Penncrest Basketball Gets Back on Track, Derails Sun Valley

In the Penncrest Holiday Tournament, overcame a slow start, to win their first round match-up against Sun Valley, 49-35.

1

2

3

4

Final

Penncrest  (3-5)

9

15

21

4

49

Sun Valley (1-5)

13

8

8

6

35

IN SHORT:

Penncrest looked to have their hands full early on as Sun Valley held them scoreless until midway through the first quarter. However, Penncrest senior captain Alex Graham stepped up and knocked down two three-pointers to put the Lions back in the game despite great shooting by the Vanguards.

A second quarter three by Graham gave Penncrest their first lead of the game, and teammate Jimmy Allen matched Graham’s offensive intensity on the other end of the floor. Allen dove for loose balls and played high-pressure defense that led to fast break opportunities for the Lions.

Another three-pointer by Graham swung the momentum in Penncrest’s favor and gave the home team a lead that they would not surrender the rest of the game. On defense, the Lions held Sun Valley to single digits in the second quarter, a trend that continued in the third and fourth quarters due to a suffocating blend of full and half court presses. Junior center Kalvin Simpson ripped nine boards, including six on offense, to help Penncrest maintain possession and get plenty of second chance opportunities.

In the third quarter, Penncrest blew by the Sun Valley defense for 21 points, while surrendering just eight, to solidify the victory.

The dominating trio of Simpson, senior Dillon Rogers, and sophomore Rahmi Halaby emerged in the frontcourt in the second half; they combined for 16 points, 19 rebounds and four blocks.

LION OF THE GAME:

Alex Graham: Graham exhibited why he is the captain of the squad, playing at a high level throughout the night and sparking the Lions offense with four three-pointers in the first half. His 13 points and four assists were both team highs.

OTHER KEY PERFORMANCES:

Junior point guard Eddie Baxter scored 11 points, dished three assists, and cut down on turnovers to keep the Lions offense flowing. Allen, Rogers, Halaby, and Simpson all provided scoring and rebounding for Penncrest.

COACH'S TAKE:

"It was a do-or-die game for us, and we played like we knew we could. We executed and our frontcourt stepped up big time in the second half."—Penncrest Coach Mike Doyle

UP NEXT:

The Lions take on West Chester Henderson Thursday, Dec. 29 at 7:30 p.m. for the Penncrest Holiday Tournament Championship.