Early threes gives Raiders lead that energetic defense does not surrender
By Kyle Carrozza, Staff Writer, The Times
John Rodriguez lays up after making a steal in the first quarter.
CALN – In a game much harder fought than the score might suggest, Coatesville’s outside shooting and high energy defense led to a 61-46 home win over Bishop Shanahan on Thursday night.
Coatesville jumped out to an early lead with the offense kicking out from the low post to allow senior guard Kevin Crutchfield to sink a couple of early threes. A jumper and a foul shot later, Crutchfield had nine points, and Coatesville held a 13-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The home team kept working the low post to open up outside shots, sinking four three pointers in the second quarter. On the other end of the court, the defense played aggressively with two or three players attacking the ball. Shanahan struggled to find open players, and nine second quarter points meant that Coatesville’s lead grew to 30-15 at halftime.
The leading team switched up its game in the second half, driving the lane on the attacking end. For their part, the Eagles had success using set plays on the fast break to create layups, and their scoring stepped up later in the game.
The offenses stayed in stride with each other. Although the score hovered around a 15 point difference, both teams continued driving hard and harassing shooters. Shanahan looked for one last push after gaining momentum on the back of a three pointer by junior Andrew Dolan. But Coatesville grabbed the momentum right back. On Shanahan’s next possession, Coatesville junior forward Dondre Pittman swatted a block. A quick pass and senior guard Jon Lott laid in for two. With less than two minutes left, scoring slowed, and the home side took the 61-46 win.
Coatesville faces travels to West Chester to take on Rustin on Saturday, and Shanahan will face Avon Grove at home on Tuesday.
