Johnson, Girard roar into state hoops final

READING - Every basketball player dreams of getting a chance to rush onto the court in celebration.

There's nothing like partaking in a group hug, raising index fingers, and reveling in the moment.

That came last night for the Girard College boys' basketball team.

The Cavaliers defeated the Scotland School Cadets, 86-51, in a Class A state semifinal at Reading High's Geigle Complex.

Whether the Cavaliers (25-4) will have another postgame celebration hinges on what happens in Friday's 2 p.m. state final at Penn State's Bryce Jordan Center.

Girard College will face Kennedy Catholic, a winner last night over Elk County Catholic in the other semifinal.

But for one night, the Cavaliers and their fans were able to celebrate. Freshman reserve guard Tyreek Peeples leaped up as the final buzzer sounded. Standout guard John Johnson, followed by teammates, raced onto the court to celebrate with Peeples. Across the court, several fans chest-bumped in the stands.

After shaking hands with the Cadets, the Cavaliers sang their school's fight song with Girard College's student body and fans.

"This is history," Johnson said of his school's first state championship appearance. "I'm real happy. I don't even know what to say."

The Cadets (21-7) couldn't have been happy to play against Johnson. He finished with 37 points, five steals, and four assists despite sitting out most of the fourth quarter. The 6-foot-1 sophomore, who was battling a groin injury, tallied 28 points in the first half.

"The court just felt like an ocean," said Johnson, who shot 14 of 21 from the field. "I couldn't miss."

Scotland School 24 4 14 9 - 51

Girard College 19 25 26 16 - 86

GC: Lance Devero 5, Andre Rivers 7, Mark Thomas 7, Torrell Candelaria 14, Clifford White 4, Ahmir Whiting 4, John Johnson 37, Tyreek Peeples 5, Chris Oluwole 3.

S: Fajion Jones 9, Byron Johnson 4, Tyree Wilson 2, Josh White 2, Deacon Stewart 26, Darry Kugmeh 8.