Defense does it for Souderton in SOL Challenge win over Hatboro-Horsham
TOWAMENCIN >> Two pressure-packed free throws by Souderton Area’s Sami Sheroff fell through clean with 42 seconds to go, providing a slim, two-point advantage over Hatboro-Horsham.
Those were the final points Big Red would need.
“It was just an all-in effort on the defensive end, to get stops and everything,” Sheroff said of what allowed the Indians to hold on to a well-fought, 51-48 victory over the Hatters, as part of Saturday’s Suburban One League Challenge. “It’s all about the defense.”
Souderton’s defense kept the Hatters scoreless in the final minute, as Big Red raised its overall record to 2-2.
It was a satisfying, early-season victory for Souderton, “especially coming off a loss to North Penn on Thursday,” Sheroff said.
The offensive effort was as balanced as that of the defense, as Sheroff hit from the outside and got to the basket as well for his team-high 16 points. Kyle Walker nailed three 3-pointers, as did Sheroff, and added 12 points. Andrew Vince had eight, Jack Townsen seven, and May eye Williams six.
“Everybody gets the ball,” Sheroff said. “I love it because everyone touches the ball. Everyone’s just trying to move it around.”
Souderton (2-3, 0-1 SOL Continental) went up 48-46 with 1 minute, 24 seconds to play on a pair of foul shots by Walker. The Hatters (2-5) then tied it with a minute to go on a drive to the hoop by N’Gianni Cerisier.
Sheroff hit his free throws to give Big Red the lead, and then Walker came up with a key defensive rebound with 13 seconds to go. Walker hit one of two foul shots to make it 51-48, and then a missed three by the Hatters followed by Souderton coming up with a loose ball settled the matter.
Jake Schalki played a strong game for the Hatters (2-3, 0-1 SOL American), battling inside for 20 points.
“We couldn’t switch, and we just had to keep our hands up,” Sheroff said of the defensive focus. “We had to keep our hands up, stay in front, and just make them work for everything.”
Vince hit a pair of short jumpers to give Souderton an early 4-0 edge.
The first quarter swung back and forth, with Zehier Cheeze getting to the basket for the Hatters, completing a three-point play to help provide a 10-9 lead at the end of the period.
Walker started to heat up for Big Red, hitting a trio of threes. Khalid Johnson hit a three of his own for Hatboro, the two teams exchanging the lead.
It was a Walker three that pushed Souderton ahead, 22-21, and Big Red closed out the half in control, up 26-21. Souderton went into the fourth up by two, using its defense in the final minutes to stay in front.
