Scott Huff recaps some of Saturday's tournament action that saw several SOL teams capture titles.
By Scott Huff
Souderton (2-0) was crowned champion of the Council Rock South Tip-Off Tournament with a 55-15 victory over host Council Rock South (1-1). That’s right, the final score was 55-15.
“We were happy to be there, it is a great tournament, but what a crazy day,” said Souderton head coach Dennis Stanton. “We saw them score 71 points the night before against Academy Park, and we were able to break down the film before we played them. We knew we played well defensively – limited them to one shot and communicated well – but it really didn’t feel like they scored only 15 points.
“I really didn’t notice the scoreboard, I was just coaching the game,” added Stanton. “It wasn’t like we were making them turn the ball over. We had about the same number of possessions, but we just shot the ball better.”
The best of the Big Red shooters was Ryan Connolly who buried five-ofsix shots from beyond the 3-point arc and scored a game-high 22 points. Luke Moyer added 17 points and dished out six assists for the winners.
“Sometimes I take Ryan for granted because he is such a good fundamental player,” said Stanton. “He boxes out on defense as good an any player in the league and he does all the little things you have to do to win basketball games.
“It was great for us to win this championship by beating both Ridley and South,” continued Stanton. “Any day that you can win a championship, it is a good day.”
Around the Suburban One League Continental Conference
Pennridge (2-0) won its own Pennridge Memorial Tournament trophy with a come-from-behind 53-46 victory over Methacton (1-1) in the title game. The Rams trailed 19-8 at the close of the first period but rallied for the victory. Senior Tim Abruzzo led Pennridge with 22 points, while fellow senior Andrew Lyons played well and scored 14 points.
Quakertown (1-1) won its first game of the seasonas the Panthers clawed Palisades (0-2) 63-45 in the consolation game of the Notre-Dame Green Pond Tournament. The Black Cats were led is scoring by Corey Jorgensen with a game-high 16 points, while Jon Landis scored in double figures with 15 points.
Central Bucks West (2-0) remained unbeaten with a 51-28 victory over Pottstown (0-2) in the SOL-PAC 10 Challenge. The Bucks trailed 11-10 at the end of the first period, but shut out the Trojans 19-0 in the second period to cruise to the win. Jared Kelly led CB West in scoring with 15 points, while Shane Kellar added nine points for the Bucks.
Ghosts Finally Claim Trophy
Abington (2-0) captured its own tournament for the first time as the Ghosts defeated Archbishop Wood (1-1) – 56-47.
“Archbishop Wood has won the tournament ever since it began four years ago,” said Abington head coach Charles Grasty. “To be able to beat them in the final is a special feeling for this team. It feels good to be 2-0.”
Anthony Durham – who scored 20 points to lead Abington in the championship final – was voted MVP of the tournament. Freshman Matt Penecale – who chipped in with 15 points in the Wood victory - was also impressive in the tournament.
“Anthony is just a junior and is coming around to becoming a very good basketball player,” said Grasty. “Once he begins to trust his teammates a little more, he is going to continue to develop his game.
“Matt is a player that really knows the game,” added Grasty. “We still are a team that is trying to develop a chemistry, and with a Jordan Simmons and Chris Ruhl in the mix – good things are going to happen.
“We have done a good job of pressuring the basketball and getting some easy baskets,” continued Grasty. “I told the kids to enjoy this for the moment, but to get ready to go back to work on Monday to get ready for our league schedule.”
Around the Suburban One League National Conference
William Tennent (1-1) finished in third place in the Southern Lehigh Tournamentas the Panthers clawed Upper Perkiomen (0-2) – 54-42. Tennent had lost in the opening round of the tournament to Harriton – 53-40.
Harry S Truman (1-1) fell in the championship game of its own tournament as the Tigers lost to Holy Ghost Prep (2-0) – 54-36. HST trailed HGP by a 24-11 margin at the close of the first half. Daiquan Ashley led the Tigers in scoring with 15 points, while Kenny Osborne added seven points.
Pennsbury (0-1) opened its season with a 61-48 loss to Malvern Prep (4-0). The Falcons had two players score in double figures. Shawn Pepper led Pennsbury with a 13-point effort, while Kieran Bolger scored in twin digits with 11 points.
Neshaminy (0-2) lost in the consolation game of the Rock the Rim Tournament to Dobbins (1-1) – 55-43. The Skins led the game 13-11 at the close of the first period but failed to secure the lead. Tyler Katz scored a team-high 18 points for Neshaminy, while Shaquel Vaughn scored 10 points for the Skins.
Panthers Win Tournament Title
Cheltenham (2-0) jumped out to a 20-8 first period lead and held off Frankford (1-1) to win its own tournament – 61-48.
“This is a team that has some experience, and if we can defend well enough maybe good things could happen to this team,” said Cheltenham head coach Brian Johnson. “We are at a point in time where we expect our experienced players to perform well – and so far they have done that.”
One of the best players in the SOL American Conference is third year starter Nafis Walker. Walker was one of three Panthers to score in double figures in the Frankford win with 15 points.
“Nafis has all the skills – he can handle the ball, is our leading rebounder, and is a willing passer,” said Johnson of his 6-foot, 3-inch senior. “What makes him so special is that he is more than willing to pass the basketball and make his teammates better.”
Walker joined Toyon Wynder and Jarrell Haywood in twin digit scoring for the Panthers. Wynder scored a game-high 16 points, while Haywood matched Walker’s total of 15 markers.
“So far this team has played very well together,” said Johnson. “They should be proud of what they have done so far this season, but there is a long way to go.”
Around the Suburban One League American Conference
Wissahickon (1-1) bounced back from its opening game loss to defeat West Chester Henderson (0-2) – 67-54 in the consolation game of the Abington Tournament. Jordan Reed was spectacular as he scored a game-high 35 points. The Trojans trailed 46-43 going into the final period but outscored WCH 24-8 in the final period.
Plymouth Whitemash (1-1) lost in the Rock the Rim championship finals as the Colonials dropped a 55-42 contest to Boys Latin (2-0). The game was tied 19-19 at the half, and PW was down by just a 39-36 count at the end of the third period. Anthony McKie led the Colonials with an 18-point performance.
Upper Moreland (1-1) lost in the Oreland Lions championship finals as the Golden Bears lost to Bishop McDevitt (2-0) – 69-50. Matt Kohn led Upper Moreland in scoring with an impressive 21-point outing, while Sean Valenza added 18 points for the Bears.
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