Simples’ senior leadership proves valuable to Aces in state opener

Allentown >> When the Lower Merion boys’ basketball team first took the court four months ago, senior James Simples knew senior leadership would play a huge role for a team comprised mainly of underclassmen.
On March 7, Simples showed firsthand just how important that leadership proved to be helping to lead the Aces to a 63-41 victory over Northampton Area High School in the first round of the PIAA Class 6A state tournament at William Allen High School.
Simples, who finished with 12 points, 12 rebounds and six assists said, “We always remind the younger kids to stay locked in, seize the moment and never take anything for granted and leave it all out on the floor.”
From the opening tap, Simples paved the way, whether it was taking it to the basket, driving the lane and creating plays for his teammates or coming up with big defensive stops. In the first eight minutes Simples did a little bit of everything.
After Lilley won the tap, Simples retrieved the ball in the back court and proceeded to drive the lane for a lay-up to tally the first two points of the afternoon. Following that bucket, Simples collected three rebounds and an assist to Lilley that helped the Aces run out to 16-9 lead after one quarter.
In that first quarter, Lower Merion took advantage of the height advantage and kept feeding Lilley down low. Lilley tallied six of his game-high 18 points in the first quarter.
The Aces also found success from beyond the arc, courtesy of freshmen Sam Brown and Andrew Coyne, who connected on one three-pointer each. While Brown is no stranger to the starting line-up, Coyne started his first game of his career.
“I thought it was amazing for Andrew [Coyne],” said Lilley. “Coach has told us all year that you never know when your jersey will get called.”
With a roster that totaled only 38 minutes of varsity experience at the start of the season, the mantra of always being prepared has carried more meaning for the Aces in the 2019-20 campaign than in any season prior.
“An important lesson that I learned from last year’s seniors was never to take anything for granted and to leave everything on the floor,” said Simples. “These games are big for the young guys and they are a great learning experience. This is great to be part of and see the young kids continue to grow.”
LM head coach Gregg Downer said, “We started two freshmen and two sophomores today, so anytime you can pocket postseason experience it’s really helpful. The coaching staff really likes our young players and moments like this are good building blocks.”
The win marked the first time in Downer’s career that the Aces have 20 games four seasons in a row, and the first time since 1943 the program has achieved that goal.
“It’s always a benchmark for this program to get to 20 wins,” said Downer following the game. “I am very proud to see this group turn 19 wins into 20.”
With the victory, the Aces advanced to the second round of the PIAA 6A state tourney, facing District 3 champion Wilson Wednesday, after this issue of the Main Line Times & Suburban went to press. For the Lower Merion-Wilson game result, visit www.PAPrepLive.com.