Council Rock North & Central Bucks East were winners in non-league action Wednesday.
Non-league
COUNCIL ROCK NOORTH 51, LOWER MORELAND 39
The Indians got off to a slow start but took care of that in a hurry with a 25-2 run, seizing control of Wednesday’s non-league game and never letting go.
“That was a combination of the boys tightening up defensively, but Connor Rushing scored our first 11 points,” North coach Jesse Krasna said. “He got to the rim at will, he stepped in and made some mid-range jumpers and got to the foul line. They had to adjust and that opened things up for our shooters. “
The Indians rallied from their early deficit to take an 11-10 lead after one quarter. Rushing – who recently was inserted into the starting lineup – accounted for all 11 of his team’s points.
“He’s been a really big spark,” Krasna said. “He stayed patient the early part of our season, and he’s really come on strong.
“I’m really happy for him because he really dedicated himself in the offseason. He’s a guy that has really grown into the game and matured. It’s good to see guys like that succeed.”
The Indians blew the game open with an 18-2 second-quarter tear. Bernie Parent had the hot hand in the quarter, connecting on a pair of threes and scoring 10 points. Luke Vliet added five and Hunter Wan also had a three as the Indians opened up a 29-12 halftime lead.
The Lions never threatened.
Parent led the Indians with 14 points while Rushing had 13 and Vliet had 12. Wan chipped in seven.
“Again, Luke Vliet stepped up and made shots, Bernie (Parent) made shots and got into the paint, and Hunter Wan didn’t score that much, but he really, really did a great job on Lower Moreland’s best player,” Krasna said. “He held the kid – John Przybylinski – to 11 points, and he had to work really hard for his 11 points.
“Hunter’s been our stopper all year where he draws the toughest, toughest assignment, and he’s really risen up to that challenge. He’s been great in that role all year.”
Przybylinski’s 11 points led the Lions, who also received nine from Jack Doneker.
“Lower Moreland came out hot – they got up on us 10-4, and they played really fast and they were making shots,” Krasna said. “We had to adjust our defense a little bit and clean up some of the things we doing in terms of locating their shooters. I thought our kids adjusted really well on the fly.
“Lower Moreland tried to pressure us in the second half, and we did a good job taking care of the ball and made them pay in some spots as well. It was a good win for us, and we have a big one on Friday.”
Council Rock North (3-8, 1-3 SOL) will travel to Bensalem on Friday.
“We know that it’s going to be a good challenge for us, but I think we’re playing better lately,” Krasna said. “It’s one that we’re up for, definitely.”
Council Rock North 11-18-6-16 51
Lower Moreland 10-2-7-20 39
Council Rock North (51) – Bernie Parent 6 0-0 14; Luke Vliet 4 3-5 12; Sean Mealey 0 1-2 1; Hunter Wan 3 0-0 7; Mikey Sylvester 1 0-0 2; Connor Rushing 6 1-1 13; Austin Stalker 0 1-2 1; Logan Saifer 0 1-2 1; Totals 20 7-12 51.
Lower Moreland (39) – Jack Doneker 3 0-0 9; Eyal Khaikin 2 0-0 5; Joey Morozin 1 0-0 2; John Przybylinski 4 2-2 11 Justin Sandler 2 0-0 6; Andrew Ung 2 0-0 6; Totals 14 2-2 39.
3-point goals: CRN – Bernie Parent 2, Luke Vliet, Hunter Wan, LM – Jack Doneker 3, Justin Sandler 2, Andrew Ung 2, Eyal Khaikin.
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 69, NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 57
The Patriots got off to a slow start, falling behind 15-7 after one quarter, but Joe Jackman ensured that trend wouldn’t continue, igniting a 22-3 second quarter tear by the Patriots, who outscored their visitors 44-18 in the middle two quarters.
“We got off to a slow start and really didn’t defend well to open the game,” East coach Erik Henrysen said. “Joe got us going in the second quarter and seemed to ignite our energy on the defensive end.”
Jackman led all scorers with 34 points in yet another dazzling offensive showing. He also had four rebounds and three steals.
“Joe is tough in the open court and attacks the rim,” Henrysen said. “His range causes teams to extend, and Joe is doing a great job of identifying opportunities once the defense is stretched.”
Chris Charlton added 13 points, and Tyler Young had seven points. Jacob Rotondo was a force on defense with three steals.
“Jacob Rotondo really gave us a spark defensively as well,” Henrysen said. “He is a selfless teammate that started for us last year and now comes off the bench as a senior. He deserved tonight, and it is awesome to see him have the impact that he had tonight.
“We are now looking forward to a major test at Pennridge on Friday night.”
Central Bucks East (9-5, 3-2 SOL) will be on the road at Pennridge for the 7 p.m. game on Friday.
New Hope-Solebury 15-3-15-24 57
Central Bucks East 7-22-22-18 69
New Hope-Solebury (57) – Alex Walinski 21, Michael Borys 14, Charlie Albano 2, Kyle McLaughlin 2, Philip Weinseimer 7, Bryan Dougherty 5, Christian Keating 6.
Central Bucks East (69) – Joe Jackman 34, Jack Hamilton 4, Chris Charlton 13, Anthony Giordano 4, Brett Young 7, Shane Kennedy 3, Jacob Rotondo 2, Christian Rivera 2.
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