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Boys High School Basketball Chat

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Mike Drago

12:19

For most of the season I thought all three teams -- Reading, Wilson and BC -- were evenly matched.

12:20

Right now, Reading is playing its best ball of the season and has all of the momentum.

But, BC has an all-senior lineup and a lot of guys who have been on this stage before.

Only Wes Butler is back from Reading's starting lineup in the championship game last year.

12:21

Reading has three seniors in starting lineup, but not the kind of experience BC has with Casey Jack, Luis Garcia and Kyran Mitchell.

I think BC was stronger last year. It really hasn't been able to replace the two key seniors on that team, Keba Mitchell and Tre Dabney.

12:22

Those guys were difference-makers and played great in the championship game.

Knights of the Roundball

12:22

Last night was the first I've seen of BC. Keeping George off the glass will be key for RHS on Friday. Kyran got hot, but in general, they didn't shoot that well from 3, it was George's work inside that won them that game. Big test for Colter, Moro, Juan and Denim

Mike Drago

12:22

Brandon George came up big for Saints last night. Battled on the boards and scored, too. Big plus.

12:23

Reading is a little longer and deeper up front, and in a championship game sure to be physical the Red Knights have more fouls to give.

If Brandon George gets in foul trouble Snip Esterly doesn't have another big he can pull off the bench.

Never know, he might try to sneak Joe Linderman in there, hoping no one will notice.

RHS oldie

12:23

Big George's dunk last night was sweet. Never underestimate the atmosphere. I always go to these games to watch on the edge of my seat.

knight61

12:23

Did you notice on the district pairings, that Reading could possibly play two games at the Geigle and a district final at the Santander. Never leaving the city for a title. Just saying.

Mike Drago

12:24

Interesting, knight. That's a Jim Boeheim kind of schedule.

JOHNNY

12:24

Why isn't some of the young Reading guards that started the season starting the first few games not even on the playoff roster. Depth could come into play in districts and states

Mike Drago

12:24

Rick Perez has really tightened his rotation going down the stretch. Going mostly with seven guys. Played just six last night.

Knights of the Roundball

12:25

For a couple seasons now, Bryce Calloway had the rep of the best defensive stopper in Berks but I think with his play against Stevie and Washington this year, Wesley has a legit claim to that. Thoughts?

Mike Drago

12:25

Not gonna argue with that, Roundball

Wes' defense has been tremendous all season. I've written about it a number of times.

He was particularly good the last two times they played Reading.

12:26

Stevie Mitchell is a tough guy to defend. He got 18 last night, but 10 of those came from the foul line, and several of those were off fouls from someone other than Wes.

On the flip side, I've got to give Mitchell credit for his D on Butler. Guarded him as well as I've seen anyone do it this year.

12:27

Obviously will be a key matchup for BC. Last year, Tre Dabney help Wes to 8 points. Big reason they won.

I'm guessing Luis Garcia gets that assignment Friday.

Brian19

12:27

Some rumors say that Lonnie might be at the game tomorrow. What have you heard?

Mike Drago

12:27

That's beyond the rumor stage. I'll be surprised if we don't see him.

12:28

When I spoke to him a few weeks ago in Philly he said he would be home this week (it's the All-Star break in the NBA).

If he's in Reading, he'll be at that game.

JOHNNY

12:28

I know Reading is young but you wont replace a guy like Wes Butler. Not to mention the energizer bunny in Mato and another senior in Colter. Wilson will win it next year.

Mike Drago

12:28

Well, Reading graduated 4 of its top 5 from last year's state tournament team, and here it is again.

12:29

Wes will be missed greatly, no doubt, but there's plenty of guys in line to step up.

Kingforaday

12:29

Johnny - never count out Reading!

Knights of the Roundball

12:29

Reading's JVs has lost 1 game over the last 2 years. To expect them to fall off significantly is not smart

Mike Drago

12:30

Not sure if you're right about that JV record, Roundball. I know they've been good but thought they dropped a couple.

Imago

12:30

I think this is the last time you'll see BC in the champ game for awhile. Next year will be a total rebuild and the year after, they'll be in division 1.

Mike Drago

12:30

Never say never. Saints will re-load more than rebuild.

RHS oldie

12:30

Tell Lonnie to stay away, traffic is already a mess down town LOL

I do feel bad for BC. Their bench shrank the last few years. If they make a run it's off of 5-6 players tops. That's actually impressive.

Mike Drago

12:31

Berks Catholic has had more good players transfer out than any other program: Tyrone Nesby, Bernie Blunt, Bryce Calloway, Avanti Lockhart.

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