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.