Close Finish for West Catholic

Steve Pickens, Philly Hoops Recruiting Analyst

After Cardinal Dougherty’s 42 point loss to Neumann-Goretti last friday, the scene was set for the Cardinals to take on the Burrs of West Catholic Monday night. All eyes were on West’s senior center Ade Barek of the Burrs who was the tallest player on the floor and glided through the air during warm-ups. From the opening tip-off, it seemed the Burrs seemed had this one for sure by possesing more size and atheleticism.

After a very close game, the Burrs pulled out a slim 2 point win 43-41. West Catholic scored at will at the begining of the game but the Cardinals made defensive adjustments and the game stayed within their reach. The strong play of senior center Norman Dorsey Poles with put backs and mid-range shots made it impossible for the Burrs to shake free from the Cardinals.

Coach Heimerdinger apparently prepared his team well to play tonight because when the first quarter came to an end West Catholic was only ahead by 4 points. As the game progressed the Cardinals began to gain confidence with every play. Throughout the second quarter the Cardinals had everyone involved on both ends of the floor. CD point guard Brandyn Wims also ignited the offense by making spectacular assists and shooting with a sweet lefty stroke. The fans began to get involved going into the second half after the Cardinals pulled to within 1 point. Brandyn Wims came back onto the floor picking up from where he left off at the half. Getting his team involved and showing solid ball handling ability he wooed the crowd after a series of ankle breaking hesitation drives to the basket.

Sophomore guard Aquil Younger made acrobatic drives to the hole and attempted to take control of would ultimately turn out to be a hard-fought win for the Burrs. Numerous turnovers and blown layups along with missed free throws kept the Cardinals hanging around late, but at the end West proved to be the better team on this night by pulling out a close win.

Chester, please accept our apology

First of all, WE ARE SORRY. To Coach Larry Yarbray and the Chester community, please accept our apology. We had Chester High buried in the bottom of our Top 20 Preseason Rankings. Some of us that think we know it all were taken behind the woodshed and thrashed. On Saturday night, Chester High dismantled Imhotep Charter, 56-39, and we learned one thing about Chester High. They play hard every minute they are on the court. Psychologists call it normative culture. That means that you will do what you are allowed to do. Well at Chester High, players are only allowed to do things one way-INTENSELY! For decades Chester has been known to be confident, cocky, arrogant and any other description that is associated with winners we love to hate or hate to love. This year Chester High has unveiled its new 2008-09 model. A three headed monster led by Rahlir Jefferson(16 pts, 11 rebs), Maurice Nelson(game high 19 pts) and Kareem Robinson(8 pts). How much fun is it for the Pride faithful to see the backcourt of Laquan Robinson, Kareem Robinson and Maurice Nelson? Last names sound familar? They are the younger brothers of NBA star Jameer Nelson and UofPitt star Nasir Robinson, both alums of Chester High.

Chester controlled the game and frustrated Imhotep’s guards. Chester was too quick. Whenever Imhotep mounted a comeback, one of Chester’s big 3 would extend the Chester lead. Imhotep, led by Sam Prescott(13 pts) managed to tie the game midway through the third quarter. For Imhotep, Parrish Grant and Jamal Jones chipped in with 10 pts apiece. There were 2 key game notes. The first quarter ended 15-1, in Chester’s favor. The fourth quarter ended 21-9, in Chester’s favor. That means Chester got stronger as the game wore on. The season has just begun. Can you imagine what they’ll be like come playoff time?

Young PW succumbs to experienced Conestoga

Sunday, December 7, 2008 9:04 AM EST

By TOM KERRANE
Times Herald Staff

WHITEMARSH — In just the second game of this basketball season, the ultra-young Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials met up with probably the most veteran team they will face all season.

Conestoga High played just seven players Saturday night, all seniors.

PW started one senior, one junior, two sophomores and a freshman.

It was the long-fought battle of youth versus experience, and youth was not served.

The Pioneers never got out of their rhythm, played to their strengths and shot 50 percent for the night, knocking off the host Colonials, 50-43, in the championship game of the Rock the Rim Classic at Colonial Elementary School.

PW, now 1-1, did look young at times against the cohesive play of the Pioneers (2-0).

“You don’t have enough time in three weeks to give them everything they need to know without overloading their minds,” PW head coach Jim Donofrio said. “This is probably important for these guys, to be humbled a little bit.”