Prendie's bowling team took on O'Hara on Wednesday, looking to win and move on to the Catholic League finals. Unfortunately, the Pandas luck ran out. They lost a close battle to O'Hara 2,008 to 1,998. Kellie Lee led Prendie with a 195 high game, and a 520 series. O'Hara moves on to the finals versus Little Flower. Prendie's season comes to an end earlier then they would have hoped.
Other then the bowling team, not much has been going on in the world of Bonner and Prendie sports. The basketball teams are done for the year, and the hockey team has been idle as they wait to battle in the playoffs. They'll be in the semifinals against either Lansdale Catholic or Conwell-Egan on Tuesday, March 2nd. The puck drops at 8:15 at the Skatium.
For those who follow high school sports, the Catholic League finals for basketball have been set. Defending Catholic League champion, and nationally ranked Neumann-Goretti defeated St. Joe's Prep 74-60 to move to the championship game. They'll take on defending PIAA AAA State Champion Archbishop Carroll. The Patriots defeated LaSalle in a nail biter 51-47. Carroll will be without star guard DJ Irving. Irving, a Boston University recruit, broke his hand in the second quarter of the game against LaSalle. The Patriots, who lost to the Saints twice already this year, are already facing a tough task. Neumann-Goretti, the sixth ranked team in the nation according to ESPN's top 50, boast four division 1 recruits. This game should be a great game. The game is scheduled for Monday night at the Palestra at 8:00pm after the girls game at 6:30.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Prendie Upended by Ryan in Quarterfinals
Jess Rotella scored 16 points for Prendie but it was not enough to stop Archbishop Ryan and advance to the semi-finals of the Catholic League girls playoffs. The Ragdolls defeated the Pandas 53-36, courtesy of Ryan's Jess Koci's 21 point effort. They'll move on to the semi-finals to take on Archbishop Wood. Meanwhile, the Pandas season ends on a sour note. But there is much to be proud of, and much to look forward to for next year. The team boosted their record from 12-11 a year ago to 16-9 this year. They notched big wins in a tournament in Daytona Beach over top teams across the nation. They were ranked 10th in the state at one point this year, and won a playoff game over Little Flower. It was a good season for the girls, but it unfortunately ends with disappointment. However, things look bright for this young team. Tom Stewart's squad loses only two seniors, in Jenna Gassew and Miranda Schieler. Other than that, they'll return everyone. With experience under their belt, the younger players look to improve on this season and venture deeper into the postseason. For now, this season closes, and as the saying goes, we "wait til next year."
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Prendie Takes on Ryan Friday Night in Quarterfinals
Although the Bonner boys may be done their season, the Prendie girls are still fighting onward. Prendie is coming off a 56-40 win over Little Flower on Tuesday evening. That gave them the right to face the number three seeded Ragdolls of Archbishop Ryan, who had a first round bye. The two squads faced each other earlier in the season, with Ryan coming out on top. The upset-minded Pandas look to earn some sweet revenge, and win where it counts in the postseason.
The game will be played Friday night, February 19th, at 7:00pm. Admission is $5.
The game will be played Friday night, February 19th, at 7:00pm. Admission is $5.
If You're a High School Hoops Junkie...
Here's the schedule for the quarterfinal round of the PCL Boys Playoffs on Saturday:
At Archbishop Ryan
Archbishop Carroll vs Archbishop Wood 12 pm
LaSalle vs North Catholic 4pm
At Archbishop Carroll
Neumann-Goretti vs Cardinal Dougherty 3pm
Roman Catholic vs St. Joseph's Prep 7pm
Admission for each game is $5
At Archbishop Ryan
Archbishop Carroll vs Archbishop Wood 12 pm
LaSalle vs North Catholic 4pm
At Archbishop Carroll
Neumann-Goretti vs Cardinal Dougherty 3pm
Roman Catholic vs St. Joseph's Prep 7pm
Admission for each game is $5
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Bonner's Season Ends Earlier Then Planned
Well, all good things must come to an end. After winning their final two games to get into the playoffs, the Bonner basketball team was ousted in the first round by St. Joe's Prep, falling 57-45 on Wednesday afternoon. Joe Nardi scored almost half of the Prep's points, scoring a game high of 23. Jamal Melvin led Bonner with 16, while Keefer Francis had 12. With the win, the Prep moves on to the quarterfinals where they will face Roman Catholic. Meanwhile, the Friars season ends too early.
But this team deserves credit for their accomplishments. After getting off to a very slow start in the Catholic League, they knocked off a very talented North Catholic squad twice, and a good Father Judge team as well. Both teams are in the playoffs, facing each other tonight. Bonner also continued it's recent dominance over O'Hara winning both games. Bonner has now won 15 of 17 against the Lions, and have swept them in four consecutive years. So the 2009-10 season has come and gone. But the Friars will be back next year ready to compete. Although they'll lose senior stalwarts Jamal Melvin, Keefer Francis, Dan Vanderslice, Miles Williams, Rick Reigner, they'll return with some talented juniors ready to lead the green and white. Standouts Joe McGinn and Scott Slade look to propel Bonner further next year. There is certainly hope for a good showing next year. But for now, we say goodbye to basketball, and move outdoors for the spring season. Spring sports begin March 1st!
There is some good Bonner news to be passed along, believe it or not. The team had three All-Catholic players this year. Jamal Melvin earned second team honors. Keefer Francis and Scott Slade earned third team recognition. Congratulations go out to the three players.
In other Playoff action: North Catholic defeated Father Judge 66-64 on a buzzer beater, and advance to the quarterfinals against LaSalle. Archbishop Wood beat West Catholic 55-46. Cardinal Dougherty beat Conwell-Egan 64-53.
But this team deserves credit for their accomplishments. After getting off to a very slow start in the Catholic League, they knocked off a very talented North Catholic squad twice, and a good Father Judge team as well. Both teams are in the playoffs, facing each other tonight. Bonner also continued it's recent dominance over O'Hara winning both games. Bonner has now won 15 of 17 against the Lions, and have swept them in four consecutive years. So the 2009-10 season has come and gone. But the Friars will be back next year ready to compete. Although they'll lose senior stalwarts Jamal Melvin, Keefer Francis, Dan Vanderslice, Miles Williams, Rick Reigner, they'll return with some talented juniors ready to lead the green and white. Standouts Joe McGinn and Scott Slade look to propel Bonner further next year. There is certainly hope for a good showing next year. But for now, we say goodbye to basketball, and move outdoors for the spring season. Spring sports begin March 1st!
There is some good Bonner news to be passed along, believe it or not. The team had three All-Catholic players this year. Jamal Melvin earned second team honors. Keefer Francis and Scott Slade earned third team recognition. Congratulations go out to the three players.
In other Playoff action: North Catholic defeated Father Judge 66-64 on a buzzer beater, and advance to the quarterfinals against LaSalle. Archbishop Wood beat West Catholic 55-46. Cardinal Dougherty beat Conwell-Egan 64-53.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
On to the Quarterfinals for Prendie Hoops
Prendie's Sara Smith scored a team high 15 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, and teammate Ingrid Fitzgerald chipped in 13 of her own to give the Pandas a 56-40 victory over Little Flower in the first round of the playoffs. The Pandas cashed in from the charity stripe, going 14 for 21 from the line. With the win, Prendie moves onto the quarterfinals, where they will take on Archbishop Ryan. Ryan defeated O'Hara tonight 36-26 in a make up game, but really for seeding purposes. They clinch the three seed, and O'Hara gets the four seed. The match-up is set for Friday, February 19th, at Archbishop Ryan. Tip off for the quarter-final game is set for 7:00pm.
Prendie in First Round of the Playoffs Tonight
Not to be outdone by the Bonner boys, the Prendie girls basketball team has a playoff game of their own. They'll take on Little Flower tonight in the first round of the Catholic League playoffs. Tip-off is set for 7:00 pm at HOME in Prendie's gym. The Pandas, led by juniors Jess Rotella and Lindsay Cras, along with senior Jenna Gassew, finished the regular season at 9-6 in the league. They crushed Little Flower in their meeting earlier in the year by a score of 51-21, and look to do the same tonight. Come on out tonight to Prendie and root on the Pandas. Go Prendie!
Monday, February 15, 2010
"You Kiddin' Me?! Playoffs?!"
Archbishop Ryan certainly helped out the Bonner Friars basketball team yesterday. By losing to Father Judge in their final regular season game, the Raiders opened the door for a fifth consecutive playoff berth for the green and white. They took advantage yesterday, defeating O'Hara 56-43, giving both Ryan and Bonner four wins apiece. However, Bonner still had another game left, and all they had to do was win and they'd be in. The only problem was they had to get past North Catholic, winners of five in a row coming into the match. Not only was North the hottest team in the league, they were playing in the final regular season home game in the history of the school (barring a reversal of Cardinal Rigali's order to close down North Catholic). None of this mattered. A North Catholic celebration was spoiled by the Bonner boys, who celebrated themselves, winning 62-57. By winning, they clinch a playoff berth. It marks the fifth consecutive season with a playoff appearance, and the fist under head coach Tom Meakim. Paving the way to victory as usual was senior guard Jamal Melvin. Melvin led the team with 17 points. Two other stalwarts, Keefer Francis and Scott Slade, each had 12 of their own. Seniors Dan Vanderslice and Rick Reigner each had 5 points. North's Woody Redding, who just yesterday was knocked out of the game in the first quarter due to a concussion, came back today to score 23 points, a game high. The kid deserves a lot of credit for coming back the day after a concussion, and scoring like he did. With the win, Bonner will play St. Joe's Prep in the first round of the Catholic League playoffs. The Hawks, went 9-5 in the regular season, good enough for the three-seed. Meanwhile, Bonner finishes the season at 5-9 in the league, and clinch the sixth and final playoff berth. As for the game, Bonner will take on the Prep on WEDNESDAY, February 17th, at 3:45 AT the Prpe. Admission is $5.
Elsewhere in the Catholic League: Roman Catholic added another win to its record, defeating Father Judge 55-45. Roman finishes at 11-3 in the league, while Judge finishes at 6-8. In the Blue division, Wood beat McDevitt 60-47. Neumann-Goretti will take on Dougherty tonight.
Here are the Playoff Matchups:
RED DIVISION:
1. LaSalle 2. Roman Catholic (First Round Byes)
3. St. Joe's Prep vs 6. Monsignor Bonner Wednesday 3:45 at PREP
4. North Catholic vs 5. Father Judge Wednesday 7:00 at North
BLUE DIVISION
1. Neumann-Goretti 2. Archbishop Carroll (First Round Byes)
3. Archbishop Wood vs 6. West Catholic Wednesday 7:00 at Wood
4. Conwell-Egan vs 5. Cardinal Dougherty Wednesday 7:00 at Egan
Elsewhere in the Catholic League: Roman Catholic added another win to its record, defeating Father Judge 55-45. Roman finishes at 11-3 in the league, while Judge finishes at 6-8. In the Blue division, Wood beat McDevitt 60-47. Neumann-Goretti will take on Dougherty tonight.
Here are the Playoff Matchups:
RED DIVISION:
1. LaSalle 2. Roman Catholic (First Round Byes)
3. St. Joe's Prep vs 6. Monsignor Bonner Wednesday 3:45 at PREP
4. North Catholic vs 5. Father Judge Wednesday 7:00 at North
BLUE DIVISION
1. Neumann-Goretti 2. Archbishop Carroll (First Round Byes)
3. Archbishop Wood vs 6. West Catholic Wednesday 7:00 at Wood
4. Conwell-Egan vs 5. Cardinal Dougherty Wednesday 7:00 at Egan
Bonner One Win Away From Playoffs
A 4-9 record may trick a person into believing that this team isn't going to make the playoffs. However, looks may very well deceive you, as the Bonner Friars are only one win away from locking up another playoff appearance, their first under new head coach Tom Meakim. They inched closer by defeating arch-rival Cardinal O'Hara on Sunday afternoon at Bonner 56-43.
It was senior day for Bonner, and the six seniors who are on the team were honored before tip off. They are: Chris Morrisson, Miles Williams, Dan Vanderslice, Rick Reigner, Keefer Francis, and Jamal Melvin. It was certainly a special moment for these seniors before a very important game. In the first quarter, O'Hara took the early 3-0 lead about two and a half minutes into the game. A high scoring first quarter of play saw Bonner with the lead 18-14. The scoring toned down in the second half. Bonner's defense held the Lions to only four points. Senior Rick Reigner was able to knock down two of his three 3-pointers to spark the Friars to a 27-18 lead as both teams headed into the locker rooms.
It seemed like Bonner left their "A" game in the locker room after the half. For much of the third quarter, the Friars committed numerous turnovers. Lazy passes, forced shots gave O'Hara some hope to get back into the game. The worst of this occurred off an O'Hara miss, Keefer Francis dribbled down court who found a wide open Bonner player on the wing for a three pointer. The only problem was that he had his head down and not paying attention. It led to a turnover and O'Hara took advantage. But the star of the game came just in time to save Bonner from melting completely. Reigner was able to knock away an O'Hara inbound pass, and give the ball back to Bonner on a great hustle play. This sparked the Friars and everyone seemed to be sharp from that point on. At the end of three, Bonner was up 37-27. O'Hara tried to mount a comeback in the fourth, led by Dan Kearney, but was unable to do so as the Friars were able to put the rivals away. When it appeared clear that the game was over with about a minute left, Bonner took all their seniors out one by one, and were given standing ovations by the entire gym. Both teams cleared the bench, playing what pretty much was their JV for the final thirty seconds. A late three by O'Hara made the final score: Bonner 56 O'Hara 43.
With the win, Bonner continues it's dominance over the boys from Springfield, winning 15 of 17, and sweep the Lions for the fourth straight year. The Friars improve to 4-9 in league play, and will look to lock up a playoff berth Monday afternoon against North Catholic. Meanwhile, O'Hara concludes their season at 1-13 in the Catholic League Red Division. Keefer Francis led all scorers with 19 points. Rick Reigner scored 11, and four year varsity member Jamal Melvin scored 10. Dan Kearney led O'Hara, scoring 14 points.
As stated, Bonner will have on final regular season game. They'll travel to "The Pit," North Catholic's famous (or infamous if you're a visitor) gymnasium. North Catholic solidified a playoff berth, but is looking to jump to third in the standings. Bonner must win against the Falcons to jump Archbishop Ryan and clinch a playoff berth. Tip-off is set for 4:30.
Elsewhere in the Catholic League: North Catholic defeated first place LaSalle 61-46. Father Judge defeated arch-rival Archbishop Ryan 55-49. Roman Catholic locked up the two seed with a 56-52 win over St. Joe's Prep. Roman will play Judge on Monday at 3:30.
In the Blue Division: Neumann-Goretti swept Archbishop Carroll for the season, winning 66-58. Lansdale Catholic edged Kennedy-Kenrick 59-56. Archbishop Wood beat West Catholic 56-46. Cardinal Dougherty defeated Conwell-Egan 61-52 in the final home game at Dougherty. Dougherty, along with North Catholic and Kennedy-Kenrick, is set to close in June of 2010.
It was senior day for Bonner, and the six seniors who are on the team were honored before tip off. They are: Chris Morrisson, Miles Williams, Dan Vanderslice, Rick Reigner, Keefer Francis, and Jamal Melvin. It was certainly a special moment for these seniors before a very important game. In the first quarter, O'Hara took the early 3-0 lead about two and a half minutes into the game. A high scoring first quarter of play saw Bonner with the lead 18-14. The scoring toned down in the second half. Bonner's defense held the Lions to only four points. Senior Rick Reigner was able to knock down two of his three 3-pointers to spark the Friars to a 27-18 lead as both teams headed into the locker rooms.
It seemed like Bonner left their "A" game in the locker room after the half. For much of the third quarter, the Friars committed numerous turnovers. Lazy passes, forced shots gave O'Hara some hope to get back into the game. The worst of this occurred off an O'Hara miss, Keefer Francis dribbled down court who found a wide open Bonner player on the wing for a three pointer. The only problem was that he had his head down and not paying attention. It led to a turnover and O'Hara took advantage. But the star of the game came just in time to save Bonner from melting completely. Reigner was able to knock away an O'Hara inbound pass, and give the ball back to Bonner on a great hustle play. This sparked the Friars and everyone seemed to be sharp from that point on. At the end of three, Bonner was up 37-27. O'Hara tried to mount a comeback in the fourth, led by Dan Kearney, but was unable to do so as the Friars were able to put the rivals away. When it appeared clear that the game was over with about a minute left, Bonner took all their seniors out one by one, and were given standing ovations by the entire gym. Both teams cleared the bench, playing what pretty much was their JV for the final thirty seconds. A late three by O'Hara made the final score: Bonner 56 O'Hara 43.
With the win, Bonner continues it's dominance over the boys from Springfield, winning 15 of 17, and sweep the Lions for the fourth straight year. The Friars improve to 4-9 in league play, and will look to lock up a playoff berth Monday afternoon against North Catholic. Meanwhile, O'Hara concludes their season at 1-13 in the Catholic League Red Division. Keefer Francis led all scorers with 19 points. Rick Reigner scored 11, and four year varsity member Jamal Melvin scored 10. Dan Kearney led O'Hara, scoring 14 points.
As stated, Bonner will have on final regular season game. They'll travel to "The Pit," North Catholic's famous (or infamous if you're a visitor) gymnasium. North Catholic solidified a playoff berth, but is looking to jump to third in the standings. Bonner must win against the Falcons to jump Archbishop Ryan and clinch a playoff berth. Tip-off is set for 4:30.
Elsewhere in the Catholic League: North Catholic defeated first place LaSalle 61-46. Father Judge defeated arch-rival Archbishop Ryan 55-49. Roman Catholic locked up the two seed with a 56-52 win over St. Joe's Prep. Roman will play Judge on Monday at 3:30.
In the Blue Division: Neumann-Goretti swept Archbishop Carroll for the season, winning 66-58. Lansdale Catholic edged Kennedy-Kenrick 59-56. Archbishop Wood beat West Catholic 56-46. Cardinal Dougherty defeated Conwell-Egan 61-52 in the final home game at Dougherty. Dougherty, along with North Catholic and Kennedy-Kenrick, is set to close in June of 2010.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Bonner's 33 Point Fourth Quarter Not Enough
LaSalle was up 18 points after three quarters, but almost saw the lead disappear. A 33 point fourth quarter helped the Friars cut the lead, but it wasn't enough, as the Explorers held on for a five point victory, 60-55. Keefer Francis led all scorers with 15 points. Bonner has two more games remaining. They'll take on Cardinal O'Hara on Sunday, February 14th at 2:30. It will be Bonner's senior day. A large crowd is expected to be there to catch the Friars final home game of the 2009-10 season. If you can't make the game, it will be broadcast LIVE on Brandywine Radio, or on BrandywineRadio.com.
The other remaining game will be at North Catholic on Monday at 4:30.
Elsewhere in the Catholic League: Roman Catholic beat Archbishop Ryan 54-44. Bonner is only a game back of Ryan, with two games in hand. Father Judge upset St. Joe's Prep 40-38. North Catholic plays O'Hara today at 2:30.
The other remaining game will be at North Catholic on Monday at 4:30.
Elsewhere in the Catholic League: Roman Catholic beat Archbishop Ryan 54-44. Bonner is only a game back of Ryan, with two games in hand. Father Judge upset St. Joe's Prep 40-38. North Catholic plays O'Hara today at 2:30.
Prendie Can't Hold Off Archbishop Wood
Prendie's basketball team took a 26-17 lead into halftime, but was unable to hold on, losing to Wood 52-42. Jess Rotella scored 16 to lead the Pandas. Wood improves to 12-1 in the Catholic League. Meanwhile Prendie falls to 13-9 overall, and 9-6 in the PCL.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Basketball Updates
Tonight's Bonner basketball game versus LaSalle is ON. It will go on as scheduled at Bonner. Tip off is 7:30. Bonner will also play O'Hara this Sunday at 2:30. It will be a home game. It is the Friars SENIOR DAY. Both home games are very important in terms of whether the team makes the playoffs or not. The team hopes to have everyone there to cheer them on to victory. It will most likely be the last two opportunities to see the green and white at home for the 2009-10 season.
The Bonner game versus North Catholic, originally scheduled for February 8th, has been rescheduled for Monday, February 15th at 4:30. The game will be at North Catholic, and will be the final game of the regular season.
Prendie took on O'Hara on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, they were unable to defeat their arch-rival, falling by a score of 46-38. MaryKate Sullivan and Jess Rotella led the Pandas with 9 points each. Prendie will play Archbishop Wood tonight at 7:30 in the final regular season game. The game will be at Wood in Warminster.
The Bonner game versus North Catholic, originally scheduled for February 8th, has been rescheduled for Monday, February 15th at 4:30. The game will be at North Catholic, and will be the final game of the regular season.
Prendie took on O'Hara on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, they were unable to defeat their arch-rival, falling by a score of 46-38. MaryKate Sullivan and Jess Rotella led the Pandas with 9 points each. Prendie will play Archbishop Wood tonight at 7:30 in the final regular season game. The game will be at Wood in Warminster.
Bonner Hockey Loses Home and Home Versus Roman
It was senior night for the Monsignor Bonner hockey team on Thursday night. It was not the evening the Friars, nor did their fans have in mind. A five goal second period spraked a 9-0 victory for Roman Catholic. With the win, the Cahillites clinch first place in the PCL Blue division heading into the playoffs. Meanwhile, Bonner will finish in second. Bonner's Steve Gallo recorded 23 saves. Penalties killed Bonner's chances of winning. They recorded a total of 44 penalty minutes, 22 of these coming in the second period. Eight players from both teams had unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. The Friars must do a better job at staying out of the penalty box if they want to make noise in the playoffs. They'll play one more regular season game, which will take place on Thursday, February 18th versus Bishop McDevitt. The puck drops at Old York Road Ice Rink in Elkins Park at 9:00 pm.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Bonner One Game Behind Playoff Spot After Victory
A 13-5 4th quarter sparked the Bonner basketball team to a much needed win over host Father Judge. After being down 37-33 at the end of the third quarter, Bonner's defense held strong, allowing only the five points in the final eight minutes. Senior Keefer Francis scored 18 points to lead all scorers. Jamal Melvin chipped in nine of his own.
With the win, Bonner is now 6-12 on the year. But more importantly, they improve to 3-8 in the jam packed Catholic League Red Division, with three games to play. They are trailing both Father Judge and Archbishop Ryan for the sixth and final playoff berth in the division. Judge is in fifth place ahead of Ryan, in sixth, due to them beating Ryan earlier in the year. Ryan lost to St. Joe's Prep today by a score of 66-36. This gives them a 4-8 record on the year. Judge, by virtue of the loss, is now 4-7. Bonner and Judge have three games left, while Ryan has two. Bonner has games against North Catholic, LaSalle, and O'Hara. Judge plays Ryan, Roman, and Prep. Ryan takes on Judge and Roman. It is sure to be a wild and crazy finish to this 2009-10 basketball season.
Upcoming games:
North Catholic: TBD
Home vs LaSalle 7:30 Friday February 12th
Home vs O'Hara 2:30 Sunday February 14th. SENIOR DAY
With the win, Bonner is now 6-12 on the year. But more importantly, they improve to 3-8 in the jam packed Catholic League Red Division, with three games to play. They are trailing both Father Judge and Archbishop Ryan for the sixth and final playoff berth in the division. Judge is in fifth place ahead of Ryan, in sixth, due to them beating Ryan earlier in the year. Ryan lost to St. Joe's Prep today by a score of 66-36. This gives them a 4-8 record on the year. Judge, by virtue of the loss, is now 4-7. Bonner and Judge have three games left, while Ryan has two. Bonner has games against North Catholic, LaSalle, and O'Hara. Judge plays Ryan, Roman, and Prep. Ryan takes on Judge and Roman. It is sure to be a wild and crazy finish to this 2009-10 basketball season.
Upcoming games:
North Catholic: TBD
Home vs LaSalle 7:30 Friday February 12th
Home vs O'Hara 2:30 Sunday February 14th. SENIOR DAY
Monday, February 1, 2010
Roman Hockey Team Takes First of Home and Home Series
The Bonner and Roman Catholic hockey teams were both in action as well as the basketball teams. Unfortunately, it was the same result as the basketball squads. Roman defeated the Friars 7-2 at the Flyers SkateZone in the Northeast. Dave Brewer and Dylan Diphillipo each scored for the Friars. The two teams go at it again in a HUGE match up on Thursday, February 11th. First, it is Bonner's senior night. The seniors will be honored before they play their final home game at the Skatium. Second, this game will determine seeding in the playoffs. Bonner is currently in second trailing Roman. Bonner's team is looking for a huge crowd to feed off their energy and propel them to first place. The puck drops at 8:00pm at the Skatium.
Missed Opportunities and Turnovers Give Roman Victory
After coming off a very tough loss to Archbishop Ryan on Friday night, the Bonner basketball team desperately needed a win to halt a two game skid, and to get back into any playoff discussion. Coming into the game Bonner was 2-7 in the Catholic League Red, two games behind Father Judge and North Catholic for the fourth and final playoff spot. A win would inch them one game closer in the standing. Bonner's opponent was the always formidable Roman Catholic. The perennial city power came into the match-up in second place in the division at 7-2 in the league, and 11-6 overall. A win for them would help them keep pace with the first place LaSalle Explorers.
The first quarter started off well for the Friars. Scott Slade scored the first points in the game. The speedy and elusive Jamal Melvin was able to penetrate the Roman 2-3 zone defense and make a couple early buckets to give Bonner a 10-9 lead at the end of the quarter.
The second quarter was filled with golden opportunities for Bonner. Unfortunately, they could not take advantage. The Friars played great defense, leading to scoring opportunities, but they could not finish their shots. They also turned the ball over too many times, which is something that can't be done if there are any hopes of beating a team like Roman. The worst of these was off a Roman missed shot. A Bonner defender rebounded the ball, but Rakeem Brookins from Roman stripped the ball back for the Cahillites, leading to two points for the bad guys. After having a strong first quarter, Roman's coach decided to double team Bonner's Melvin. It paid off, as Melvin did not have a great game when the double team took effect. When he had his opportunities, the tall Roman defenders were there to swat the attempts away. Roman took their first lead of the game with 4:39 left in the second. They started to run the floor, and Bonner couldn't keep up. Coach Tom Meakim called a time out to let the Friars regroup. It worked. Layups by Keefer Francis and Karron Davis cut Roman's lead to 24-23 at the half.
After coming out of the locker room, it seemed as if Roman turned their game on. They started to pull away, taking advantage of the Bonner turnovers and missed opportunities, while cashing in on their own. A one point lead quickly turned to nine. This came off a block by Roman's Anthony Mayo, leading to a Roman layup. It extended to 11 right after a Bonner miss. Roman missed four shots in a row, but were able to secure each offensive rebound, and on the fifth opportunity they converted, giving Roman a 38-27 lead. At the end of the third, Roman was up 40-29.
The Cahillites appeared to have the game wrapped up early. They had a lead of 16 at one point, and it looked all but over. But Bonner was able to cut the lead down to 7 at 48-41 with two minutes left off strong efforts from Dan Vanderslice and Slade. Everything was going Bonner's way at this point. With 1:32 left, Bonner's fortunes continued. Roman had a 1 and 1 at the foul line. The shooter made the first, but it was waved off as a Roman player stepped in the lane too early, giving Bonner the ball. The Friars luck ran out here. On the ensuing inbound pass, the Bonner player passed it to point guard Joe McGinn. He passed it back to the inbounder, who's foot was still on the end line. This gave Roman the ball, and all but ended the game. Bonner had to foul, and Roman hit both free throws to make it a 50-41 lead. McGinn raced down the court and hit a layup to cut the lead back to seven. Bonner had to foul on Roman's possessions, and the Cahillites hit all of their free throws, icing the game. McGinn hit another layup with three seconds left, but it only changed Bonner's total. Roman defeated Bonner by a final score of 58-48.
Bonner just could not cash in on their opportunities. Turnovers, and missed layups spelled doom for the now 5-12 (2-8) Friars. It certainly did not help that Roman, 12-6 (8-2), dominated the boards, earning rebound after rebound. Rakeem Brookins led all scorers with 19 points on the night. Kevin Regan, also a football star, pitched in thirteen of his own to pace the Roman win. For Bonner, Scott Slade had 14 points. Keefer Francis scored 8, Jamal Melvin had 7, and Vanderslice pitched in 5. Bonner takes on Father Judge in a critical game for the Friars. This game will be played on Friday, February 5th, at 7:30 at Father Judge.
Elsewhere in the Catholic League Red: Archbishop Ryan defeated Cardinal O'Hara 50-36. North Catholic beat Father Judge 63-54. LaSalle will play St. Joe's Prep tomorrow night at LaSalle.
In the Blue Division: Defending state champion Archbishop Caroll beat Lansdale Catholic 59-36. Conwell-Egan crushed Kennedy-Kenrick 59-32. Neumann-Goretti, ranked number 10 in the nation by USA Today, annihilated West Catholic 93-61. Cardinal Dougherty beat Bishop McDevitt 65-50.
The first quarter started off well for the Friars. Scott Slade scored the first points in the game. The speedy and elusive Jamal Melvin was able to penetrate the Roman 2-3 zone defense and make a couple early buckets to give Bonner a 10-9 lead at the end of the quarter.
The second quarter was filled with golden opportunities for Bonner. Unfortunately, they could not take advantage. The Friars played great defense, leading to scoring opportunities, but they could not finish their shots. They also turned the ball over too many times, which is something that can't be done if there are any hopes of beating a team like Roman. The worst of these was off a Roman missed shot. A Bonner defender rebounded the ball, but Rakeem Brookins from Roman stripped the ball back for the Cahillites, leading to two points for the bad guys. After having a strong first quarter, Roman's coach decided to double team Bonner's Melvin. It paid off, as Melvin did not have a great game when the double team took effect. When he had his opportunities, the tall Roman defenders were there to swat the attempts away. Roman took their first lead of the game with 4:39 left in the second. They started to run the floor, and Bonner couldn't keep up. Coach Tom Meakim called a time out to let the Friars regroup. It worked. Layups by Keefer Francis and Karron Davis cut Roman's lead to 24-23 at the half.
After coming out of the locker room, it seemed as if Roman turned their game on. They started to pull away, taking advantage of the Bonner turnovers and missed opportunities, while cashing in on their own. A one point lead quickly turned to nine. This came off a block by Roman's Anthony Mayo, leading to a Roman layup. It extended to 11 right after a Bonner miss. Roman missed four shots in a row, but were able to secure each offensive rebound, and on the fifth opportunity they converted, giving Roman a 38-27 lead. At the end of the third, Roman was up 40-29.
The Cahillites appeared to have the game wrapped up early. They had a lead of 16 at one point, and it looked all but over. But Bonner was able to cut the lead down to 7 at 48-41 with two minutes left off strong efforts from Dan Vanderslice and Slade. Everything was going Bonner's way at this point. With 1:32 left, Bonner's fortunes continued. Roman had a 1 and 1 at the foul line. The shooter made the first, but it was waved off as a Roman player stepped in the lane too early, giving Bonner the ball. The Friars luck ran out here. On the ensuing inbound pass, the Bonner player passed it to point guard Joe McGinn. He passed it back to the inbounder, who's foot was still on the end line. This gave Roman the ball, and all but ended the game. Bonner had to foul, and Roman hit both free throws to make it a 50-41 lead. McGinn raced down the court and hit a layup to cut the lead back to seven. Bonner had to foul on Roman's possessions, and the Cahillites hit all of their free throws, icing the game. McGinn hit another layup with three seconds left, but it only changed Bonner's total. Roman defeated Bonner by a final score of 58-48.
Bonner just could not cash in on their opportunities. Turnovers, and missed layups spelled doom for the now 5-12 (2-8) Friars. It certainly did not help that Roman, 12-6 (8-2), dominated the boards, earning rebound after rebound. Rakeem Brookins led all scorers with 19 points on the night. Kevin Regan, also a football star, pitched in thirteen of his own to pace the Roman win. For Bonner, Scott Slade had 14 points. Keefer Francis scored 8, Jamal Melvin had 7, and Vanderslice pitched in 5. Bonner takes on Father Judge in a critical game for the Friars. This game will be played on Friday, February 5th, at 7:30 at Father Judge.
Elsewhere in the Catholic League Red: Archbishop Ryan defeated Cardinal O'Hara 50-36. North Catholic beat Father Judge 63-54. LaSalle will play St. Joe's Prep tomorrow night at LaSalle.
In the Blue Division: Defending state champion Archbishop Caroll beat Lansdale Catholic 59-36. Conwell-Egan crushed Kennedy-Kenrick 59-32. Neumann-Goretti, ranked number 10 in the nation by USA Today, annihilated West Catholic 93-61. Cardinal Dougherty beat Bishop McDevitt 65-50.
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