Coach Carter with Coach Doug Snyder, Coach Karim and Coach Davison
The student has become the teacher.
In his return to the William Allen Holiday Tournament after a loss in 2007 PHS coach Jason Carter and his experienced group of juniors and seniors avenged last season's defeat with a pulsating 44-43 victory over the host school. In the process Carter defeated William Allen coach Doug Snyder his old high school coach he played for at PHS.
Coming off a disappointing loss to Springfield-Delco High School on Monday, PHS was seeking redemption. From the opening tip off, PHS was far more energetic and intense than its opponent. After the first quarter, to the surprise of the packed William Allen gymnasium, PHS was up 17-9.
With a strong second quarter the Little Tigers added to their lead taking a nine point lead into the locker room at 30-21.
PHS led 37-30 after three, but in the fourth quarter things tightened considerably as William Allen quickly tied things up. However, PHS struck back as Jordan Metro, playing for the injured Thatcher Foster, hit a layup to put PHS up by 2. AJ Dowers was then put in as a defensive replacement which turned out to be a smart move. On William Allen's next possession, Dowers came up with a huge block and threw it out to DeQuan Holman who was fouled intentionally. He went to the line for a 1-1 and hit both. Allen then came down the floor and hit a three pointer in the corner to cut the lead to 1. With 5 seconds left Josh Gordon inbounded the ball to Holman who was fouled. But this time he missed his first shot and the half court prayer by William Allen was wide. Final score, PHS-44; WAHS-43.
DeQuan Holman, the MVP of the game, had 18 points with 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Skye Ettin had 11 points 5 rebounds and 3 steals and AJ Dowers had 6 points with 6 rebounds and 2 huge blocks.
As PHS returns triumphantly to Princeton, closer as a team and with a big win under its belt, the team looks forward to playing for the first time this season in its own gym winners of two of its first three games.
By Jamie Peretzman