The battle of David versus Goliath took place at Norristown Area High School Saturday, March 13.
Goliath prevailed.
After sneaking into the PIAA State tournament, Penn Manor’s basketball team entered the playoff immediately met by the paramount Penn Wood Patriots.
The Pats beat the Comets last year in the first round of states by four en route to a state championship title.
They were hungry for another.
Manor flooded the first quarter with three pointers ending the period with a 27-18 lead over Penn Wood.
The Patriots didn’t seem too concerned.
The second quarter was a different story as Penn Wood’s lightning quick 2-3 defense shut down the Comets to a dismal five second-quarter points.
With Manor focused on shutting down dominating 6-9 big man, Shawn Oakman, and swingman, Aaron Brown, senior guard, Tyree Johnson, took over.
Johnson dumped 26 first half points on the Comets, and the 2009 champs went into the locker room with a 43-32 lead at halftime.
The Patriots continued their authority over the smaller Comet lineup in the second half.
The Comets struggled to slow down the commanding inside game of Penn Wood in the second half, and quickly found themselves in foul trouble.
Frustration carried on throughout the second half for Charlie Detz’s Comets, as their first quarter stand out seemed petty in a 76-57 loss to Penn Wood.
Patrick Welsh led all Penn Manor scorers with 14 points. Senior guard, Jon Brooks, added another 8 points.
Detz will expect for his underclassman to step up next year to replace this heavily successful senior lineup as Penn Manor looks to continue their dominant reputation in the Lancaster Lebanon league.
By Cody Erb
Wow, what a disaster. David must not have been armed with his slingshot. What a cowardly move for Goliath to have taken advantage of him in his time of weakness.
Penn Manor played a real tough quarter, but i think the underclass men will still pick it up and do a good job next year