BC BESTS EXETER
Jordan, Miller combine for 35 in Saints' win over Eagles
Josiah Jordan scored 20 points and Jack Miller had a careerhigh 15 as Berks Catholic took over sole possession of second place in Division I of the Berks Conference with a 56-51 victory over Exeter Thursday night at Reiffton.
The Saints (3-1, 7-1) overcame a 28-point performance by Colin Payne, who had 13 in the fourth quarter. He fed Joey Schlaffer for a layup and a three-point play, which cut what was a 10-point Berks Catholic lead to 50-48 with 2:03 to go.
The Saints kept their composure, however, and scored the next six points, starting with Miller’s jumper off a pass from Jordan.
“He’s one of our better shooters,” Berks Catholic coach Snip Esterly said about Miller, who was averaging 6.9 points per game. “He’s a great sniper. If you get it to him, he’s going to bury it.
“Tonight he took the ball to the basket at a crucial time. He got us going in the third quarter.”
Miller, a 5-10 junior, stepped up after Exeter (2-2, 7-4) took the lead in the third quarter. He drove for a basket and a threepoint play, converted a steal and knocked down one of two 3-pointers for the Saints, who took a 42-35 into the fourth quarter.
“Things just started opening up for me,” Miller said. “I try to do as much as I can. If the ball comes to me, I’ll shoot it. I feel comfortable every night shooting the ball. My teammates have confidence in me.”
Jordan played a wonderful game, scoring and passing. He finished with five assists and also made 4-of-4 free throws in the fourth quarter.
“J.J. was everywhere,” Esterly said. “He got loose balls. He was the difference in the last two minutes. He saved us.”
Payne was superb for Exeter, making 10-of-20 shots from the field and 5-of-5 from the free throw line. Jordan battled him, but Payne is several inches taller.
“He’s very quick,” Esterly said about Payne. “You have to watch his 3 and he can take it to the basket with either hand. He’s a tough player.”
Schlaffer finished with 10 points for the Eagles.