By Scott Huff
Norristown (5-0) rode a bus for three hours and 45 minutes and exactly 223.47 miles to make the arduous trek to Altoona Pennsylvania to play in the inaugural Field House Classic Boys’ Basketball Tournament.
The Eagles took home the first place hardware with a 48-37 victory over Abington (2-3) – yes that Abington that is 32 minutes and exactly 18.44 miles away.
“The tournament was a great experience for the kids,” said Norristown head coach Michael Evans. “Altoona gave us a call – we were looking to schedule some games – and it worked out great.
“The facility was beautiful - first-class,” added Evans. “They had a host meet us when we got there, and the players got a chance to get something to eat and see the town.
“It was good for our team to get away and spend some time together,” continued Evans. “We are still trying to find ourselves, and this was a great way for the kids to get to know each other on and off the court.”
Norristown opened the tournament with a 58-41 victory over Gilman School (Baltimore Maryland). The Greyhounds featured the play of 6-foot, 6-inch Ryan Ripken – son of the Baltimore Oriole Hall of Famer Cal Ripken.
Maleek Williams – who earned all-tournament honors – scored 21 points to lead the Eagles. Aaron Webb – who was voted the tournament MVP – added 14 points for Norristown.
Webb scored 17 points and had four assists in the Eagles’ championship victory over Abington.
“We have had different players step up each game and play well,” said Evans. “We are still trying to find our identity, though, and that will take some time.
“The good thing is that we are winning games while we are searching,” added Evans. “We need to continue to buckle down and play good basketball.”
Abington played good basketball in the opening round game as the Ghosts defeated the host Altoona Mountain Lions – 52-40.
DJ McFadden led the Ghosts in scoring against Norristown with a 12-point performance. Vince Tranquillo was named to the all-tournament team.
“We got a chance to play a half-court style team with Gilman in the first game,” said Evans. “And we got a chance to play a team much like ourselves in Abington.
“It was a long way to go to play Abington,” added Evans. “But the experience was well worth it.”
The only price tag was a seven and one-half hour – 446.94 mile – bus ride.
Council Rock North (2-1) did not have to pack its bags to find quality competition as the Indians participated in the Randy Foye Foundation Classic played at Villanova University.
The Indians may have lost the game to powerful Montrose-Christian (Maryland) – 68-53. But Rock North gained so much more.
“I felt that in the off-season we were going to make a commitment to play the best schedule we could,” said Council Rock North head coach Derek Wright. “When you play that high level of talent, you find out what your weaknesses are.
“We saw a whole lot of good things in the game,” added Wright. “We stuck together for four quarters against an excellent team, and every player made a contribution.”
Indian Arron Goodman was sensational with a 29-point scoring effort.
“Arron made a ton of shots,” said Wright. “We executed our offense well, and set him some good screens to get good looks.
“Matt (McCloskey) defended very well and scored 10 points,” added Wright. “And Aaron Morgan had eight assists and only two turnovers against a team that can really pressure you.
“We feel good about how we played,” continued Wright. “But now we have a good idea of what we have to do to get even better.”
Souderton (2-2, 1-0) won its SOL Continental Conference opener – 59-55 – in overtime over visiting Central Bucks West (3-1, 0-1).
“I was a little surprised to see the crowd rush on the floor after the game,” said first year Souderton head coach Dennis Stanton. “The kids were really excited to play a home game, and the crowd was really into it.
“It was a really exciting game,” added Stanton. “To be down three with three seconds left, and to hit a three-pointer at the buzzer can’t be much more exciting.”
The final shot came from long-distance as Anthony Sergio – on an assist from Mark Wonderling – drained the game-tying hoop. The shot came from the corner – almost at the sideline.
“I feel that a shooter can shoot from anywhere on the floor,” said Stanton. “And I feel that Anthony is that type of shooter.
“We are now going in the right direction,” added Stanton. “We want to continue to get better every game, and beating West was a nice start.”
And an even better finish.
Weekend Warriors
Wissahickon (2-3) went to work on Sunday as the Trojans captured a 70-50 win over Communication Tech in the Greater Philadelphia Showcase.
Anthony McKie led Wissahickon with 20 points, while Mike Scheier added 19 markers. Jordan Reed (11) and Jordan Freed (10) also scored in twin digits for the Trojans.
Upper Dublin (3-2) went to work on Saturday as the Flying Cardinals captured a 69-53 victory over Springfield (3-2).
Andrew Derr led the way for Upper Dublin with a game-high 17 points, while Khalil Owens chipped in with 13 points for the winners.
Central Bucks West (3-1) went to work on Saturday as the Bucks defeated Avon Grove (2-2) – 57-51 – in the Mid Atlantic Shootout.
Kevin Sweet led the CB West scoring attack with a 15-point effort, while Derek Dyer added 13 points.
Central Bucks East (0-3) went to work on Saturday as the Patriots dropped a 59-38 contest to Perkiomen Valley (4-1).
East – who scored just 12 points in the second half – was led in scoring by DJ Beausejour with 11 points. Ryan O’Neil scored nine points for the Patriots.
Quakertown (1-3) went to work on Saturday as the Panthers were defeated by Hazelton – 67-26.
Quakertown trailed 46-11 at the half and struggled offensively. The Panthers – who were led in scoring by Mike Harpster with seven points - did not score in double figures in any of the four periods.
Upper Merion (2-2) won its non-league game on Monday at Upper Perkiomen, 62-55.
James Mobley and Pat Stringfield each scored 15 points to lead the Vikings. Stringfield also handed out six assists. Dallas Chesky buried four three-pointers, contributing 14 points.
Suburban One Sports.com *** Great Eight ***
1. Neshaminy Redskins [4-0]
2. Council Rock North Indians [2-1]
3. Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials [2-1]
4. Norristown Eagles [5-0]
5. Cheltenham Panthers [4-0]
6. North Penn Knights [3-0]
7. Central Bucks West Bucks [3-1]
8. Pennridge Rams [5-0]
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