Weise helps move George School toward FSL championship
George School boys’ basketball team holds a date with history.
The Cougars ended Westtown’s run of eight-straight Friends School League (FSL) titles with a dominant 7939 victory over the kingpins. George School reached its first FSL championship game since 2002 as coach Ben Luber’s talented squad chases a first title in school history.
The Cougars (19-6) meet Academy New Church (17-4) on Feb. 10 at LaSalle (8 p.m.)
Sophomore Luca Bevilacqua scored a game-high 19 points, Carson Mastin added 13, Kachi Nzeh 10, Christian Bliss 10, and former Allentown High star Dante Weise added eight.
Weise, 18, a senior point guard committed to play at Division II The College of St. Rose, admitted being shooting shy after misfiring on several jump shots.
“They wanted to make our other three starters beat them. I didn’t shoot it all that great. You miss a couple of shots and it can get in your head. I’ve got to be a little more mentally tough,” Weise, a co-captain along with Bliss, said.
“We knew (Westtown) would come out with a plan to shut down Kachi and Christian. Winning would need a team effort and that’s how we played, how we always try to play. Everyone made a contribution.”
Weise added an early reverse layup followed by a three-point jump shot that bulged a lead to 17-9. His game highlights included a charge taken, stellar defense and several assists, including a set play lob for a Nzeh
throw-down in the third quarter.
Bliss added a nasty slam dunk for a 19-9 edge and 5:54 remaining in the second quarter. George led 2515 at halftime then started the third with a 17-3 run (4218). Westtown, playing without three key starters Matt Mayock (broken bone in arm), Matt Gilhool (ankle injury) and Se’yphon, apparently no longer with the program.
Plus, George School looks like chalk after beating ANC 72-52 in late January. Weise assured the Cougars dismiss over confidence.
“We knew they were missing key players but that did not factor into our play. We play our game both defensively and offensively. Our effort does not depend on others. Right now, we know every possession counts and every defensive stop matters,” Weise pledged.