The Lower Merion boys’ basketball squad opened its 2021 season with a hard-fought 62-59 win against Radnor Jan. 23.
While the setting was different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with no fans in attendance in the Kobe Bryant Gymnasium, the game was a typical spirited Central League contest, decided in the final minute when Lower Merion hit four of their final six free throws to open up a 62-56 lead. Radnor senior Lewis Robinson hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to provide the final margin.
Playing a key role in Lower Merion’s victory was junior Demetrius Lilley, whose presence down low forced Radnor’s players to alter many of their shots as they came down the lane. Lilley finished the game with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
The Aces grabbed an 11-6 lead after one quarter of play, thanks in large part to Lilley, Zack Wong, Sam Brown and Sam Wright who combined to go 7-for-8 from the free throw line.
With Lilley on the bench due to a pair of early fouls, Radnor opened the second quarter on a 10-0 run to take a 16-11 lead with just under five minutes remaining before halftime.
Shortly after Radnor took the lead, Lower Merion came right back with senior Sam Davison knocking down a three-pointer off a Peter Gribbin feed, then Lilley tied the contest at 16-16 converting a lay-up off a Gribbin feed.
Lower Merion led 38-28 early in the third quarter, but Robinson scored the next six points to bring Radnor back within four. Radnor eventually came within one point a couple of times before the Aces held off the feisty visiting squad.
Zach Wong who chipped in with 10 points and seven rebounds for Lower Merion. Radnor was led by Henry Rosenblum, who finished with 21 points, and Robinson added 14 points.
In other Main Line high school boys’ basketball action:
Haverford High lost to Springfield, 46-40, Jan. 22. Springfield outscored Haverford in the second half, 29-15. Nick Colucci led the Fords with 10 points.
In other Main Line high school sports action:
Girls’ basketball
Haverford High lost to Springfield, 44-41, Jan. 22. The Cougars (4-0, 1-0) trailed by seven points at the start of the fourth quarter. Caroline Dotsey paced the Fords (1-2, 0-1) with 11 points.
Radnor opened its season with a 52-35 win at Lower Merion Jan. 23. The visitors held a 36-23 advantage at halftime. Ava Gummell added eight points, while Margaret Mooney and Cierra Hopson (seven rebounds) had seven apiece for Radnor. Bridget McCann led all scorers with 14 points for the Aces.
Sacred Heart Academy defeated Christian Academy, 39-16, Jan. 22. ML Franz produced a career high 15 points to go with five steals for the Lions, who led 23-6 at halftime. Kathryn Gallagher added 10 points.
Villa Maria Academy kept rolling with a 53-38 win over Villa Joseph Marie in Athletic Association of Catholic Academies action on Monday afternoon. Faith Iacone had 12 points, Peyton Tague scored 11 points, Marah McHugh tallied eight points, Clare Cronley added seven and Ally Trebelev had six points in the Hurricanes’ runaway win.
The Hurricanes defeated Nazareth Academy, 50-13, Jan. 23 with a balanced attack. Carly Catania scored nine points, Faith Iacone had eight points, Ella Iacone added seven points and Ally Trebelev tallied six.
Boys’ swimming
Haverford High defeated Upper Darby, 105-71, Jan. 22 as Jon Meyer bested the field in the 200 free (1:51.71) and 100 free (50.54). Joe Barnes claimed victory in the 200 individual medley and Zachary Graaf touched the wall first in the 500 free. Graaf led off the Fords’ winning 400 free relay.
Girls’ swimming
Haverford High won every event on the way to beating Upper Darby, 104-58, Jan. 22. Ellie Krissinger, Emma Wojnovich, Laura Seavey, Sarah Krissinger and Katya Eruslanova each won two races. Amella Ruzzi was the top finisher in the diving competition and Kara Gardner took first in the 500 free.
Wrestling
Radnor defeated Penncreast, 63-9, Jan. 23. Radnor’s Noel Palma (160) made quick work of his opponent, pinning him in 28 seconds. Gabe Vandervere didn’t take long, either, winning by pin in 31 seconds at 113.
Ice hockey
Haverford High defeated Spring-Ford, 4-2, in an ICSHL nonleague affair Monday night, as Quinn Carson’s goal 1:41 into the third period was the game-winner. Jacob Orazi’s shorthanded goal 10 minutes later made the Fords’ win stand up.
Orazi also set up Nate Rabadam’s goal just before the second-period buzzer, the Fords overcoming a 2-1 deficit. Paul Perricone also scored. Mike McGeoch provided a pair of primary assists. Jai Jani stopped 14 shots for the Fords.
