By Matt Chandik
Marquis Tomlin was still breathing a little heavy some 20 minutes after his Penncrest team cemented a spot in the PIAA Class 5A state tournament with a 43-34 win over rival Strath Haven at Kaufman Gymnasium.
Because of Tomlin, though, the Lions were breathing a lot easier after having to fend off the Panthers for the third time in four meetings this year. With starting guard Saahir Lee out of the lineup due to an injury sustained against Lower Merion, coach Mike Doyle leaned heavily on Tomlin to do, well, just about everything.
The senior guard poured in 13 of his game-high 16 points in the second half and effectively shut off Strath Haven’s main source of offense by limiting Luke Edwards to one field goal and two attempts in the final three quarters. The points are always nice and they were needed Saturday night, but Tomlin has always prided himself on his defensive work, and it was on full display.