(Feb. 15, 2013) With one league game remaining before playoffs, the Worcester Prep boys’ basketball team is ready for the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference tournament and hoping to take home a title this year.
Last Wednesday, the Mallards got their revenge on the Salisbury School Dragons, who handed the Prep squad its first loss (41-29) on Jan. 18.
Returning from winter break on Feb. 4, Worcester traveled to Salisbury two days later to battle the Dragons and came home with a 48-36 victory.
Salisbury School led 17-9 at the end of the first quarter and 24-20 at halftime. Worcester pulled ahead in the third and had a 34-32 advantage with one quarter to play. The Mallards outscored the Dragons 14-4 in the fourth quarter. Coach Keith Geiger said the win was huge.
“We wore them out and played unbelievably aggressive defense, and by the fourth quarter, Salisbury School had trouble keeping up,” he said. “Also, we had emphasized defense on Dylan Shaheen, who killed us last time. Billy Brittingham and Matt Reilly, with the help of the whole team, did a great job limiting his shots and rebounds.”
Senior Zander Farr logged 18 points and 10 rebounds. Senior captain Harrison Brennan had 10 points, five assists and five steals.
The Prep team took a long bus ride to Centreville last Friday to battle the Gunston Day Herons.
Worcester outscored Gunston 15-11 in the first quarter and at halftime, led 42-26. By the end of the third quarter the Mallards were on top 65-39 and won the game 77-44.
“It’s hard to sit for four hours, then play as hard as we do. The first few minutes were a little slow, but we picked it up,” Geiger said. “Everybody was shooting really well. We played good defense and ran the transition very well.”
Brennan scored 20 points. Farr had 23 points and six rebounds. Reilly, a junior, chipped in with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
On Monday, Worcester took on the Sts. Peter & Paul Sabres in Easton.
The home team held a 13-12 advantage after the first quarter and at halftime, the Sabres led 23-19. Sts. Peter & Paul pulled ahead by nine points (50-41) in the third quarter and earned a 67-63 victory.
Junior Ryan Nally was Worcester’s top producer with 27 points — 12 were scored in the fourth quarter — and nine rebounds.
“I think it was a great game before the playoffs start next week. It was a real test, where every possession mattered,” he said. “Those games are great teaching and learning tools, not only for the players but for me as well.”
Worcester’s final game of the regular season is scheduled for today, Friday, in Georgetown against the Delmarva Christian Royals. Conference playoffs begin Monday.
“I believe that we have home court advantage throughout the playoffs, which is always great,” Geiger said. “I am very confident going into the playoffs and I think we match up favorably to the teams in our conference.”
