PHILADELPHIA - The final seconds having ticked away, Germantown Academy’s players stood in unison. Their forlorn countenance served as a symbol for what had just occurred.
In the Pennsylvania Independent School (PAISAA) championship February 27 at Penn Charter High School, the Patriots had lost to Westtown School, 73-65. A season highlighted by capturing a fourth consecutive Inter-Academic League title and a 24-6 record had come to a close, and all that was left was a final handshake with the victors and a walk to the locker room.
“This is obviously sad that we didn’t cap (the season) off with a championship,” said Bailey Whitman, one of three seniors whose scholastic career came to a close. “It’s more sad that I have to end with this family. I have become so close with them.”
GA vs. Westtown
This loss hurt for several reasons, but perhaps the most gnawing aspect was that Germantown Academy had led by 10 points midway through the second quarter, and a triumph seemed very plausible.
Westtown, however, is a frighteningly athletic team. The Moose, who hail from West Chester and had lost in the tournament final in consecutive years, run like gazelles and dribble like Harlem Globetrotters. Several players are atop the lists of numerous Division I coaches.
Junior star Brandon Randolph (29 points on 11 for 15 shooting) can soar through the air with relative ease. They’re tall, especially 6-11 junior Mohamed Bamba (13 points, 17 rebounds). That’s not even yet mentioning sophomore Cameron Reddish (17 points, six rebounds, six assists) and George Washington University-bound Jair Bolden.
Kyle McCloskey with a late three
Devon Goodman's final basket of his GA career
GA's final substitutions of the season
In other words, the Patriots were challenged by an ultra-talented program, yet refused to yield to the percentages. Though they trailed by 11 points in the fourth quarter, GA twice moved to within five points in the later stages. If not for some missed free throws and two offensive foul calls earlier in the game – seriously Twilight Zone-type material – the Patriots might have pulled off the upset.
GA coach Jim Fenerty complimented Westtown for its tremendous performance and lauded his Patriots for their toughness and integrity.
His kind analysis was warranted.
GA’s main cast of characters completed an outstanding campaign in style. Before being subbed out in the closing seconds, Inter-Ac Most Valuable Player Devon Goodman contributed 25 points and all-out hustle. Junior Kyle McCloskey tallied 15 points and 12 boards while junior Evan-Eric Longino added 15 points.
Bailey Whitman reflects on final game
Devon Goodman looks back on GA's season
Gabe Alter summarizes GA's bittersweet season
Later, Goodman became emotional.
“It’s hard,” said Goodman. “They’re a great team, but so are we. We were never out of the game. But losing today doesn’t take away what we were able to accomplish. We have nothing at all to be ashamed about.”
Senior Gabe Alter agreed.
“It’s kinda bittersweet,” he said. “To lose the last game is never fun, but we played with a lot of heart against a team that has a lot of talent. We played really, really hard, and we fought to the end. It’s the way it’s been all year.
“Coach Fenerty said that it was one of the hardest working groups he’s ever had, and I believe him. I’m so proud of my teammates.”
NOTES: Goodman finished his career with 1,201 points, 18thbest in GA history . . . Goodman scored 78 points in the four-game tournament, followed by Longino’s 72.
(John Knebels can be reached at jknebels@gmail.com.)