By Jack McCaffery
The trick to early-season, out-of-conference high school basketball scheduling is a willingness to postpone any rewards.
Penn Wood coach Matt Lindeman knew that when he agreed to play at ever-competitive Norristown Thursday. He appreciated even more after a 63-54 defeat in a game that was even with 1:22 to play.
“The coaches knew what we were coming here for, absolutely,” Lindeman said. “When you come here you know you are going to get their best effort. They play hard.
“We tried to prepare our guys for the speed of this game, and we weren’t ready. So give Norristown credit.”
The Eagles (3-2) jumped on Penn Wood early, scored five of the first seven points in the first quarter and never trailed … not that the Patriots didn’t make that a distinct possibility in a fourth-quarter flurry.
Finally settling, Penn Wood cut a deficit to 54-51 on an Anthony Murray drive with 1:49 left. Pressing, the Pats created a quick turnover and fed Mekhi Shillingsford for a layup to pull within a point.