Penncrest Struggles to Score in League Loss

s point total was a season-low, and the starters combined for just 13 points. The loss dropped the boy’s basketball team to 1-7 at home and 6-9 overall.

1

2

3

4

Final

Penncrest (6-9)

7

6

6

3

22

Ridley (7-8)

5

13

12

7

37

IN SHORT:

Neither team produced on offense to start the game. Junior Kalvin Simpson broke the seal on the Lions’ scoring drought halfway through the first quarter with a layup on a pass from fellow Junior Eddie Baxter. Simpson failed to score the rest of the game, but rebounded very well throughout. A three-pointer by Senior Alex Graham gave Penncrest the lead, and a great pass from Senior Dillon Rogers to Baxter finished the first quarter scoring for the team.

Despite only putting seven points on the scoreboard, the first quarter was a huge success for Penncrest. The team held Ridley’s Senior Forward Shawn Church, who many consider to be the best player in the Central League, scoreless.

However, they weren’t so fortunate the rest of the game.

Church opened up the second quarter with five straight points and finished the night with a game-high 16. Sophomore Rahmi Halaby, Rogers, and Graham each scored a basket for Penncrest, but two consecutive threes by Ridley dug a hole that Penncrest couldn’t get out of. On top of giving up 13 points in the second quarter, the Lions were beaten up down low and allowed second-chance opportunities on offense that they couldn’t afford. 

Ridley, behind the hot hand of Church, heated up in the second half and made the game a lopsided affair. A three-point play by Halaby was the lone bright spot in a dull third quarter for the Penncrest offense. Both teams continued to play strong defense, but the home team couldn’t take care of the ball and failed to execute on set plays.

The fourth quarter was more of the same for the struggling Lions, who scored just three points in the final eight minutes.

LION OF THE GAME:

Rahmi Halaby: The sophomore forward came off the bench and scored a team-high nine points. He has become a dominant offensive weapon down low for a team filled with perimeter players.

OTHER KEY PERFORMANCES:

Graham scored seven points and grabbed five rebounds while Simpson came down with a team-high eight boards. 

COACH’S TAKE:

"We weren’t able to find the open man tonight. Our lack of communication on offense really hurt the team."—Penncrest Coach Mike Doyle

UP NEXT:

The Lions play Strath Haven at home on Friday, Jan. 20. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.