Wissahickon handles New Hope-Solebury before holiday break

LOWER GWYNEDD >> Wissahickon closed the early portion of its schedule with a dominant win over New Hope-Solebury Thursday night. 

The Trojans scored the first seven points of the game and never looked back in a 50-32 Suburban One League non-division win at Wissahickon High School.

Wiss forward Josh Twersky played a big role in the fast start. The senior, who scored 23 points in a win over Quakertown earlier this week, had nine points and five rebounds in the first quarter as the Trojans (4-2) built a 22-8 advantage.

“It’s unique when you have a guy that leads from the forward spot,” Wissahickon coach Kyle Wilson said. “(Twersky) just sees everybody. It’s a different game when he’s out there. He makes everything go. His demeanor never changes whether we’re up five or up 10 or down five. He plays hard throughout. That’s what you want out of leaders.”

“I’ve always had a pretty strong mid-range,” Twersky said. “Once I developed that I started hitting a couple shots early, got a couple people off the ground with pump fakes. I keep telling the guys to cut – cut and I’ll find you. I like passing better, honestly.”

Dominic Vacchiano added six points in the first quarter and Rondale Stewart scored five during the opening eight minutes.

In the second quarter, it was Wissahickon’s defense that took center stage. They allowed just two points in the quarter – courtesy of two free throws. They forced 15 turnovers in the game.

“We’ve always said offensive play will come and go,” Wilson said, “but your defense should carry no matter where you are. The rims don’t change for defense, the court might have a little different sideline, but talking on defense, helping on screens, playing for the guy next to you – that should always carry to whatever gym you’re in. Our guys take it to heart. I give a lot of credit to Morgan Wilson and Josh Twersky.”

“I’ve been stressing communication,” Twersky added. “So has coach. We’re starting to get it more and more every game.”

The Trojans played without their starting point guard Earl Stout, who suffered an injury against Quakertown. 

“Each man has stepped up,” Wilson said. “It’s been really nice to have depth at our guards. Each guy just steps up and makes plays. We’ve really been pleased with how they’re clicking, how they’re playing as a unit.”

Twersky finished with a game-high 13 points and added 11 rebounds. Vacchiano joined him in double figures with 10 points and Stewart added nine.

It was a balanced attack for Wiss, which had six different players hit three-pointers in the win.

After the holiday, the Trojans return to a challenging week with games against Perk Valley, Methacton and Plymouth Whitemarsh.

“This is when it gets real,” Twersky said. “This is when it gets tough. It’s exciting. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Three days off,” Wilson said. “I wouldn’t sleep the next three days if we lost and hadn’t played well. I said whether we win or lose, let’s come out and play well. The guys came out with great energy. Some kids mentally go on break the minute that bell rings at 2:30 Thursday. Our guys came in and knew there was still a job to do, still a game to play. They showed in the first half they came out fired up.”

Wissahickon 50, New Hope-Solebury 32

New Hope-Solebury 8 2 9 13 – 32

Wissahickon 22 9 12 7 – 50

NHP: Hildebrandt 1 1-2 4, Lehman 2 2-4 6, Albano 1 0-0 2, M Demby 4 0-2 11, Ross 0 0-0 0, Wilson 4 0-0 9, B Demby 0 0-0 0. Total 12 3-8 32.

W: Lassiter 0 0-2 0, Stewart 4 0-0 9, Twersky 5 2-4 13, Yun 0 0-0 0, Ryan 1 0-0 3, Cupid 1 0-0 3, Williams 1 0-0 2, Wilson 3 1-2 7, Dias 1 0-0 3, Vacchiano 4 0-0 10, Kirkpatrick 0 0-0 0. Total 20 3-8 50.

3-point goals: NHS: Hildebrandt, M Demby 3, Wilson. W: Stewart, Twersky, Ryan, Cupid, Dias, Vacchiano 2.