Imhotep Charter Defeats Exeter Township 78-40 for the PIAA Class 5A State Championship: Kehler on Hoops
Written by: Dell Jackson on March 25, 2023
Imhotep Charter Defeats Exeter Township 78-40 for the PIAA Class 5A State Championship
Imhotep Charter successfully defended their PIAA Class 5A state championship on Friday night at the Giant Center in Hershey, topping Exeter Township 78 to 40. Imhotep led all of the way and demonstrated why they are widely regarded as one of the greatest high school basketball teams in the United States this season. A dozen Imhotep players scored in this state championship contest, and the mercy rule was triggered with 1:42 left in the third quarter. This was the ninth PIAA state championship won by Imhotep Charter since 2009, and it capped a triple crown year for Imhotep, as the team earlier won the championships of the Philadelphia Public League and of PIAA District 12.
Imhotep quickly took command of this year’s PIAA Class 5A title game, opening the scoring with a jumper by 6’ senior Rammer Barno followed by a free throw by 6’ 2” junior Ahmad Nowell and a 3-pointer by 6’ 7” senior Justin Edwards. Exeter Township then got on the scoreboard with a hoop inside by 6’ 3” junior Kevin Saenz to make the score 6 to 2 in favor of Imhotep. Imhotep then launched a 6 to 0 run on a hoop inside by Nowell, a fast break layup by 6’ 2” senior Yahmir Satterfield, and a drive by Nowell. Exeter Township was never in contention from that point, their offense thwarted by Imhotep’s quick, rangy, strong, ball hawking defenders. Throughout the game, Exeter Township had ball security problems, and they could not find the range from beyond the arc, going one for 13 in 3-point attempts in the game. On offense, Imhotep was able to fast break, score from outside, and power the ball into the hoop.
In the face of formidable opposition, the Exeter Township squad never stopped trying hard, attacking the hoop, and contending for rebounds. In particular, 6’ 7” Exeter Township senior Anthony Caccese had a fine game, scoring a dozen points and getting eight rebounds.
For the game, Imhotep out-rebounded Exeter 30 to 19. Imhotep committed nine turnovers, while Exeter had 19 miscues. Imhotep was 11 of 15 from the free throw line, and Exeter Township was nine of 16 from the stripe. Imhotep scored seven times from beyond the arc, and five different Imhotep players made at least one 3-pointer. Exeter made one 3-pointer in the game. Imhotep made 30 of 52 field goal attempts, while Exeter was 15 of 41 from the field.
Imhotep Charter scoring: Justin Edwards 19, Rahmir Barno 12, Ahmad Nowell 12, Yahmir Satterfield 9, Makye Taylor 6, R.J. Smith 6, Baasil Saunders 3, Malcolm Muhammad 3, Zaahir Muhammad-Gray 2, Jeremiah White 2, Carnell Henderson 2, and Devin Carter 2.
Exeter Township scoring: Anthony Caccese 12, Kevin Saenz 10, Alex Kelsey 8, Zyion Paschall 4, Aidan Dauble 3, Reece Garvin 2, and Deven Sheerin 1.
Exeter Township 6 15 15 4-40
Imhotep Charter 16 27 22 13-78
Perennial power Imhotep Charter finishes their magnificent season with a 30-3 record. They started two juniors in this game—Nowell and 6’ 7” Taylor—there are a number of other really talented underclassmen on their roster.
PIAA District 3 champion Exeter Township finishes their terrific campaign with a 27-7 record. Their starting lineup in the title game included two juniors, Saenz and 6’ 3” Garvin. Another junior, 6’ Alex Kelsey, was impressive coming off the bench, and 6’ 2” freshman Aidan Dauble hit their lone 3-pointer in the title game.
On Twitter: @david_kehler
Follow LLhoops on Twitter @LLhoops
