Back at JPM on Thursday night for the first game of a three-in-three, the sort of schedule we see often in the ECHL but rarely in high school basketball. This game was almost literally added at the proverbial last minute, Freddy received confirmation on it while we were awaiting the start of the JV game on Tuesday night. For the longest time we had only twenty games on our schedule and you're allowed twenty-two, this game and the game upcoming on the 29th were late additions. The opponent on this night was Academy Park from Sharon Hill, a southwestern suburb of Philadelphia. Nobody knew very much about them but Freddy was able to find some video and formulate a scouting report. Apparently the program was dormant in 2021 because of The Circumstances, they are essentially starting over with a new head coach. The crowd was somewhat sparse but those in attendance saw the Home Team win easily 70-36. All twelve available players got into the game and ten of them scored: Hasan Williams led the way with 20, Shamell Burke had 11, Grady Bachman and Jared Kumah added ten each. De'Shaun McFadden and Jonathan Byrd had six apiece, Eric Centeno scored three, John Stewart had a field goal, Nyaud Frazier and Elias Garcia each went 1-2 at the line. The club's mark improves to 7-10 with Penn Manor visiting on Friday for Senior Night. This night also featured an example of sophomoric high school humor at its best (or worst depending on your point of view): a member of the opponent's JV squad had the surname Cheeseboro, when he entered the game the JPM student section (not surprisingly) welcomed him as "cheeseburger". I've been there and done that myself but 1974 was a hell of a long time ago. Take care, thanks for reading.
