Emily Fisher learns tough lesson from trip to Conwell-egan
LEVITTOWN, Pa. — Progress isn’t always measured in wins and losses, something the Emily Fisher boys basketball program has found out firsthand the last few years.
The newest program in Mercer County, the Lightning had problems finding teams willing to put them on the schedule. Fast-forward to this season and Emily Fisher has already hosted the reigning mythical national champions in St. Anthony, have been competitive in nearly every game and have had little issues finding teams to put it on the schedule.
“We’ve definitely made a lot of progress over the years,” Emily Fisher senior guard Tracey Edwards said. “When I first came to Emily Fisher, we only had about seven games in the whole season. But we’ve gotten better the last few years and teams have wanted to start to play us and now we have a 30-game schedule.”
That progress hit a momentary roadblock last night as Emily Fisher made the short trip over the Delaware only to drop a 61-25 setback to Conwell-egan Catholic.
After shooting just 5 of 23 from the field in the first quarter the Eagles rebounded nicely in the second quarter connecting on all eight field goal attempts.
“I had no idea we were perfect from the field but it definitely makes things a lot easier when shots start to fall like that,” said Conwell-egan’s Dylan Pease, who chipped in with six points. “It also allows you to relax a little on (defense) and to stop committing the stupid fouls that we were committing.”
The win not only improved the Eagles to 7-3 on the season but allowed them to put a hard-to-swallow one-point loss to Holy Ghost Prep over the Christmas break behind them.
“We probably thought about it for two days before we put it behind us,” Pease said of the loss to Holy Ghost. “We watched film on it the other day but we’re trying to put that game behind us and get ready for the Catholic League.”
All 12 players who suited up for Conwell-egan saw significant action, with 11 players scoring at least two points. Standout senior guard Jamal Nwaniemeka led the way with 12 points and seven rebounds.
“That’s real good,” Pease said of the offensive balance, “because we know more people can come off the bench and contribute as we get deeper into the season.”
Brian Carr was the other Eagles’ player to finish in double figures with 10 points and Ryan Pepito, Mike Kelly and Derek Jonas each added six points.
After turning the basketball over 16 times — including eight in the second quarter — the Eagles will look to sure that up as the get into the thick of the PCL schedule.
“During halftime we talked about that because we definitely don’t want that many turnovers,” Pease said. “We were trying to push the ball so you’re going to have a few extra but we still had way too many.”
After having issues trying to find the bottom of the net through the first three quarters, the Lightning turned up the pace in the final frame and closed out the game strong with 10 fourth-quarter points.
Kelvin Hendryx and Roshane Gardner each added four points and Jaleel Taylor knocked down a three for the Lightning, which, despite the loss, are going to view the trip to Pennsylvania as a positive one.
“It was a cool experience,” Edwards said. “I liked the guys we played against. Everything about it was good except we didn’t get the win. But I’m going to take it on myself to work harder in practice.”
(Philadelphia) Totals: Tracey Edwards 4-4-12, Kelvin Hendryx 2-0-4, Roshane Gardner 2-0-4, Jaleey Taylor 1-0-3, Rahmeer Harvey 1-0-2, Bishire Parkman 0-0-0, Davae Watson 0-0-0, William Rambal 0-0-0, Jaron Hampton 0-0-0. 10-4-25. Totals: Jamal Nwaniemeka 4-2-12, Brian Carr 4-2-10, Ryan Pepito 3-0-6, Mike Kelly 2-1-6, Dylan Pease 1-4-6, Derek Jonas 3-0-6, Bobby Mctague 2-0-4, Uriah St. Lewis 0-3-3, Ibraham Kamara 10-2, Sean Kelly 1-0-2, Devin Mccarthy 0-0-0, . 23-12-61.
3-point: E: Taylor; C-E: Nwaniemeka 2, M. Kelly.