Without Woods, Pennsbury takes third with win over Ridley

FAIRLESS HILLS — It was a chance to rebound, and one that Pennsbury needed to take advantage of.

After falling in the District I Class AAAA semifinals to Suburban One League (SOL) National Conference rival Abington Feb. 25, the Falcons wanted a confidence booster before heading into the state playoffs. Thanks to their tandem of top senior guards, Cameron Jones and Mekhi Bryant, they got just that. By beating Ridley, 65-51, in a game that was not as close as the final score indicated, the Falcons wrapped up third place in the district Friday night, Feb. 27 in front of a home crowd.

“Me and Mekhi had to be focused,’ Jones said. “We were trying to facilitate and be leaders on the court.’

Without St. Bonaventure University-bound and star center Derrick Woods, Pennsbury needed a big night from their guards. Their efforts were evident, as Jones and Bryant combined for 45 points and were on the floor for nearly the entire contest.

Against Abington, Woods was called for two technical and thus disqualified from the game in the closing minute of play. He was also ineligible for the Ridley playback, but will be able to return when Pennsbury opens state play.Still, the frontcourt took a hit without its leader, which was all the more reason the performances of Jones and Bryant were critical. For Jones, it started early, as he drained two 3-pointers to open his night. He followed that with nine more points in the second quarter to give him 15 of the Falcons 33 at halftime.”Like most games, once I make the first couple shots, it feels good,’ said Jones, who has yet to commit to a college, but is intent on playing at the Division I level next year. “On this team, I like to facilitate, but if I’m feeling it, I’m going to let it go.’