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#24 NORTH PENN 69, #16 COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 51
The visiting Knights took a tenuous 18-16 lead into the second quarter but then limited the Golden Hawks to just six points in the second quarter and outscored their hosts 31-15 in the middle two frames to seize complete control of the game.
“That was what we talked about at the quarter – 16 points (in the first quarter) was too many,” NP coach John Conrad said. “We just talked about how we had to play better defense, and I thought we did in the second and third quarters, and that allowed us to extend our lead going into the fourth.”
The Knights, who led 32-22 at halftime, took a commanding 49-31 lead into the final quarter. Kolby Barrow connected on a pair of 3s and scored eight of his team’s 14 points in the second quarter.
In the second half, Matt Swanson had the hot hand, scoring 18 of his game-high 23 points after the intermission. He had had 12 points in the Knights’ 20-point fourth quarter.
“We had a nice lead in the fourth, and they extended themselves with some pressure, and Matt was the beneficiary at the back end,” Conrad said. “Our guards did a nice job of handling the press, and he was able to finish.”
Also for the Knights, Josh Jones scored 16 points. Mike Chaffee added 12, Kolby Barrow had eight and Rob Carangi finished with six.
“I knew our size would be a problem for them, and we were able to score, but in the first quarter we didn’t defend very well,” Conrad said. “In the second and third, I thought Mike Chaffee did a really nice job on (Jack) Rebholz, and that was the turning point where we were able to get some stops and transition baskets.”
Rebholz, who finished with nine points, had just three points heading into the final quarter when he buried a pair of 3s.
“All of our guards really played well,” Conrad said. “CR South likes to extend you and shoot from the perimeter, and I thought our guard play was really good defensively. I thought all of them – Joey (Larkins), Kolby (Barrow) and Mike (Chaffee) – did a nice job of handling the pressure.”
Michael Stewart’s 17 points led the Golden Hawks. Luca Baratta and Luke Meakim also finished in double figures with 10 points each.
North Penn (11-14, 5-7 SOL) will travel to #12 Central Bucks East for a playback game on Tuesday. The winner will earn a berth in the PIAA 6A state tournament.
“One of my kids asked me at practice the other day – will we ever be home again, and I said, ‘Not this year,’” Conrad said. “We’ve been on the road for a while now, and it’s just a testament to our seniors and our senior leadership.
“The kids know the position we’re in, and hopefully, they’re hungry. I know they’ve worked hard. Erik (Henrysen) does a great job at East. We’ll see what happens Tuesday night.”
Council Rock South (8-4 SOL) saw its successful season end with a 16-9 record, a seven win improvement over last year’s 9-13 season.
Game Summary brought to you by
North Penn 18-14-17-20 69
Council Rock South 16-6-9-20 51
North Penn (69) – Kolby Barrow 3 0-0 8; Josh Jones 7 0-1 16; Joe Larkins 1 2-2 4; Mike Chaffee 5 0-0 12; Rob Carangi 2 2-2 6; Matt Swanson 10 3-5 23; Totals 28 7-8 69.
Council Rock South (51) – Jack Rebholz 3 1-2 9; Joe Purcell 2 0-0 5; Luca Baratta 4 0-0 10; Luke Meakim 3 4-4 10; Michael Stewart 6 3-4 17; Totals 18 8-10 51.
3-point goals: NP – Mike Chaffee 2, Josh Jones 2, Kolby Barrow 2, CRS – Michael Stewart 2, Luca Baratta 2, Jack Rebholz 2, Joe Purcell.