Bonner Basketball Loses in Overtime

Their was much anticipation for the 2009-10 Bonner basketball season opener. The green and white made some noise after a controversial season last year, reaching the quarterfinals of the playoffs before bowing out to North Catholic. Under new head coach Tom Meakim, Bonner looked to continue their string of three straight post season appearances. Unfortunately, they did not get off to a good start, losing a thriller to Malvern Prep. The game was tight through regulation. Malvern took a 11-10 lead at the end of the first quarter. Bonner took a 21-20 lead into the locker rooms at halftime. Neither team separated themselves in the final two quarters, and the game was tied at the end of regulation 45-45. But in overtime, Malvern took control. Bonner couldn't keep up with Malvern and fell by a score of 59-49. Junior DeQuann Walker had a game high 20 points for Malvern. Lamon Church scored 19 points, and Tracy Peal had 14 of his own. Meanwhile for Bonner, senior standout Jamal Melvin led the scoring with 18 points. Keefer Francis added 17 points of his own, but it wasn't enough. Bonner falls to 0-1 on the year, while Malvern improves to 4-1. Up next for Bonner is a date with Cardinal Dougherty this Sunday. Unless the two teams meet in the playoffs, this will be the last time the two schools will play each other on the basketball court, as Dougherty will close at the end of this school year along with North Catholic. Tip-off is set for 2:30 Sunday at Cardinal Dougherty High School.