Holy Ghost Prep Defeats Pope John Paul II 78 to 61: Kehler on Hoops

Written by: Dell Jackson on February 5, 2024

Holy Ghost Prep Defeats Pope John Paul II 78 to 61: Kehler on Hoops
Article by David Kehler

Momentum is a major factor in the outcomes of high school basketball games. That’s partially true due to the rhythmic nature of the game itself and partially true because high school games are shorter in duration and lower scoring than college and pro games. In high school ball, if a team has a 10 or more points scoring run at any time in the game, that team will win. In my analysis of data from well over 1000 high school games that I’ve seen in the past 15 years, a team that surrenders a scoring run of 10 or more points at any time in the game has much less than a 1% chance of winning. The view from here is that a coach has to be very alert to an opponent’s scoring runs and should call a time out if the opposition scores seven consecutive points. The intent of the time out is to break the opponent’s momentum. After the time out, if the opponent scores again, call another time out. Repeat, if necessary.

On Saturday afternoon, visiting Holy Ghost Prep had three significant scoring runs against Pope John Paul II. To blunt Ghost’s momentum, PJP called time outs to stop two of those scoring runs. However, a 13 to 0 Ghost scoring run early in the second quarter—when PJP did not use a timeout—won the game for the visitors.

PJP got off to a rough start in the game, committing four turnovers in their first five possessions. Ghost capitalized with an 8 to 0 run to start the game with a 3-pointer by junior Zak Sharlin, a 3-pointer by 6-2 junior Adrien Varella, and a fast break layup by Sharlin. At that point, PJP called a time out, regained some composure, and began to climb back into the game. PJP also got some major help from the bench, particularly from 6’ 2” junior Bradley Bass. Early in the second quarter, trailing 20 to 14, Bass scored on a putback, then on a layup, and 5’ 11” junior Braden Reed added a free throw. That cut Ghost’s lead to 20 to 19.

Ghost then blew open the game with a 13-0 run, and PJP did not take a time out to blunt Ghost’s momentum. Ghost’s run began with a hoop inside by junior Mark Stendardo and continued with a fast break layup by Varella, a 3-pointer by the versatile Varella, a 3-pointer by sophomore sharpshooter Adam McDonald, and a 3-pointer by junior Robbie Segarich. That made it 33 to 19, Ghost, and PJP never recovered.

Ghost began the third quarter with another run, this one 9 to 0, on a drive by Varella, a backdoor layup by Varella from a slick bounce pass from senior Gavin McLaughlin, a 3-pointer by Segarich, and a fast break layup by Varella. PJP called a time out at that point, ending Ghost’s run, but the score was 44 to 24, a lead that PJP couldn’t overcome.

Commendably, both coaches gave their reserves chances to play, which meant that the fourth quarter was pretty choppy, with the squads combining for 10 turnovers in the final frame.

Ghost’s Adrien Varella had a terrific game. He’s the least publicized outstanding player in the Philadelphia area. For PJP, 5’ 11’ senior Dom DeMito and 6’ 5” senior Caleb Zavertnik played well.

For the game, Holy Ghost Prep out-rebounded Pope John Paul II 41 to 31. Ghost had 17 turnovers, while PJP had 12 miscues. As usual, Ghost shot well from the line, making 16 of 20 attempts. PJP was 17 of 30 from the stripe. Ghost made 10 3-pointers, and four different players scored from beyond the arc. PJP made six 3-pointers, with four different players hitting the mark.

Holy Ghost Prep scoring: Adrien Varella 27, Robbie Segarich 14, Zak Sharlin 14, Adam McDonald 12, Mark Stendardo 4, Dean Bergkoetter 3, Gavin McLaughlin 2, and Liam Duffy 2.

Pope John Paul II scoring: Dom DeMito 16, Caleb Zavertnik 14, Ayden Wise 6, Bradley Bass 6, Logan Fish 6, Denny Owens 4, Braden Reed 4, Jason Green 2, Kevin Bustynowicz 2, and Chase Mondillo 1.

Holy Ghost Prep     18     17    25    18 – 78
Pope John Paul II   14     10   16     21 – 61

For those unfamiliar with these teams, Holy Ghost Prep is located in Bensalem and is not a member of a league. Pope John Paul II’s beautiful school is located in Royersford and they are a member of the Pioneer Athletic Conference.

On Twitter: @david_kehler

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