Evans leads Henderson past Central

Shante Evans' fans, er, family members, were out in force to watch the West Chester Henderson girls' basketball team make its first appearance in the PIAA Class AAAA state tournament.

On hand at Germantown High last night to see Evans and the Warriors take on Public League champion Central were her parents, William and Tanya, both of whom, as usual, were wearing their daughter's maroon-and-white No. 30 jersey; 8-year-old brother, C.J.; 3-year-old sister, Whitney; and cousin Darius.

And, it should be pointed out, William and Tanya are vocal supporters. "They're the loudest people in the gym," Shante Evans said. "They're my biggest supporters."

Boosted by that strong support, Evans poured in 30 points and grabbed 19 rebounds as Henderson downed the Lancers, 47-40, in a first-round matchup.

"Shante is one of my best friends," said Katie Armstrong, a senior point guard for the Warriors. "Playing with her is amazing. She comes up big in the big games."

Evans, a 6-foot senior forward, shot 10 for 21 from the field and 10 for 13 from the line. She scored 16 points in the first half and 14 in the second. Nine of her 19 rebounds came on the offensive end.

"She's a great worker, has a great rapport with her teammates," Henderson coach John Panichelli said. "She'll share the ball with them and allow them to do what they need to do."

The Warriors (22-6) earned a second-round date in states with Ches-Mont League National Division rival Downingtown East (26-2). That meeting, the third this season between the squads, is scheduled for Tuesday at a neutral site and time to be determined.

"I'm very excited about playing them again," Evans said. "For my whole entire career, we've never beaten them."

In four varsity seasons (she spent her sophomore year at neighboring West Chester Rustin), the Hofstra-bound Evans has totaled 2,147 points. In a consolation-round game 10 days ago, she netted a career-high 44 points in a win over Upper Darby.

Against Central, Jenna Cullinan chipped in 10 rebounds, six points, three assists and two steals. Armstrong produced seven assists, five rebounds, and a key fourth-quarter steal. Immediately after that theft, which came with the Warriors clinging to a 42-40 lead, Lancers star Janaa Pickard picked up her fifth foul and was done for the night.

Henderson was ahead, 27-17, at intermission. Central (18-7) fought back in the third quarter and briefly went in front, 34-32, on Pickard's right-wing trey with 6 minutes, 30 seconds to play.

Afterward, Lancers coach Frank Greco voiced his displeasure with the officiating.

West Chester Henderson 9 18 5 15 - 47

Central 11 6 12 11 - 40

WCH: Katie Armstrong 1, Jenna Cullinan 6, Shante Evans 30, Jaclyn Panichi 4, Danielle Puccino 4, Michelle Worst 2.

C: Najah Jacobs 4, Renee Deas 10, Isabella Ross 14, Janaa Pickard 10, Brittany Harriott 2.