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.