Santo turns in big game as Cherry Hill East rolls

BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP - His game has evolved so quickly that on a day when Cherry Hill East sophomore Chris Santo scored 28 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, he wasn't too impressed by his performance.

The 6-foot-4 Santo put up that line and was named player of the game during yesterday's 72-24 romp over Hammonton in the Olympic-Cape Challenge at St. Augustine.

Proceeds from this two-day event that concludes today go to the Shoot Down Cancer Foundation, which has contributed more than $200,000 to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia since forming 10 years ago.

Santo, who made 9 for 21 from the field, is averaging 27.2 points per game for the Cougars, who are 12-8 and have earned a berth in the Group 4 playoffs. The Cougars play in the difficult Olympic Conference American Division, which makes those statistics that much more impressive, although Santo won't list yesterday among his highlights.

"It wasn't one of my better efforts," Santo said. "I could have done better, but my shot was off."

He has more than doubled his average from last season and has also seen increased defensive attention.

"Especially in our conference, I have seen two and three players but I didn't expect to see it here," Santo said.

He should get used to it anywhere.

East coach John Valore, now in his 33d season, said Santo ranked among the top five players he has coached, which is saying something.

"There is no doubt he is someone special," Valore said. "The thing about Chris is that he works the entire game and he never lets up."

Projecting what level Santo will be recruited on is a difficult proposition at this point, mainly because he scores so much from the inside.

"I know if I want to play in college, I will have to take my game outside at my size," Santo said.

Jay Gomes, the editor and publisher of NJHoops.com, who evaluates talent, is intrigued by Santo.

"It's a little early to project what level he will play [in college], but anytime you see a sophomore averaging 27 against the type of competition he's facing, you have to be impressed," Gomes said. "I like what I see from him."

Santo realizes that his perimeter game will have to improve, but he has a dependable medium-range jumper, especially off the dribble.

Santo doesn't minimize the contribution of his teammates.

"They do a great job of getting me the ball," he said.

And he doesn't do a bad job of depositing it in the basket.

"He has a total concept of what is needed on offense and defense," Valore said. "We wouldn't be where we are without him."

Cherry Hill East 12 17 18 25 - 72

Hammonton 6 6 7 5 - 24

C: Logan Marro 10, Seth Friedman 9, Greg Middleman 2, Chris Santo 28, Dan Melbey 5, Jay Gorchow 2, Stacey Upshaw 9, Mike Sadowsky 3, Alex Pearl 4.

H: Mike Bertino 5, Brandon Horsley 1, Xavier Warner 10, Kevin Kohr 5, Steve Miner 1, Bobby Barbieni 2.