February 9

A morning errand run and lunch got the day started, in the evening we were at McCaskey for the final game of the regular season. Hempfield was the opponent and the scenario was simple: A Hempfield win would clinch first place for them, a JPM win would tie the teams for the division title. There are few printed words to do the atmosphere justice, the crowd was halfway to capacity for the start of the Junior Varsity game, by the time that game ended the place was full. It was the last home game, we honored the senior cheerleaders and players in pregame activities. We had three seniors on the club this year: Devonte Gantt, Jose Mejia and Tyler Martin. We also recognized our JV squad for an excellent season, their final mark was 16-4. The game itself was a battle with a capital B, in the end JPM was the "last man standing" with a 54-52 win. If this had been a prizefight both fighters would have been carried from the ring on stretchers, the intensity level was that high. Coach Powell used seven players and they all scored-Brian Newsome led with 16, Diante Cherry had 14 and Tyler added 10. The result insures a playoff game for the division title on Friday the 11th at Penn Manor HS in Millersville at 7:00. No matter what happens the boys have a lot to be proud of, on January 22 the club's record was 7-8 and there was serious doubt for any shot at the postseason. The boys have won six of seven since then, they have qualified for the district tournament and earned a opportunity to play for an improbable division title. It goes without saying that Friday's game will be another battle to the end. Take care, thanks for reading.