It was almost a year ago when the La Salle Explorer Boys’ Basketball team made an unbelievable run in the PIAA Class 4A state playoffs, finishing last year as the State Runner up. Now, a year later, the Explorers look like they could make it happen again.
Last night, The La Salle Explorers traveled to South Philadelphia High School to take on the George Washington Eagles. The Explorers stifling defense and efficient offense overwhelmed the Eagles 73-44, In the District 12, 4A state playoff seeding game.
After tip off both teams seemed to be evenly matched, as they continued to trade leads. The teams seemed to settle in more by the end of the quarter, playing poised desense and finding holes on the offensive side fo the ball. Washington took the edge leading 17-16 by the end of the first quarter. La Salle player Dave Krmpotich lead the team with 8pts, and Washignton payer Quadere Allen lead the eagles with 6pts.
The Explorers (19-6) were faced with an all or nothing position, knowing that if they walked out of this game with a loss that their playoff hopes were over. They showed up in the 2nd quarter working the ball around the court flawlessly. They made every shot count putting the team up 32-27 at half time. Krmpotich lead the Explorers with 12-5-2 followed by Najee Walls with 10-6-2steals.
La Salle clearly held the momentum going into the third as they started dismantling the Eagle defense. The Explorers ended up going on a 8-0 scoring streak taking the score to 40-29 and didn’t stop there. They continued their offensive run outscoring the Eagles 21-6 ending the third quarter, the score now 53-37 La Salle.
La Salles’ offensive onslaught just continued for the rest of the game as the Washington Eagles had no one home to answer. The Explorers took the must win District 12, 4A seeding game victory 73-44!
The 6-foot-7 Krmpotich scored a game-high 21 points on 8-for-13 shooting. He also grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked two shots.
Shawn Witherspoon scored 17 points, grabbed seven rebounds and dished four assists. Najee Walls added 15 points, 10 rebounds, four steals and four assists.
Quadere Allen led Washington (19-7) with 12 points and Asante Ali added 10.
La Salle hopes to recapture last season’s magic when the state playoffs open next week Friday, March 6th, 2015.
Washington- 17-10-10-7- 44
La Salle- 16-18-21-18 – 73
Washington: Nasir Kelly 2, Elmange Watson 9, Asante Ali 10, Charles Brown 6, Quadere Allen 12, Aaron Curry 5.
La Salle: Shawn Witherspoon 17, Najee Walls 15, Dan Corr 6, Shane Stark 2, Jarrod Stukes 2, Dave Krmpotich 21, Matt Dessner 2, Ryan McTamney 6, Matt Paulus 2.
Processing your request, Please wait....
