Ches-Mont Final Four exceeds all expectations

Last week, the Ches-Mont League came alive as the Final Four exceeded expectations for excitement and drama. Coatesville captured its second consecutive league title, but the efforts of West Chester Rustin and Bishop Shanahan should not go unnoticed.

Rustin sophomore center Jake Nelson had 18 points and nine rebounds in the semifinal loss to the Red Raiders and showed why he is already one of the most dominant players in District 1. Rustin had a chance to upset the

Red Raiders but two costly turnovers in the last two minutes spelled doom for the Golden Knights, along with a few key missed foul shots.

In the final game, Bishop Shanahan actually held a 24-18 lead at halftime, but the Eagles scored just 13 points in the last two periods and overtime. Poor shot selection and a very heated Coatesville defense led to the poor offensive showing. Once again, the Coatesville defense led the Red Raiders to victory.

And Coatesville needs to be applauded for its tenacity and heart. Despite having two freshmen, Jhamir Brickus and Dapree Bryant, in big roles, the Red Raiders won the title.

Coatesville is a legitimate contender for the District 1 Class 6A championship, and if the Red Raiders can defeat Downingtown West Tuesday night, Coatesville will qualify for the PIAA tournament for the first time in four years, and the first time under coach Chuck Moore.

Possibly the best thing about the Ches-Mont Final Four were the sellout crowds at Downingtown West, quite unlike the sparse crowds during the regular season around the league. With the district playoffs in full swing, Coatesville will host Downingtown West Tuesday. The Red Raiders defeated the Whippets handily the two times they met this season, both by double digits. Downingtown West has George Gordon, its 6-foot-7 center, back from a concussion, and if the Whippets are going to upset the Red Raiders, they will have to match the Coatesville intensity.

Conestoga will host Lower Merion in the fourth meeting of the season for the pair. Lower Merion has won two of the three contests with the Pioneers, including a victory over Conestoga in the Central League playoffs.

In the 5A bracket, both Rustin and Bishop Shanahan have tough first round rematches against Del-Val League foes. Rustin will play Glen Mills, a team the Golden Knights defeated by one point in overtime this season, while Shanahan plays Academy Park, which downed the Eagles in overtime during the regular season.

Great Valley is the second seed in the 5A bracket and will host Upper Perkiomen, a team that finished below .500 for the season.

Westtown will continue its quest for the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association championship in Friday’s semifinal against either Germantown Academy or Penn Charter at Malvern Prep. If the Moose advance to Saturday’s final against Episcopal Academy or the Hill School and win as expected, it will be the second straight title for coach Seth Berger’s ultra-talented squad. The Moose are a sight to see with 6-foot11 Mohamed Bamba, University of Arizona recruit Brandon Randolph and junior star Cameron Reddish. The tournament is the private school version of the PIAA playoffs.