Phil-Mont Christian cruises past York Country Day in PIAA A 2nd round
NEW HOLLAND >> It might be a bit cliché to call a team a family or to reference the fact that teammates are best of friends off the court. But when that family atmosphere and camaraderie translates to on the court court success, it is worth noting.
“We’re with each other every weekend playing in the driveway, going to a park and even take study hall time to just go play in the gym,” Phil-Mont Christian senior forward Sean Griffin said. “So, it really helps and connects us all.”
Phil-Mont Christian continued its tear through the postseason as it dumped its bench late in the fourth quarter as it eased by York Country Day School 71-45 in the PIAA Class A second round at Garden Spot High School.
Well before the Falcons emptied their bench late in the game they opened the contest by hitting their first nine shots, getting off to start they were looking for.
On paper, the game looked to be contrasts of strengths and styles. Phil-Mont, the front court heavy team, led by Griffin against the guard-oriented Greyhounds led by Jordan Ray and DeAireus Brown, who entered Tuesday night’s game averaging 25 points per game.
It was the strength of the Phil-Mont front court that dominated the contest. Forwards David Giuliani, Griffin and Osaze Thornton combined for 53 of the Falcons 71 points.
“We’re trying to, we’ve been focused on that a little bit more in the second half of the season,” said Phil-Mont coach Glenn Dolton of the Falcons trying to exploit their inside presence. “We’re looking to establish that as our first priority and build off of that.”
Phil-Mont Christian advances to Friday’s quarterfinals to face District 12 runner-up Math, Civics and Science, which defeated District 2 champ Old Forge 69-56 Tuesday at Liberty High School in Bethlehem.
Phil-Mont has proven throughout the season it has a talent as demonstrated by its 30-1 record, its lone loss by two points to Church Farm in early December. Right now it appears that its talent is playing at its best, but if you ask Griffin he thinks they can get even better.
The Falcons will not say whether they are the best in the state in class A right now but they will have a chance to prove it as they find themselves two wins away from Hershey and three wins away from a state championship.
“We got confidence but we’re trying to keep that at a minimum,” Griffin said. “We’re talking about playing one game, not three more games but one game. We’re trying to be humble but confident at the same time.”
“I wouldn’t go that far (to say we’re the best team in the state), but I believe we could be.”
