A strong defensive performance in the first half powered Strath Haven to a 46-40 victory over rival Penncrest in Central League boys basketball action Tuesday night. The Panthers held the Lions to nine points in the first half, one in the second quarter, to take a 25-9 lead into the break. Jaden Jauregui paced the offense with 15 points. Jack Edwards chipped in with nine points. Brendan Hemphill topped Penncrest with a game-high 17 points.
Elsewhere in the Central League:
Upper Darby 65, Haverford 56 » The Royals shot 19-for-26 from the free throw line to hold off the Fords. Niymere Brown led four Upper Darby players in double figures with 19 points. Yassir Joyner added 14. Khysir Slaughter chipped in with 13 and Nadir Myers had 10. Googie Seidman paced Haverford with a game-high 23 points. Tommy Wright added 15 points and Brian Weiner added 10.
Springfield 55, Marple Newtown 44 » Mike O’Donnell scored seven of his 13 points in the third quarter as the Cougars outscored the Tigers, 18-7, to take a 42-31 lead into the fourth quarter. Luke Biancaniello backed O’Donnell with 13 points. Matt Gardler scored 20 of his 22 points in the first half for the Tigers.
In the Inter-Ac League:
Malvern Prep 71, Episcopal Academy 63 »Andrew Phillips saved 10 of his game-high 25 points for the fourth quarter to lift the Friars over the Churchmen. Kevin McCarthy led EAvvith 18 points while T.J. Lamb pitched in with 16.
Penn Charter 67, Haverford School 38 » The Quakers held the Fords to eight points in the first quarter and outscored Haverford School, 22-8, in the third quarter to break the game open. Trey Shinholster and Kai Shinholster led PC with 14 points each. K.J. Carson had 16 points to lead the Fords.
In the Bicentennial League:
Church Farm 76, Delco Christian 53 » Josiah Gaines and Khamai Orange combined for 31 points but it wasn’t enough to help the Knights overcome a 31-19 halftime deficit. Gaines led the way with 16 points and Orange chipped in with 15.
In nonleague action:
Sun Valley 63. Freire Charier 31 » Chris Kwaidah hit Tour 3-pointers and finished with a game-high 24 points to lead the Vanguards to their second win in as many nights. Todd Harper added 11 points for the Vanguards.