Penncrest’s Aidan Carroll, right, shoots in the third quarter of the Central League final as Lower Merion’s Steve Payne defends. (Pete Bannan/Digital First Media)
By Harry Chaykun
The Penncrest coaches and fans will be talking for a long time about the shot Aidan Carroll made against West Chester Rustin in the second overtime period of the District 1 Class 5A boys basketball quarterfinals at Kaufman Gymnasium Saturday night.Carroll made the first shot he attempted in the game, then didn’t connect again until 1:56 remained in the second extra period. The 3-pointer put the two-time defending district champion Lions ahead to stay as Penncrest prevailed, 58-49, and earned a semifinal matchup with No. 1 West Chester East at Norristown High Wednesday night.
“Things kind of just happened,” Carroll said. “I try to get to open spaces and be confident and keep shooting. They came back on us, but everybody had to stick with the game plan and stay confident.”
Penncrest (20-6) took an eight-point lead into the fourth period before freshman IV Pettit, who shared scoring honors with senior Jake Nelson for the Knights (16-8) with 14 points, came up with eight points to get his team even at the end of regulation. Two free throws by the Lions’ Isaiah Rice with 1:00 on the clock were the last points scored before overtime.
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