Neshaminy Defeats Bensalem 56-47: Kehler on Hoops
Written by: Dell Jackson on February 7, 2024
Neshaminy Defeats Bensalem 56-47: Kehler on Hoops
Article by David Kehler
Neshaminy defeated arch rival Bensalem 56 to 47 on Tuesday evening in a game between the top two teams in the Suburban One League Patriot Division. The game, played at Neshaminy, was close most of the way, and both sides brought lots of intensity to the contest. Bensalem was shorthanded, playing without 6’ 2” junior Jaidyn Moffitt, who was sidelined with a knee injury. Moffitt’s powerful inside presence was missed on both ends of the court.
The teams opened with man-to-man defenses and deliberate offensive styles. Both teams are well-coached Class 6A squads. The first quarter was unremarkable with lots of scrappy play. Neshaminy forged a slight lead, primarily scoring from close to the hoop.
The second quarter was more interesting, with 6’ Bensalem junior Jahmir Chatman coming off the bench to provide a spark. In the second quarter, Chatman scored twice on putbacks and once on a steal leading to a layup. With 1:35 left in the quarter, Bensalem tied the game at 21 on a drive by 5’ 8” junior Amir Drummond.
Neshaminy’s height advantage began to tell in the third quarter, and excellent teamwork between two senior guards, 5’ 8” Emeer Coombs and 6’ 3” Nate Townsend, became a greater factor for the home side. However, the third frame began with a 7-0 Bensalem run on a putback by 6’ 1” senior Micah White, a hoop inside by White, and a 3-pointer by 5’ 8” senior Noah Morris. That made it 28 to 22, Bensalem. Neshaminy called a timeout to blunt Bensalem’s momentum. When play resumed, Neshaminy scored on a 3-pointer by Coombs and a fast break layup by 6’ 1” senior Guy Horton. Bensalem then called a timeout attempting to stanch Neshaminy’s run. When play resumed, Bensalem went to a 2-3 zone, and they played some zone in some subsequent possessions. Midway through the third quarter, Neshaminy tied the game at 29 on a nifty pick and roll by 6’ 4” junior Max Currie, then they took the lead for good on a three point play on a putback by 5’ 9” freshman Logan Gale. Neshaminy pulled away from that point, ultimately going up by 10, 52 to 42, on a free throw by Townsend. However, the game seemed closer than the final score suggests.
For the game, Neshaminy out-rebounded Bensalem 33 to 31. Each team had eight turnovers. Neither squad shot well from the free throw line: Neshaminy was 10 of 23 and Bensalem was seven of 15. Each team made four 3-pointers. There were four ties and three lead changes.
Neshaminy scoring: Nate Townsend 19, Emeer Coombs 13, Guy Horton 10, Logan Gale 8, and Max Currie 6.
Bensalem scoring: Noah Morris 11, Micah White 9, Antonio Morris 7, Jahmir Chatman 7, Amir Drummond 7, and Nate Cooper 6.
Bensalem 10 11 13 13 – 47
Neshaminy 13 9 19 15 – 56
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