TJ Rodgers, a junior guard, played huge for us in the second half. He got a lot of steals to get our fast break going. They both played well defensively.”
Harry S Truman (1-5, 0-3 SOL) is off until Friday, Dec. 28, 7:30 p.m., when the Tigers will face Holy Ghost Prep in an opening round game of the Jack Schott Holiday Tournament at Holy Ghost Prep. Neshaminy (1-5, 0-3) will take on West Chester Rustin in an opening round game of the West Chester Rustin Winter Classic on Thursday, Dec. 27, 7 p.m.
PENNSBURY 64, BENSALEM 56 (OT)
The Falcons led by six after one quarter and took a 36-29 lead into halftime. They scored just 17 points in the second half, and a 15-9 fourth quarter by the Owls extended the Falcons to overtime. Pennsbury controlled the OT period, outscoring its visitors 11-3.
“We got in foul trouble again, and it really hindered the performance of some of our guys,” coach Bill Coleman said. “It changed the way they were guarding one or two of our guys, and we had to adjust. Luckily, we adjusted in enough time, and we were able to pull ahead in overtime.”
If there was a key stretch in the game for the Owls, it came when Pennsbury’s Gary Francis picked up his third foul on a technical in the middle of the third quarter.
“That really changed the momentum,” Coleman said. “They hit a foul shot and made a basket. It was a four-point play.”
Despite foul woes, Francis was a difference maker yet again, leading all scorers with 27 points. He also had four rebounds and two steals.
“Gary played his tail off again,” Coleman said. “Kyrie Miller stepped up again and played well.
“We’re getting better as a team. We’re still green in certain situations, but we’re improving. We’re working on everything we expect to see in terms of situations in practice, and they’re starting to recognize them better and be aware of what’s going on at certain times of the game. We’re taking steps.”
Collin Connor (13 points) and Miller (12 points) also finished in double figures for the Falcons. Charlie Nuschke led the Falcons under the boards with five rebounds.
For the Owls, Jeremiah Alexander had a huge game, finishing with a double-double that included 17 points and 11 rebounds. Lamont Hasker added 14 points and five rebounds, and Shane Simmons had 10 points. TJ Igielski finished with nine points and six rebounds.
Pennsbury (3-3, 2-0 SOL) will face Wilson in the Big Game Hoops at West Chester University on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
“I told the guys – right now it’s really important to get the momentum going heading into the holidays,” Coleman said. “Christmas breaks really can make or break teams. You can be playing very well going into the break and come out of it and be in a funk.
“The next thing you know – the season’s over and you’re home watching playoffs, so it’s really important to focus in as we go into the holiday break.”
Bensalem (2-4, 1-2) will take on Bristol on Thursday in an opening round game of its own Dick Dougherty Tournament at 7:30 p.m.
Bensalem 13-16-9-15-3 56
Pennsbury 19-17-8-9-11 64
Bensalem (56) Nasir Williams 4, Jeremiah Alexander 17, Shane Simmons 10, TJ Igielski 9, Lamont Hasker 14, Aaron Sanders 2.
Pennsbury (64) – Kyrie Miller 12, Collin Connor 13, Gary Francis 27, Amir Johnson 4, Cooper Arnold 5, Luke Della Grotte 3.
SOL American Conference
WISSAHICKON 59, SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP 51
Eddie Fortescue had another productive night for the Trojans offensively, leading all scorers with 16 points. He connected on three 3-pointers. Harrison Williams added 11 points.
The Trojans – who received scoring from nine players – led 21-16 after one quarter and took a 32-27 lead into halftime.
Harrison Williams also finished in double figures with 11 points. Carmen Ostroski added nine points and Matt Compas had seven.
For the Spartans, Jordan Pauls and Wilson Krewson led the way with 15 points each. DeJaun Waters added nine points, and Ben Rittenhouse had six.
Wissahickon (4-3, 2-1 SOL) will face Methacton in Thursday’s opening round of the Perkiomen Valley Holiday Tournament. Springfield Township (3-4, 0-3) will take on New Hope-Solebury in Thursday’s opening round of the Over the River Tournament at New Hope-Solebury at 3:15 p.m.
Springfield Township16-11-11-13 51
Wissahickon 21-11-14-13 59
Springfield Township (51) – Jordan Pauls 15, DeJaun Waters 9, Zach Edmonds 1, James Joseph 5, Wilson Krewson 15, Ben Rittenhouse 6.
Wissahickon (59) – D’Shan Love 2, Andrew Buck 4, Eddie Fortescue 16, Harrison Williams 11, Tyler Caso 2, Cole Hirsch 3, Alex Richman 5, Matt Compas 7, Carmen Ostroski 9.
Non-league
ACADEMY PARK 61, COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 57
Jack Rebholz turned in a glittering 28-point performance that included five baskets from beyond the arc. His hot hand kept the Golden Hawks in it to the end.
Behind a pair of Rebholz threes and five points from Michael Stewart, the Hawks led 14-12 after one quarter, but Academy Park rallied to take a 30-28 edge into halftime. Rebholz had 13 points in the half. He scored nine points in the third quarter, but Academy Park added to its lead, outscoring the Hawks 16-13 to go into the final quarter with a 46-41 advantage. The Hawks never could get over the hump.
Also for the Golden Hawks, Stewart added nine points and Shawn Blank had eight.
Council Rock South (2-5, 2-0 SOL) will travel to Quakertown for a non-league game on Friday.
Academy Park 12-18-16-15 61
Council Rock South 14-14-13-16 57
Academy Park (61) – Shermik Lofton 11, Jalen Cassidy 10, Naseim Harley 8, Tariq Marerro 17, Derrick Northern 3, Tyree Estes 2, Clark 6, Jabeteh 4.
Council Rock North (57) – Jack Rebholz 28, Michael Stewart 9, Kevin McNamee 4, Luca Baratta 2, Brian Schwartz 2, Shawn Blank 8, Connor Lewis 4.
Wednesday, Dec. 19
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 57, NEW FOUNDATIONS CHARTER 54
The Patriots, who led by two after one quarter, took a 26-21 lead into halftime. They upped that advantage to 38-28 heading into the final quarter and then held off a late charge by their visitors, who scored 26 fourth-quarter points.
Three Patriots finished the game in double figures. Nick Roggio scored a game-high 19 points and completed an impressive double-double with 10 rebounds. He also had three blocked shots. Leo Masterson added 15 points, which included a pair of treys, and four assists. Ben Markowitz had the hot hand from beyond the arc, burying four 3-pointers and finishing with 14 points.
The Patriots were 15-of-24 from the foul line.
Central Bucks East (4-1, 1-1 SOL) will host North Penn on Friday.
New Foundations Charter 11-10-7-26 54
Central Bucks East 14-12-12-19 57
New Foundations Charter (54) – Gomes 15, Pickron 14, Nugent 3, Regan 9, Turk 2, Brice 3, Palmer 8.
Central Bucks East (57) – Nick Roggio 19, Ben Markowitz 14, Leo Masterson 15, Joe Jackman 4, Jason Markowitz 2, Jacob Rotondo 1, Anthony Giordano 2.
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