2014 Holiday Tournament Recap • 41st Annual

December 29 & 30, 2014

Germantown Academy repeats as champion of the 41st Annual Triangle Club Holiday Tournament with a tough fought 58-48 victory over Susquehanna Township. This is the third Triangle Club Holiday Tournament championship for the Patriots, having previously won this tournament last year (2013) and in 2009.

All four participating teams entered the two day tournament with two loses on their record. Defending champion Germantown Academy stood at 9-2. Both Susquehanna Township (from Harrisburg, District 3) and Central (from Philadelphia, District 12) had 6-2 records. Host team Norristown was 4-2.

The Tournament opened with G.A. topping Central 72-52. After a close first half the Germantown Academy Patriots came out of the locker room and delivered a knockout punch with a 45-12 run against the Lancers.

When Central’s top player, 6’3″ Kahlil Williams (a mini Charles Barkley), got into foul trouble, coach Haviland Harper had no answer. Guard Gregory Holdsman tried his best but could not keep pace with the well balanced Patriots. Reigning Triangle Tournament MVP Tim Guers (14 points), Guard Devon Goodman (17 points) and 6’7″ forward Sam Lindgren (19 points) put on a show. Williams led Central with 15 points and a ton of rebounds.

The nightcap match up saw the Norristown Eagles hanging tough against 3-A defending state runner up Susquehanna Township in the first half. Down 28-23 at half, Norristown was getting a strong 11 point performance from 6’5″ junior Darryl Carr. But the Eagles could not match up with the strong trio guard play of DeJour Williams(21 points), Nehemiah Mack and Joe Marshall. The final score was Susquehanna 76 and Norristown 55. The 3rd quarter was pretty even with Upper Merion outscoring Judge 15-14. But the Crusaders turned it up a notch and tossed in 21 points in the 4th quarter to pull off a 67-49 victory.

Father Judge had four players score in double figures with Matt O’Connor paving the way with 19. Marc Rodriguez (6’2″) added 17, and Mike Power scored 11. Tom Quarry (6’6″) came off the bench and made his season debut (broken wrist) and tossed in 11 (including 3 treys). Andrew Persaud paced the Vikings with perhaps a tournament record of 6 three point field goals for 18 points. Big (6’6″) Ethan Miller was a monster on the boards and tallied 11 points. However, Upper Merion had suffered their first loss.

The 2nd night consolation game pitted Central against Norristown. Assistant coach Bob McTamney coached the Eagles, filling in for Mike Evans. McTamney had his troop fired up against the Lancers right from the tip off.

Once again Darryl Carr played a key role as did 6’4″ junior Roy Green. The teams were knotted at 27 at halftime. But the Eagles defense broke down in the 2nd half and they could not stop Greg Holdsman (18 points) from driving to the basket. Also, Central’s inside shot blocker 6’6″ Gbolahan Alliyu and Kahlil Williams (26 points) dominated the paint. The end result was 63-52 Central victory.

The championship game was very competitive. Germantown Academy (Inter AC defending champion) may have played their best game of this season. Coach Jim Fenerty has a veteran squad, yet only has 4 seniors on his roster. Three juniors, 2 sophomores, and one freshman also make up his rotation. Fenerty came into this game aware of how tough his opponent was. Susquehanna Twp.is coached by VInce Rogers. They return 4 starters from last years squad. The Indians play in your face defense. They are quick and very athletic. It was a great championship match up. Two great teams and two top coaches. The G.A. squad pulled out a 58-48 win.

Susquehanna jumped off t a quick 7-0 lead before Fenerty could call a time out. But Fenerty’s Patriots battled back to take a 30-26 lead at the half. Big strong 6’6″ Quinton Ward (14 points) stepped up for Susquehanna while Germantown was trying hard to hold the Indian guards in check. In the 2nd half G.A.’s balanced attack continued to be the difference. Sophomore Kyle McCloskey (19 points0 was nailing left handed jump shots from the corner. Sophomore Evan-Eric Longino made 6 of 7 foul shots. Senior Sam Lindgren (7 first half points) was playing big. Junior Devon Goodman (11 points) was playing tough defense holding Susqehanna’s DeJour Williams to (only) 14 points. Mr. Do Everything for G.A., Tim Guers (10 points), picked up his 2nd MVP Trophy by playing a great floor game and doing all the little things coach Fenerty asks of him.

Thanks to everyone who helped make the Triangle Club’s 41st Annual Holiday Basketball Tournament a success. Each year, through our tournament, the Triangle Club raises money to support our scholarship program. This would not be possible without the participation of these fine teams, as well as the support of our fans, the community, and our tournament sponsors, 44 Business Capital and First Niagra. The Triangle Club thanks you all and looks forward to seeing you at next year’s tournament.

Thanks to everyone who helped make the Triangle Club’s 41st Annual Holiday Basketball Tournament a success.  Each year, through our tournament, the Triangle Club raises money to support our scholarship program.  This would not be possible without the participation of these fine teams, as well as the support of our fans, the community, and our tournament sponsors, 44 Business Capital and First Niagra.  The Triangle Club thanks you all and looks forward to seeing you at next year’s tournament.