Boys: Grand night for Upper Darby’s Nadir Myers

Upper Darby's Nadir Myers, left, scores in the first half against Ridley Tuesday evening. He had 30 points including the 1,000th of his career to lead the Royals to an 82-60 victory over the Green Raiders (Pete Bannan/MediaNews Group).

Upper Darby’s Nadir Myers, left, scores in the first half against Ridley Tuesday evening. He had 30 points including the 1,000th of his career to lead the Royals to an 82-60 victory over the Green Raiders (Pete Bannan/MediaNews Group).

By Matthew DeGeorge

The play that Upper Darby dialed up to start the second quarter Tuesday afternoon served a dual purpose.

On the one hand, senior guard Nadir Myers stood on 998 career points. The sooner he reached 1,000 points, the better for the Royals’ collective focus, coach Bob Miller knew. But after spotting Ridley the first 10 points of a Central League matchup and going the first 3:50 of play without scoring, the hosts would’ve greatly appreciated any easy offense at that point.

The elemental inbounds play – a down screen to free Myers for a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer from the right corner – accomplished what so much of Myers’ voluminous offense does: It advanced not just his personal tallies but translated into wining basketball for the Royals.

Myers scored 30 points in an exemplary personal showing that included his 1,000th career point, helping Upper Darby shake its early struggles and rout Ridley, 82-60.

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