Coach's Comments
Congratulations to the varsity boys basketball team for defeating Philadelphia Constitution 68 - 63 in overtime Friday to capture the AA PIAA Boys Basketball Championship! The Panthers overcame a 12 point deficit in the first quarter and a 6 point deficit with 2:35 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter for the overtime victory.
Senior Justin Pryor led the Panthers with 21 points and 10 rebounds; sophomore Nate Ridgeway scored 14 of his 16 points in the second half and overtime. Junior Dave Groetsch knocked down a three pointer with a minute to go to tie the game. Senior Declan Hickton scored the opening points of overtime and senior Chris Groetsch had 4 steals during the game to go with his 8 points. All eight players who played for SA scored as senior Teddy McClain scored an important basket in the first quarter, freshman Isaiah Smith knocked down a three pointer and freshman Isiah Warfield matched Declan with 7 points.
Philadelphia Constitution shot 56% from the field during the game despite outstanding defense from the Academy. The Panthers shot 47% from the field and made 18 of 26 free throws. In an incredible display of sharing the ball, SA had only three turnovers throughout the game and overtime!
This was a culmination to a season where the leadership from our four captains and our nine seniors was unwavering! Every player on this team made great sacrifices in order to help this team. Could not have been prouder of the players on the bench throughout the game as they continued to find a way to make a difference! Our parents were unbelievable throughout the season in their support of our team! The SA community's support was first class!
We are champions not just because we won WPIAL and PIAA Championships. We are champions because of how we do things!!!
Go Panthers!
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Senior Justin Pryor led the Panthers with 21 points and 10 rebounds; sophomore Nate Ridgeway scored 14 of his 16 points in the second half and overtime. Junior Dave Groetsch knocked down a three pointer with a minute to go to tie the game. Senior Declan Hickton scored the opening points of overtime and senior Chris Groetsch had 4 steals during the game to go with his 8 points. All eight players who played for SA scored as senior Teddy McClain scored an important basket in the first quarter, freshman Isaiah Smith knocked down a three pointer and freshman Isiah Warfield matched Declan with 7 points.
Philadelphia Constitution shot 56% from the field during the game despite outstanding defense from the Academy. The Panthers shot 47% from the field and made 18 of 26 free throws. In an incredible display of sharing the ball, SA had only three turnovers throughout the game and overtime!
This was a culmination to a season where the leadership from our four captains and our nine seniors was unwavering! Every player on this team made great sacrifices in order to help this team. Could not have been prouder of the players on the bench throughout the game as they continued to find a way to make a difference! Our parents were unbelievable throughout the season in their support of our team! The SA community's support was first class!
We are champions not just because we won WPIAL and PIAA Championships. We are champions because of how we do things!!!
Go Panthers!
