Roxborough Falls to West Philly in Playoff Opener

In a disappointing home loss, ended its mostly positive boys basketball season by dropping a first-round playoff match to West Philadelphia High School, 66-52. From the begining, the favored Indians were outmatched by West Philly and never developed a rhythm. Though the team worked possessions to the end, Roxborough ended its year early Tuesday.

IN SHORT

West Philly guard Desmond Sams and forward Marquese Hill put on a clinic on the Indian defense by outrunning Roxborough, finshing plays and following up misses. Sams used his speed well to hustle and tally 19 points. His sizeable counterpart always seemed to positon himself for an easy basket, on his way to 15 points.

Roxborough got down big early, and never could dig itself out of the hole. Every Indian rally was squashed by a turnover or clutch three-pointer by West Philly. The Indians struggled to box out on rebounds and hoisted too many ill-advised jumpers. Coach Terrell Burnett felt many of his players underperforme. Though the team began clicking in the fourth quarter, West Philly padded its lead well and made its free throws. 

INDIANS OF THE GAME

Josh Collins—The senior led Roxborough in scoring with 21 points and finished well both inside and outside.

Samson Akano—This senior captain played well in some of Roxborough's late rallies—highlighted by an exciting dunk near the end of the game.

OTHER KEY PERFORMANCES

Desmond Sams—The feisty senior guard led West Philly in scoring with 19 points and pestered Roxborough on offense and defense.

Marquese Hill—Roxborough had no answer for the senior bigman, who finished with 16 points.

COACH'S TAKE—"We came out slow and got in the hole... They were flat, maybe in the whole game they played three good minutes." Head Coach Terrell Burnett

THEY SAID IT—"They played well this season. I'm happy for a lot of them. They got a home playoff game, and that's great for the seniors."—Burnett