Jones, Woods, Bryant lead way in Falcons state opener

NORTHAMPTON — Three-headed monsters are usually feared.

For opponents who have faced Pennsbury’s boys basketball team this season, the three heads have the names of seniors Derrick Woods, Cameron Jones and Mekhi Bryant. Together, the trio are a force to be reckoned with, with Jones handling the point and long-range shooting, Bryant the shot creation and driving and Woods the bulk of the paint chances and rebounds.

Yes, there are other solid players to back them up, but when they have to, Jones, Bryant and Woods are capable of dominating just about any contest. Cedar Cliff found that out March 7, when Pennsbury’s big three combined for 69 points in a 73-53 victory at Council Rock South in the opening round of the PIAA Class AAAA playoffs.

“Me, Cam and Mekhi pretty much had to take over the first half,’ Woods said.

A solid effort by the Colts was simply not enough to overcome the talents of the Pennsbury offense. Jones got going early and wound up hitting four 3-pointers while also being very active on the glass and defensively. He had three steals in the victory as part of 10 turnovers forced on the Colts.

Bryant got to the basket on occasion, pulled up on others and was the key defender at the top against Cedar Cliff’s best ball handlers.

Then there was Woods, a St. Bonaventure’s University recruit who looked every bit the part in this contest. He pulled down 21 rebounds, several of which led to second-chance points for Pennsbury, and had four dunks.

By game’s end, Jones led everybody with 28 points. Woods followed close behind with 22 of his own, while Bryant dropped in 19. All three led the top scorer for the Colts, Derek Ford, who had 16 points.

“We came into the game not knowing much about them,’ Jones said. “I always say if I make my first shot, it feels good. I’m going to let it go.’