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Cheltenham 74, Springfield Township 41
Having wrapped up the SOL American Conference title last week, the Panthers are playing for power points this week, and Tuesday easily dispatched of Springfield in Cheltenham’s final home game of the regular season.
It was highlighted by the fact that it was Senior Night.
“This 2020 class with nine seniors that stayed and played with us is instrumental in everything that Cheltenham is currently and moving forward,” coach Patrick Fleury said.
“Zahree (Harrison) started for us tonight, so we took a 10-second violation. Just him coming back and everybody staying with us will forever be cherished. I am grateful and indebted to this class.
“It has been everything and more just coaching them and being around them and having that relationship. I love them. They are everything to me and for us.
Not that anybody else isn’t important, but this is a class I was able to recruit from Cedarbrook. So, if you think of that whole process, they played seventh grade together, they played eighth grade together – they won their tournament there – and then they stayed with each other for six years. I’ve seen them for all six of those years.
“It is unreal. This group is unreal. The class itself it’s unreal from the football aspect to the seniors that we have. The Class of 2020, as a teacher, I’m in awe of who they are. They’ve been a blessing to be around daily.”
Cheltenham jumped ahead early lead Tuesday with a 28-9 first quarter and by halftime its lead was up to 49-15.
David Pope and Jaelen McGlone scored 14 points each to lead the Panthers. Pope hit four 3-pointers in the game, while McGlone finished with seven rebounds, five assists and three steals.
Also, Travis Coleman had 10 points and seven steals, while Sean Emfinger ended up with 10 points and seven rebounds. Brandon Scott had nine points, seven rebounds and four steals, while Frank Saintildor had three blocks and three steals.
Cheltenham (19-2, 13-0 SOL) looks to close out a perfect league season on Thursday at second-place Abington. It currently is No. 4 in the District One Class 6A power points.
Springfield (6-14, 2-11 SOL) was led by Gabe Harris, who scored 17 points. It is No. 3 in District One Class 4A, with a home game Thursday against Upper Dublin remaining in the regular season.
Game Summary brought to you by
Springfield Twp 9-6-17-9 – 41
Cheltenham 28-21-13-12 – 74
Springfield Twp (41) – Amir Williams 6, Jay Joseph 1, Ethan Hamilton 2, Matt Leibfreid 5, Andrew Kennedy 4, Austin Maggioncalda 4, Gabe Harris 17.
Cheltenham (74) – Travis Coleman 10, Brandon Scott 9, Brandon Hawkins 2, Justin Savage 3, Saleem Payne 6, David Pope 14, Jaelen McGlone 14, Mike McClain 2, Sean Emfinger 10, Nasir Andino 3, Lou Liedtka 1