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Bensalem Defeats Council Rock North 58 to 51: Kehler on Hoops
 

Bensalem Defeats Council Rock North 58 to 51: Kehler on Hoops

Written by: Dell Jackson on January 27, 2024

 

Bensalem Defeats Council Rock North 58 to 51: Kehler on Hoops
Article by David Kehler

Bensalem defeated visiting Council Rock North 58 to 51 on Friday night in a fiercely played and closely contested tactical battle by two very well-coached teams that are members of the Suburban One League. It was a see-saw game for most of the way by two squads who boast different strengths and styles of play. Ultimately, Bensalem’s depth carried the day.

The first quarter was played evenly, with Bensalem paced by the powerful inside work of 6’ 1” junior Jaidyn Moffitt, who also showed versatility when he sank a 3-pointer late in the frame. Moffitt scored nine points in the first period. Rock North countered with impressive play by 6’ 6” junior Grady Burt, who played a kind of point forward. Burt scored eight points in the first quarter on a pivot play, a drive, a turnaround jumper, and a jumper on a putback of his own miss. Rock North tried to contain Moffitt with their man-to-man defense, but the Bensalem star was just too strong for that. At the end of the first quarter, the teams were tied at 15.

Rock North Coach Derek Wright switched to a zone defense in the second quarter and played a variety of zones until the waning minutes of the game. This strategy carried risks, as Bensalem has two good outside shooters in seniors Noah Morris and Antonio Morris, who are brothers and sons of Coach Ron Morris. However, Coach Wright’s defensive move worked, as Moffitt was held to just two points in the second quarter, Bensalem made only two more 3-pointers in the game, and Rock North led for the entire second period. Rock North had a significant height advantage in this game, with 6’ 6” Burt and 6’ 8” junior Andrew O’Keeffe, and it was most telling in the second quarter. Rock North out-rebounded Bensalem nine to seven in the second frame, but six of Rock North’s caroms were on the offensive glass. Also, Rock North’s Oliver Schaefer, a 6’ junior, had a terrific second quarter, scoring 10 points in the frame on two 3-pointers and two sensational drives that were the kinds of plays that Elgin Baylor used to make. Schaefer’s intelligence and cleverness were evident for the entire game. Rock North scored the final points of the first half on a 3-pointer by junior Josh Erman, and they led 32 to 27 at the break. However, Burt was injured with 5:11 left in the second quarter and did not play the rest of the half. Additionally, Rock North’s other big guy, O’Keeffe, got in foul trouble in the second quarter, and it plagued him for the balance of the game.

Bensalem Coach Morris dialed up the defensive pressure in the second half, and it was effective. Although Rock North’s Burt played the second half, he was clearly impaired. Bensalem’s defensive pressure smothered the Rock North offense in the third quarter, holding the visitors to just one field goal and two Burt free throws in the period. Meanwhile, Bensalem’s offense continued to grind out points. With 2:57 left in the third quarter, Rock North’s O’Keeffe went to the bench with his fourth foul. Then, Bensalem’s Moffitt tied the game at 34 with two free throws. Rock North’s Burt replied with two free throws, then Bensalem went on an 8-0 run on a free throw by Moffitt, a drive by 5’ 8” senior Amir Drummond, a 3-pointer by Noah Morris, and a hoop at the buzzer by 6’ junior Jahmir Chatman. Drummond’s basket with 1:40 left in the third quarter gave Bensalem the lead, 37 to 36, and they led the rest of the way. Five Bensalem players scored in the third quarter.

Trailing 42 to 36 at the beginning of the fourth quarter, Rock North was able to keep it close for a while and got to within four points of the hosts. Then Bensalem went on a 5-0 run on two free throws by Antonio Morris, a spinning drive by Moffitt, and a free throw by Chatman. Up 49 to 40 with 3:40 left in the game, Bensalem went to a four corners offensive set, and Rock North abandoned their zone for man-to man-defense. With 1:41 left in the game, Rock North drew within eight points on a three point play on a drive by Schaefer, but they could get no closer.

Both coaches did a superb job in this well-played game, and the two pilots are among the best in Bucks County. Coach Wright was at a disadvantage, as one of his leading players, senior Tyler Rodowicz, was on the bench in street clothes.

Bensalem is extremely likely to qualify for this season’s PIAA Class 6A state championship tournament. Rock North started five juniors in this contest, and they should be formidable next season.

For the game, Bensalem out-rebounded Council Rock North 32 to 31. The teams each had just six turnovers apiece, indicative of the quality of play throughout the game. Bensalem was 16 of 27 from the free throw line, while Rock North, which relied a great deal on jump shooting, was four of six from the stripe. Bensalem made four 3-pointers, while Rock North scored three times from beyond the arc.

Bensalem scoring: Jaidyn Moffitt 22, Noah Morris 11, Antonio Morris 7, Jahmir Chatman 7, Amir Drummond 6, Micah White 3, and Nate Cooper 2.

Council Rock North scoring: Oliver Schaefer 20, Grady Burt 18, Andrew O’Keeffe 6, Jack Curry 4, and Josh Erman 3.

Council Rock North     15     17     4     15 – 51
Bensalem                        15     12   15    16 – 58

On Twitter: @david_kehler

 

 

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