BY: JOHN KNEBELS
(PHOTOS/ RYAN NIX FOR PSD)
FORT WASHINGTON, PA – Halfway through the third quarter, Penn Charter coach Joe Maguire walked the sideline toward his befuddled players stationed near the Germantown Academy basket.
He had, umm, something to say.
“They want it more,” he said in a steady, no-nonsense tone. “They want it more. They want it more. They . . . want . . . it . . . more.”
The visiting Quakers trailed, 37-26, with 5:33 remaining in the third quarter. From that point on, Penn Charter outscored the Patriots by 35-21, and after the buzzer sounded, Thursday afternoon's 61-58 victory balanced the Quakers on level ground as they pursue a third consecutive Inter-Academic League crown.
“This was a playoff game,” said Maguire.
Penn Charter vs. Germantown Academy Game Highlights (Video/ John Knebels for PSD)
Because the Inter-Ac determines its champion – or often, and annoyingly, co-champion – by the best regular-season record or records, Maguire’s statement was spot on.
With the regular season approximately one third complete, the “big three” league competitors clearly comprise Penn Charter, Germantown Academy, and Notre Dame Academy. All three have one league loss (Notre Dame beat Penn Charter; Germantown Academy defeated Notre Dame; Penn Charter upended Germantown Academy).
A Penn Charter loss would have most likely nullified an ultimate outright title. But now? Inter-Ac supremacy remains a mystery.
“This is why we do the December schedule,” said Maguire. “It’s why we play the teams we play. We play a challenging schedule for these games.”
Freshman sensation Ryan Carter and junior standout Kaylinn Bethea accounted for 72 percent of Penn Charter’s offense. Carter hit two three’s and connected on six-of-six free throws, scoring 17 of her 28 points in the second half to go along with five defensive rebounds, three assists, three steals, and five deflections. Bethea finished with 16 points, six boards, three assists, two steals, one block and five deflections.
Both players confirmed that Maguire’s third-quarter message resonated with the entire team.
“It tells you you’re not working hard enough,” said Carter. “If your coach is telling you they want more, they must be doing something different that you’re not.”
Penn Charter Head Coach Joe Maguire challenged his players late in third-quarter. (video/ John Knebels for PSD)
After scoring a combined 44 points, junior Kaylinn Bethea and freshman Ryan Carter assess Penn Charter’s winning performance. (video/ John Knebels for PSD)
Various stretches indicated that Penn Charter lost focus. Unnecessary attempts at highlight-reel passes, too much fancy dribbling, and ill-advised shooting helped put Germantown Academy – paced by senior Izzy Casey (17 points, eight rebounds), senior Jess Aponik (17 points, six rebounds, four deflections), and junior Jess Kolecki (eight points, seven rebounds, three assists) – headed for a huge win.
Then came Maguire’s firm memo loud enough for all to hear – but only meant for his players – early in the third. From that point, Penn Charter exuded maturity.
Aided by immense three-pointers from sophomore Liv Vieira (three rebounds, two steals) and freshman Mia DiBenedetto, the Quakers outscored the Patriots by 19-14 in the pivotal fourth quarter.
“We still had time,” said Bethea. “We had to lock in and take the right shots. It’s always about that extra pass to get that good shot instead of going in for a wild, crazy layup. Once you get into the third quarter, you have to lock in.”
Germantown Academy’s players, undoubtedly perturbed by their missing numerous layups throughout the contest, exited the locker room in obvious displeasure.
Germantown Academy vs. Penn Charter - PSD Gallery by Ryan Nix
“You have to give credit to Penn Charter and their ability to finish and execute,” said Patriots coach Lauren Power. “We got away from executing, and we have to keep our composure down the stretch. You give up 15 offensive rebounds, it’s hard to win the game.
“There are always positives. We played a really strong three quarters. That’s a positive. Losses are hard, but they can be invaluable. You learn in the losses. We have to figure out how to close out games.”
(Contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)