By Scott Huff
NEWTOWN – If there was ever a game that burly 6-foot, 4-inch Central Bucks South center Ian Gordon was going to earn MVP honors, the Titans 57-45 victory over Council Rock North in the Athletes Helping Athletes Tournament finals was it.
“There is no question that this style of play suits Ian,” smiled Central Bucks South coach Jason Campbell moments after the very physical game that featured a staggering 52 fouls. “We had a size advantage, and we wanted to use it.
“(CR North) paid a lot of attention to Will (Barrett), and that opened up the post,” added Campbell. “We wanted to reverse the ball and feed him the ball.”
Gordon finished the night with a game-high 18 points that included a perfect six-for-six from the free throw line. He also collected 12 rebounds, set some monster picks, and also blocked a shot.
“I love to play in the physical games, and this was the most physical game of the season,” said Gordon. “I have never been voted MVP of anything, and I was surprised when they called my name.”
Gordon may have been surprised, but for the fans in attendance, there was little question who led South to victory.
The Titans have now won seven straight games and had to win this one without a significant contribution from their scoring leader, Will Barrett.
Barrett, who finished with 10 points, played sparingly in the second half due to foul trouble and eventually fouled out of the game.
“For them to win the game, really without him, says a lot about the confidence they have in the other players,” said Council Rock coach Derek Wright. “South has a very deep team – they go eight or nine deep.”
“We have a deep bench and we play together,” agreed Campbell. “With Will out of the game, it changed the way we play a little.
“But we kept our focus and our composure,” added Campbell. “And that comes from some good senior leadership.”
The game was never in doubt from the outset. CB South built a 15-7 first period lead and expanded the margin to 32-15 by the close of the first half.
“To be honest, I never had a real feel for the game,” said Wright. “It was a weird game. We didn’t do a good job of being solid in the first half – we didn’t play real hard or real smart early.
“What we have to remember is that we have had a nice stretch of games before tonight,” continued Wright. “We had a great game last night (a 64-56 win over Bethlehem Liberty), and we had won three in a row.”
The Indians were led in scoring by senior Dan Costello with 16 points. Junior Andrew Stress, who earned a berth on the all-tournament team, chipped in with 12 markers.
“I think we have a team that is going to surprise some people later in the season,” said Campbell as he prepares his Titans for play in the SOL Continental Conference. “Every night is like a playoff game in our conference, and the rest of the season should be fun.”
“January is a big month for our basketball team,” said Gordon. “We have some big games against our sister schools – CB East and CB West – and we have to be prepared.”
And after Gordon’s punishing performance against Rock North – both East and West will have to be prepared for Gordon.
Central Bucks South 15 17 5 20 - 57
Council Rock North 7 8 11 19 - 45
Central Bucks South (57): Will Barrett 3 3-4 10; Ryan Clark 3 1-2 9; Ian Gordon 6 6-6 18; Mike Doty 1 1-2 3; Matt Kavalek 1 0-1 2; Nick Jorger 0 4-4 4; Joe Maher 0 0-3 0; Mike Pincus 1 6-7 8; Greg Johnston 1 1-2 3. Totals 16 22-31 57.
3-point field goals – Clark (2), Barrett.
Council Rock North (45): Dan Costello 3 8-9 16; Andrew Stress 5 2-2 12; Ty Bostain 0 3-4 3; Jarred Dorfman 0 2-3 2; Charlie Anastasi 0 0-2 0; Tim Filer 2 1-1 5; Aaron Morgan 1 0-0 2; Arron Goodman 1 3-4 5. Totals 12 19-25 45.
3-point field goals – Costello (2).
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