Kehler on Hoops: Archbishop Ryan 75 West York 48- wrap

Written by: Dell Jackson on March 9, 2022

ARCHBISHOP RYAN DEFEATS WEST YORK AREA 75-48

Archbishop Ryan easily defeated West York Area, 75-48, in the first round of the PIAA Class 5A state championship tournament on Tuesday night. The mercy rule was triggered in the third quarter of the game, which was played at Archbishop Ryan. West York fell behind quickly and never contended against a team that, last month, advanced to the Philadelphia Catholic League championship game at the Palestra. Last season, Ryan played in the PIAA Class 5A state championship game, and they are among the favorites to reach the PIAA title game again this year.

West York never had a chance in this game. Archbishop Ryan scored first on a three point play by 6′ 9″ sophomore Thomas Sorber. Following a nifty ally-oop by West York junior David McGlandrie, Ryan scored twice more on hoops inside by Sorber, who scored seven points in the first quarter. It was obvious that West York’s man-to-man defense was vulnerable to Sorber attacking the basket from down low, so West York switched to a 2-3 zone. Darren Williams, a 6′ 4″ Ryan sophomore, countered with a three pointer over the West York zone, then Ryan attacked on the baseline from the right corner from behind the zone on a drive by 6′ 3″ senior Jalen Sneed and a baseline jumper by 6′ 6″ sophomore Jaden Murray. West York committed six turnovers in the first quarter, and they were out rebounded by Archbishop Ryan 11 to six in the first frame. Ryan led 16-7 after eight minutes of play.

West York had their best offensive sequence of the game at the beginning of the second quarter with a 7-3 run consisting of a hoop inside by junior Jovan DeShields, a three pointer by McGlandrie, and another basket inside by DeShields, who was West York’s only effective inside offensive threat. That cut Ryan’s lead to 19-14, but the Philadelphia Catholic League power quickly responded with an
11-0 run on a three pointer by 6′ 1″ senior Luke Boyd, a fast break layup by Boyd, a putback by Murray, a drive by 6′ senior David Wise, and a baseline jumper by Boyd. That made it 30-14, Ryan. West York senior A. J. Williams hit a three pointer, then Ryan concluded the first half with a 5-0 run on a hoop inside by Darren Williams, a free throw by Wise, and two free throws by Sorber. The halftime score was 35 to 17, in favor of Ryan. In the first half, West York had committed 10 turnovers and not attempted a free throw.

Both teams played at a faster tempo at the beginning of the third quarter. Ryan opened the third frame with another 11-0 run on a three pointer by Sorber, a fast break by Darren Williams, a three point play by Sorber, and a three pointer by Sneed. That made it 46-17, Ryan. Shortly thereafter, the mercy rule was triggered. The benches were cleared in the fourth quarter.

Archbishop Ryan had a decisive 33 to 20 advantage on the boards. Ryan committed seven turnovers to 15 for West York. Ryan was nine of 13 from the stripe, while West York was four of seven. Ryan made eight three pointers in the game, Three by Boyd, and one each by Darren Williams, Sorber, Snead, Paris, and sophomore Ryan Everett. West York made six three pointers: three by junior Jaden Walker, and one each by McGlandrie, A. J. Williams, and senior Landon Gibson. There were no ties and no lead changes.

Archbishop Ryan scoring: Thomas Sorber 18, Luke Boyd 13, Darren Williams 9, Jalen Sneed 9, Ryan Everett 9, Jaden Murray 6, Michael Paris 4, David Wise 3, Jack Ruskowski 2, and Frank Monaco 2.

West York Area scoring: Jaden Walker 13, Jovan DeShields 8, Landon Gibson 6, Daniel Rice 6, David McGlandrie 5, JaVair Powell 5, A. J. Williams 3, and Jake Knisley 2.

Ryan, now 19-7 on the season vs. very tough competition, advances to the second round of the PIAA Class 5A state championship tournament, where they will play Chester on Friday evening at a time and site to be determined.

West York Area’s season is finished with a record of 24-5, having lost their final three games. They have a core of nice juniors in DeShields, Walker, and McGlandrie and might benefit from playing a more challenging non-league schedule next season.

West York Area 7 10 16 15-48
Archbishop Ryan 16 19 29 11-75

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