Yellow Jackets roll in Donofrio opener
CONSHOHOCKEN >> The 57th Annual Albert C. Donofrio High School Classic tipped off at the Fellowship House of Conshohocken Monday night. The opening game gave fans what they’ve been seeing for years.
It was a fast-paced, high-scoring matchup between the Yellow Jackets and the Del Val Toro’s. The smaller court allows the players to get up and down the floor quicker, hit more three-pointers and throw down highlight-reel dunks.
The result also featured something that sometimes happens in the early rounds of the Donofrio Classic — a blowout.
The Yellow Jackets handled the Del Val Toro’s, 120-83 — a score much higher than high school games.
“We had one practice with this team,” Del Val guard and Wissahickon junior Max Rapoport said. “Our chemistry isn’t there. Everyone thinks they’re an all-star in this league, so there’s not much help defense. Everyone is just trying to get theirs … But it’s fun to be out there.”
The Yellow Jackets jumped out fast and never looked back. They led by 18, 65-47, at halftime thanks to 16 first-half points from Del Val Charter senior Mekhi Morris. He made four threes in the first 20 minutes of action.
Strath Haven senior John Harrar kept the Yellow Jackets comfortably ahead in the second half. He scored 11 of his game-high 22 points after halftime — including a few powerful two-hand jams.
Penn Charter junior Mason Williams added 19 for the Yellow Jackets and Valley Forge Military Academy junior Arion Lewis had 14.
The Yellow Jackets advance to the second round where they will face Team Philly, who had an opening round bye. That game will be played April 5 at 7 p.m.
The Del Val Toro’s featured a number of local players. Upper Merion seniors Joe Breece, Andrew Persaud, Aidan Newell and Anthony Shepperd, Norristown sophomores Kharon Knight and Kharon Clark and Wissahickon’s Rapoport and senior Zach Reiner.
Shepperd scored a team-high 17 points, Persaud had 13, Newell 11 and Rapoport 10.
The loss knocks Del Val out of the Donofrio Classic.
The tournament continues Tuesday night. Competitive Edge faces Waterview Dan Rumph at 7 p.m. followed by Don Len vs. James Fox at 8:30 p.m.
