PHILADELPHIA – One of the benefits of being in a six-team league is finding a venue and playing three consecutive games. Six hours later, voila! Every team has had a chance to showcase its early wardrobe.
On Friday afternoon and early evening at Philadelphia University and for the 23rd straight season, the Inter-Academic League boys’ basketball teams performed in front of a variety of audiences – all of them quite loud. For a basketball junkie, it was a taste of hoops heaven.
After the last free throw taken, final foul called, and finishing pencil mark stroked by a scorekeeper, it was time to compile the carnage.
Episcopal vs. Penn Charter (25 photos by Zamani Feelings)
In Game One, Episcopal Academy evened its overall record at 8-8 by defeating Penn Charter, 62-47. Competing without last year’s Inter-Ac scoring champion, junior Nick Alikakos, the Churchmen were led by sophomore Matt Dade (18 points), senior Kyle Virbitsky (16), and senior Conner Delaney (13). The Quakers (8-5) received 13 points from junior Mason Williams and 10 from freshman Ryan Holmes.
“It was a great team win because we all contributed,” said Dade. “It was very important to start the league off strong, and it will add confidence to take into our next game.”
EA sophomore Matt Dade totaled 18-points vs. Penn Charter - PSD photo by Zamani Feelings
Delaney said the Churchmen “remembered what we went through last year,” referring to losing its league opener, which ultimately cost them at least a share of the league crown.
“Especially with Nick (Alikakos) out, the win gives us confidence,” said Delaney. “We were focused from the beginning and played as tough as we have played all season on the defensive end. We took great shots, and to combine those two is what will help us to continue to have success.”
The Churchmen have struggled since Alikakos severely sprained his ankle, losing seven of their last eight before beating Penn Charter.
“We’ve played really hard lately but just couldn’t seem to figure it out,” said Virbitsky. “I think we finally put it together and it showed.”
Germantown Academy vs. Haverford School (30 Photos by Zamani Feelings)
Game two was the marquee event. Defending champion Germantown Academy entered with a 10-3 record while Haverford School swaggered in with an even better 10-1 mark. Because they had not even a single senior on the roster, a Fords’ upset seemed implausible.
Final score: Haverford School 49, Germantown Academy 41.
Trailing by double digits at halftime, the Patriots and senior Kyle McCloskey (18 points) rallied to keep it close down the stretch. Betraying their youth, however, the Fords maintained their poise and closed out an extremely impressive victory.
Kharon Randolph led the Haverford School with 20 points - PSD Photo by Zamani Feelings
“It was a great team win,” said junior Kharon Randolph, whose 20 points led literally every Inter-Ac player. “We won the game with defense and sticking to our game plan. It was vital for us to start off with a win because every game matters in the Inter-Ac. You only get 10 chances to win a championship.”
Holding GA to 41 points took a collective effort.
“We defended well and played with great energy,” said Haverford School coach Bernie Rogers. “Christian Ray leads us in scoring at 18 points per game, and despite not shooting great, he still defended and rebounded. Gavin Burke is one of our better perimeter shooters who had an off night, but he does so many little things to help the team win. Jameer Nelson and Nasir Smith did a good job of guarding (GA standout Evan-Eric) Longino.”
Malvern Prep vs. Springside Chestnut Hill (34 Photos by Zamani Feelings)
In Game Three, Malvern Prep (5-6) placed four players in double figures and topped Springside-Chestnut Hill, 77-52. Freshman Deuce Turner tallied a game-high 14 points. Senior Tommy Wolfe added 13, sophomore TyGee Lynch 12, and freshman Isaac White 10. For SCH (6-5), senior Zuri Peyton and freshman Ke’Shawn Williams netted nine apiece.
“We know that the other teams in the league are going to be much tougher,” said Turner. “It’s still nice to go into the league with that first win.”
Looking Ahead: This Friday, all six teams will face-off once again. The Haverford School will host Springside Chestnut Hill at 7PM, Malvern will travel to Episcopal at 7:15PM and Germantown Academy will host Springside Chestnut Hill at 7:30PM.
(John Knebels can be reached at jknebels@gmail.com.)