Balanced CB West too much for Downingtown East

DOYLESTOWN >> The Central Bucks West boys’ basketball team won the Suburban One League Tournament title last week. But if you asked anyone on the team, the season started again on Friday.

“This time of year is what these guys play for,” Bucks coach Adam Sherman said.

Behind 16 points from Erich Hohenleitner, CB West fought its way to a 54-35 win over Downingtown East at home Friday night in the first round of the District One AAAA playoffs. With its student section overflowing and chanting from the start, the Bucks jumped to a 7-0 lead and never trailed, holding off every Cougars push before the game could get back in reach.

“We were confident we could score off the dribble,” West senior guard Luke Irons said. “When we played good defense tonight, we had good momentum.”

Downingtown East coach John Goodman explained it in even simpler terms.

“They got up early,” said Downingtown East coach John Goodman. “You just can’t give a smart, experienced team like that such a big lead.”

Leading by 16 at the half, the Bucks displayed their offensive balance from the start. Six players scored in the first half for CB West, while just two players registered points for the Cougars. Jaret Cooper had 11 of the Cougars’ 13 first half points and finished with a team-high 14.

Even with holding a lead the entire game, though, CB West didn’t have a chance to relax. Downingtown played tight defense throughout and appeared to become more comfortable as the game progressed.

“This is the first time these guys have had a taste of postseason basketball,” Goodman said. “I think once we got into it, we settled down a bit.”

That became clear as soon as the third quarter began. The Cougars outscored the Bucks 17-10 in the third, bringing the game within reach and pressuring the ball.

“They changed up their defense,” Sherman said. “They came out playing hard.”

The Bucks, though, were up for the challenge. Seemingly every time it appeared the Cougars were making a run, the Bucks answered with quick, cross-court passes and slashing drives that kept the Cougars off balance.

The best chance for the Cougars came at the start of the fourth quarter. Down by nine, Downingtown East held the ball and was fouled down low. Cooper missed both shots and, after an offensive rebound, a 3-pointer rattled out.

Seconds later, the Bucks answered with a 3-pointer on the other end, then added a jumper from the free throw line to bring the lead back to 14. With 3:00 remaining, Cal Reichwein extended the CB West lead to 16 with his fourth 3-pointer of the game, and the Bucks cruised from there.

“We gave them too many rhythm shots,” Goodman said. “It helped their confidence.”

“We take pride in our passing,” Irons said. “We focus on passing up the good shot to get the great shot. We really don’t care who scores or who gets credit.”

Cal and Jake Reichwein combined for 22 points for the Bucks.