By: John Knebels
HERSHEY, PA – No tears.
As Bonner-Prendergast ambled toward their locker room after losing a hard-fought, 67-56 decision to Imhotep Charter in the PIAA Class 4A state championship at the Giant Center, the Friars held their heads high.
For good reason.
“I don’t think it was disappointing at all,” said senior Mike Perretta. “We left everything we had out there. That’s a very good team we played. It would be 50-50 every time we played them.”
Although his numbers (five points, two assists, and a steal in 16 minutes) were tepid, Perretta represented the grit and determination of a Bonner-Prendergast squad that played its best ball of the season in the state tournament.
Whether it was helping direct the defense, encouraging a teammate, or staring down a would-be scorer, Perretta had the countenance of a fearless competitor.
Although the District 12 champion Friars (22-7) were outscored in every quarter, it was a 20-14 Imhotep advantage in the third period that opened up a 47-37 deficit. Combined with major foul troubles (four of B-P’s top five players were plagued with four fouls throughout most of the fourth quarter), the Friars faced an uphill climb.
Although two-time Most Valuable Player senior Isaiah Wong finished his incredible career with 29 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals without sitting a single second, and junior Donovan Rodriguez contributed 14 points and four rebounds, the Friars were unable to discover the flow that constructed a four-game winning streak and a trip to their first-ever state final appearance.
“After we lost to Neumann-Goretti in the (Catholic League) playoffs, coach (Kevin Funston) gave us a week off and we all got our minds right and ready for states,” said Perretta. “That changed everything.”
MBAP senior Mike Perretta is proud of his teammates and they way they played tough defense until the end:
MBAP junior Donovan Rodriguez helped keep the Friars within striking distance:
Like his teammates, Rodriguez lamented not having another chance of beating an Imhotep team (26-6) that they had edged earlier in the year. But Rodriguez wasn’t making excuses.
“There were some plays that didn’t go our way,” said Rodriguez. “We didn’t do enough to get the job done.”
Perretta promised to return to his alma mater next season and root for the Friars.
“I’m very proud of these guys,” said Perretta. “They’re my brothers for life. I love everybody on this team.”
MBAP PIAA 4A Highlights:
MBAP Photos:
MBAP Photos:
MBAP Friars Award Ceremony:
(John Knebels can be reached at Jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)