By Scott Huff
Once the horn sounded at the end of the overtime in Penn Wood’s 54-49 win over Plymouth Whitemarsh in the title game that was waged at Villanova University in the PIAA Quad-A District One Final, most Colonial fans were hopeful of a rematch in the PIAA Quad-A championship game at Penn State University.
And both Penn Wood and Plymouth Whitemash shredded the pretenders to the title on the road to the championship rematch with four impressive wins each.The Patriots took no prisoners in wins over Penn Manor (76-57), Neshaminy (75-60), Scranton (66-55), and Bethlehem Liberty (70-51).
The Colonials took no prisoners in victories over Red Land (74-31), Frankford (66-43), Roman Catholic (54-46), and North Allegheny (71-47).
“The last time we played in the district final, it was like a couple of heavyweights slugging it out,” said Plymouth Whitemarsh Jim Donofrio. “Neither team really got into a comfort zone, and I don’t think that is going to happen in this next game.
“This is the game that everyone wanted to see,” added Donofrio. “It should be exciting for the fans and the players. I know that I am excited.”
In the first meeting between the two scholastic giants, Colonial senior guard Whis Grant had an exceptional game with 23 points.
“There is no doubt that Penn Wood is a talented team, and it is going to be an all-out battle,” said Grant. “We’re glad to be in the championship game, and with it being my last game, it is going to be very special.”
“This is where we wanted to be,” said fellow senior C.J. Aiken. “We were disappointed in not only losing the first time, but in how we played. This game will give us a chance to redeem ourselves.”
Penn Wood knows a little bit about redemption.
The Patriots lost to Norristown in the District One Final last season, but cashed in on a state title with a 72-53 win over William Penn-York at PSU.
And when the horn sounds at the end of the title contest at the Bryce Jordan Center tomorrow, PW will be crowned the Quad-A champions.
The hope for the Suburban One League is that PW stands for Plymouth Whitemarsh.
Championship Player Profiles
Plymouth Whitemarsh: # Height Grade
C.J. Aiken 1 6-10 12
Aiken is the premier shot blocker in the entire state … collects twin digits in both points and rebounds … committed to St. Joseph’s University … in addition to some ferocious dunks, Aiken is comfortable shooting from outside the arc.
Whis Grant 11 6-0 12
Grant is the glue that holds PW together … plays under control at all times … matches up with the top scoring guard on the opposition … has a deadly shot from 3-point land … always seems to come up big in the big games.
Jaylen Bond 15 6-7 11
Bond played his best game in a 26-point performance against North Allegheny in his last game … a division one recruit that has had interest shown by such top-notch programs as Temple and Pittsburgh … excels on the offensive glass.
Sam Pygatt 24 6-1 11
Pygatt is the asked to play big in a lineup that isn’t all that big – except for Aiken and Bond --- plays solid defense and can go on streak shooting and score in double figures – can swing to both the front court and back court.
Brandon Dixon 10 5-10 11
Dixon runs the point and distributes the ball to the hot hand in the Colonial offense … plays at 110 percent every minute he is on the floor … is often the emotional leader on the floor.
Marcus Badger 3 6-1 11
Badger is the #1 man off the bench for the Colonials … gives valuable minutes off the bench … can spell Bond or Aiken up front, or Dixon and Grant in the backcourt … plays solid defense and can shoot the 3-ball.
Penn Wood # Height Grade
Tyree Johnson 3 5-9 12
There is not a hotter shooting guard in the playoffs than Johnson … can score off the dribble or beyond the arc … fearless … sets the tone for the remainder of the team.
Will Brown 11 5-11 12
Brown is a streak shooter than can go on a roll and carry the team … a wonderful compliment to Johnson in the PW backcourt … a terrific spot up jump shooter … provides senior leadership.
Aaron Brown 2 6-5 11
Brown is the best athlete on the team and can dominate on both the offensive and defensive end of the court … a Division One recruit being sought after by Temple … can spark the crowd with some vicious slams …led the Patriots in scoring in the district final with 20 points.
Shawn Oakman 24 6-9 11
Oakman is a beast in the middle – both in the paint and off the boards … comes close to double doubles on both scoring and rebounding … can be foul prone … is a Division One football recruit as a defensive lineman.
Darian Barnes 23 6-8 11
Barnes becomes a tough match for the Colonials because of his height and athletic ability … provides a big body off the boards and on defense … does not often score, but can be dangerous with ‘put backs’ off the offensive glass.
Dequan Pelzer 5 6-1 12
Pelzer can provide instant offense off the bench with his ability to score both inside and outside … has emerged in some playoff games as a double-digit scorer… gives the Patriots valuable minutes.
Neshaminy Head Coach Jerry Devine’s Scouting Report
Neshaminy head coach Jerry Devine had the task of preparing for both Plymouth Whitemarsh and Penn Wood this season.
The Redskins lost to the Colonials – 79-59 – in the second game of the season. The Skins lost twice to Penn Wood – 72-54 and 75-60 – with the latter game the season ender for Neshaminy.
“If Vegas had a line on this game, it would be a ‘pick-em’,” said Devine. “Both have great strengths, and really either one of them could win.
“The team that gets extra possessions is going to win the game,” added Devine. “But you won’t really be able to figure that out until the game is over.”
Even though the overall teams are even overall, Devine sees individual advantages.
“If Penn Wood’s guards continue to shoot the ball the way they have the last few games, nobody can beat them,” said Devine. “Tyree Johnson and Will Brown are great shooters, and if they are hitting shots, I don’t know anyone that can beat them.
“But if Plymouth Whitemarsh can make a concentrated effort to get the ball into C.J. Aikens hands, I don’t know who can handle him for Penn Wood,” added Devine. “Aiken and Jaylen Bond are better ‘bigs’, and if they play well, PW is going to tough to beat.
“Both teams are crazy good,” continued Devine. “The first game went overtime, and that’s the type of game you are going to see in the second game.”
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