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BENSALEM 63, COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 49
The Owls made it official, clinching sole possession of the SOL National Conference crown with their big win over the Golden Hawks. It is the program’s first outright title since 1991.
“This is an amazing feeling,” coach Ron Morris said. “It’s surreal to win a league title in the first year coaching. I’ve said it before – I played at Bensalem, I teach at Bensalem, I live in Bensalem.
“This is truly for any player that’s ever played for our program – boys, girls – or any sport for that matter. We take some lumps, but this win is for everybody. It’s for anybody who has ever come through our hallways, it’s for our community. We have a tight community. That’s why we use the slogan ‘Bensalem Strong’ because we always stick together. This win is for everybody.”
Bensalem found itself on the short end of a 16-10 score after one quarter but outscored its visitors 30-16 over the next two quarters to go into the final frame with a 40-32 lead. The Owls closed it out with a 23-17 fourth quarter.
Jeremiah Alexander was the catalyst for the Owls, scoring a team-high 19 points.
“Jeremiah had his best offensive game of the season,” Morris said. “He’s been a defensive presence all year. He affects so many shots, and it was great to see him be able to get the ball in the bucket.
“He’s been working very hard on finishing around the rim, and tonight he did a really good job at it. We were well balanced scoring all the way across.”
James Ashford added 15 points, and Justin Johnson also finished in double figures with 11 points.
“Justin Johnson off the bench scored 11, and Luke Zeidler had six big points in the fourth quarter,” Morris said. “James is James – he’s going to do what he does.
“Aaron (Sanders) had a big three in the second half. He played such an awesome game as the point guard. It’s so impressive to watch him play as a sophomore.
“He was so smooth tonight – he made the right passes, calmed us down when we needed to. After our heartbreaking loss (to Abington) on Saturday, we watched film, and we realized when we have the lead how we have to play, and Aaron took control out there. Him and James (Ashford) slowed us down in the fourth quarter.”
Bensalem (16-3, 10-0 SOL) will host Harry S Truman on Thursday, and Council Rock South (12-7, 5-4) will host Pennsbury on Friday.
Game Summary brought to you by
Council Rock South 16-7-9-17 49 Bensalem 10-15-15-23 63
Council Rock South (49) – Jack Rebholz 8 2-4 20; Luca Baretta 5 0-2 13; Luke Meakim 0 1-2 1; Michael Stewart 2 8-10 13; Kevin McNamee 1 0-0 2; Totals 16 11-18 49.
Bensalem (63) – Travis Robinson 2 0-0 4; Justin Johnson 5 1-2 11; Aaron Sanders 3 0-0 8; Jeremiah Alexander 9 1-3 19; James Ashford 7 0-0 15; Luke Zeidler 3 0-0 6; Totals 29 2-5 63.
3-point goals: CRS – Luca Baretta 3, Jack Rebholz 2, Michael Stewart, Bensalem – Aaron Sanders 2, James Ashford.