The numbers all say that the Unionville boys’ basketball squad is playing outstanding defense during its current postseason run, but even the statistics don’t tell the whole story.
The Longhorns blasted Dallas 74-36 Tuesday evening in the second round of the PIAA 5A Tournament to advance to the state quarterfinals. The reigning District 1 champs, Unionville (25-2 overall) has now held its last four opponents to under 40 points.
“It’s obvious we are playing better defense,” said ’Horns’ head coach Chris Cowles. “The guys are committed individually and collectively, and they are understanding personnel and action.
“It’s really been fun to watch, quite frankly.”
Unionville will take on District 12 runner-up Archbishop Ryan (19-9 overall) Friday at a site and location to be determined, with the winner advancing to the Final Four. Ryan topped Radnor 66-46 in another second round clash.
“I think the buy-in from a preparation standpoint has obviously increased with this team,” Cowles said. “We are playing a very good opponent in the next round. We will try to limit their strengths and gouge their weaknesses, like we always do.”
Held on Tuesday at Liberty High School in Bethlehem, the Longhorns raced to a 21-10 first quarter lead and bumped it up to 41-18 at the half. When the lead reached 32 early in the final period, a running clock was instituted.
“We rebounded well on the offensive end and that took the wind out of (Dallas) a bit,” Cowles reported. “Then we started hitting shots.”
The District 2 runner-up, Dallas (21-8) did not score a point in the fourth quarter. Matched up defensively against Dallas’ leading scorer, Michael Cumbo, Unionville senior forward Charlie Kammeier held the East Stroudsburg-bound Cumbo to just four points.
“Charlie (Kammeier) did a great job on Cumbo the whole game,” Cowles said.
Ryan Brown led all scorers with 23, and fellow senior guard James Anderson added 17 points for the Longhorns. Senior center Nick Diehl chipped in 16 points and sophomore forward James Brenner nine for the winners.
“(Dallas) has a very good team, we just played really well,” Cowles said.
“Our guys are committed to the details and the effort that is needed. And there is a level of urgency given that we have a senior-heavy team.”
If Unionville can get past Archbishop Ryan it will likely run into powerful Imhotep Charter – the District 12 champs — in the semifinal round next Monday.
When asked if his team is playing its best basketball of the season, Cowles said: “We are.
“Guys have bought into their roles and we play a style that they enjoy,” he added. “The last piece to really get honed in on was the defensive aspect. We are excited to continue that.”
