RADNOR, PA - Archbishop Carroll hosted Malvern Prep in the Scholastic Play by Play Classic on Saturday night for their first game of the season. The Patriots took the victory over the Friars 69-58 in a hard fought contest.
Archbishop Carroll led at halftime 38-24, but the Friars came out red hot in the third quarter outscoring the Patriots 19-7 to erase their 14 point deficit. Despite their rapid comeback, Malvern Prep never took the lead in the second half and the Patriots recovered by out-scoring the Friars 24-15 in the fourth quarter leading them to victory.
Carroll vs. Malvern Prep tip-off - PSD Photo taken by Jt Hoagland
Keyon Butler was awarded the MVP trophy for Archbishop Carroll - PSD photo by Jt Hoagland
Deuce Turner was awarded the MVP trophy for Malvern Prep - PSD Photo taken by Jt Hoagland
Archbishop Carroll sophomore guard AJ Hoggard led both teams in scoring with 23 points and 11 assists. Senior forward Keyon Butler took home the MVP award for Carroll after totaling 18 points and 12 rebounds. Butler explained how playing against a powerful non-league opponent allows his team to make proper adjustments before league play begins.
“It was a nice way to open up the season, see how my teammates transpired to the game and see who’s ready,” said Butler. “I feel like everybody stepped up and it was a good start.”
Although it’s still early in the season, Butler already has his eyes set on attaining a new piece of hardware in the New Year.
“We take it one game at a time, but the ultimate goal is always championships, chasing every championship we can get,” said Butler.
Senior Forward Devon Ferrero also tallied 6 points and 7 rebounds for the Patriots.
Malvern Prep’s sophomore guard Deuce Turner was awarded the MVP trophy for the Friars after recording 16 points and shooting 11-12 from the free throw line. Spencer Cochran and Isaac White also added 13 points apiece for Malvern Prep.
Archbishop Carroll is now 1-0 on the season and will play again tonight at 6:00pm at West Chester University in the West Chester University Showcase vs. Coatesville. Malvern Prep will also compete in the showcase and will take the floor against another Catholic League opponent, Bonner-Prendergast.
-Article & photos by Jt Hoagland, PSD Jr. Reporter from Archbishop Carroll.