The Patriots Defeat Malvern Prep in Nail-biting Finish
FORT WASHINGTON, PA-The final score seemed more reflective of an NBA game than a high school tilt. But when two potent teams like Germantown Academy and Malvern Prep get together, all bets are off.
On Friday afternoon, in a boxing match-type contest that was moved up two and a half hours and still barely preceded the Great Winter Blast of 2016, the host Patriots edged Malvern, 88-84.
“That was huge for us,” said GA junior Kyle McCloskey, minutes after greeting a barrage of congratulatory friends and family. “We lost Tuesday (to Episcopal) and we didn’t play well. We got off to a slow start and it cost us. It was big to come together and get this win.”
McCloskey scored six of his game-high 28 points in a fourth quarter that see-sawed until the closing seconds. The final stanza also took forever to complete, as GA approached the free-throw line 23 times – that is not a misprint – and connected on 18 of them. Meanwhile, Malvern was 5 of 9 from the stripe.
GA's Kyle McCloskey scores two of his 28 points -video John Knebels
The game’s unsung hero was junior Cole Storm – appropriately named considering what was brewing outside the warm, dry gymnasium. Storm nailed all six of his fourth-quarter free throws and was 8 for 8 overall. He finished with 10 points, much to the appreciation of his teammates.
“I missed on two of mine, but (Storm) came through huge,” said McCloskey. “He really stepped up.”
GA's Cole Storm Clinches game with his 8th straight free throw -video by John Knebels
GA's Devon Goodman talks about his 1,000th point
Germantown Academy Fans in white-out to support team -photo by John Knebels
GA's Devon Goodman prepares for final quarter -photo John Knebels
The Patriots’ victory, which improved their overall record to 15-5 and placed them one half game ahead of Episcopal Academy for first place (EA’s game was postponed) in the Inter-Ac at 4-1, included Devon Goodman’s 1,000th career point. The senior guard needed 13, but early foul trouble held him to five points in the first half, presenting the possibility that he might have to wait for another day.
Not quite. Goodman dominated the third quarter, scoring 13 before adding six more in the fourth for a total of 24. Point number 1,000 occurred on a three-point play, starting with a baseline layup that brought the house down since it put Goodman in quadruple digits. After stopping the game to honor the 22nd player in GA history to achieve such heights, Goodman added a free throw for good measure.
“I was more focused on the win,” said Goodman. “The milestone is a great addition to the win. To be on that list of great players is a great honor.”
GA coach Jim Fenerty described Goodman as “family,” and said Goodman’s talent level might be so vast that it occasionally costs him some production.
“Devon is so fast that it’s sometimes hard for his teammates to keep up with him,” said Fenerty. “He’s a terrific player and a great kid. He’s become a really good point guard, and GA has a history of some really good point guards.”
Malvern Prep Faculty cheering section pictured (left to right) Mike Rawlings, John Ostick, Fran Kenny (retired), Athletic Director Kurt Ruch -photo John Knebels
Malvern (11-8, 3-2) was lethal from three-point land, hitting 15 altogether – four in the first quarter, six in the second, one in the third, and four in the fourth.
Senior guard Will Powers drilled six threes, four of them in the second quarter. He finished with a team-high 26 points, amazing considering that he was held scoreless in the first quarter. Sophomore O’Shaan Alison and senior Mike Hollingsworth both netted 14, and sophomore Brady Devereaux added 12.
“We knew this would be a really tough game,” said Fenerty. “John (Harmatuk, Malvern’s coach) did a great job.”
Malvern Prep's Mike Narzikul drills a late three - video John Knebels
Both teams next play on Tuesday. Germantown Academy visits Haverford School at 3:45, and Malvern Prep visits Springside-Chestnut Hill at 5:30.
(John Knebels can be reached at jknebels@gmil.com.)