Ewing drops Delsea from playoffs
BRICK TOWNSHIP, N.J. - It was more eye-opener than heartbreaker. With just one senior in the starting lineup, Delsea wasn't in a now-or-never situation in Wednesday night's Group 3 state boys' basketball semifinals.
BRICK TOWNSHIP, N.J. - It was more eye-opener than heartbreaker.
With just one senior in the starting lineup, Delsea wasn't in a now-or-never situation in Wednesday night's Group 3 state boys' basketball semifinals.
The Crusaders hope to make these appearances regularly, starting with next season.
But they will have to play with more defensive intensity and offensive tenacity to succeed this deep in the state tournament, according to coach Tom Freeman.
"We have some young guys who have to get better," Freeman said after Delsea lost, 83-49, to Central Jersey champion Ewing in a fast-paced game at Brick Memorial.
Ewing (26-4) was led by junior guard Trey Lowe, who continued one of the best tournament runs in recent state history.
The 6-foot-4 Lowe, who has a scholarship offer from Rutgers, scored 37 points on a series of deep jumpers, silky moves to the basket, and dunks.
He has scored 43, 37, and 37 points in his last three tournament games.
"He's the best player I've seen in several years," Freeman said. "He's a legit D-I talent."
Junior forward Keith Braxton scored 18 points and senior guard Ronnie Russell added 15 for Delsea (21-10).
"It was an honor just to be in this game, but we wanted more," Russell said. "Hopefully, the young guys saw what it takes to win at this level."
Delsea won just the third sectional title in the history of the program with a victory at Mainland on Monday night.
The Crusaders hope to build on the experience, as they are projected to return four starters, including Braxton and brothers Kwame Morton, a junior forward, and Kaleb Morton, a sophomore guard.
"I'm not sure they even realize how much they achieved this season," Freeman said of the younger players on his roster. "Maybe that's a good thing so they'll stay hungry."
Wednesday, Lowe was sensational at the offensive end, but Ewing controlled the game with its defense.
"That was North Jersey, St. Anthony-style defense," Freeman said. "They were in our face, and we got flustered."
Freeman said he hoped his younger players will grow from the experience, especially in understanding the focus and mental toughness necessary to succeed this far into the tournament.
"If you want to play at this level, if you want to win at this level, you have to get better," Freeman said.
Ewing 23 20 24 16 – 83
Delsea 17 7 14 11 – 49
E: Trey Lowe 37, Brian Wilkins 12, Rasaan Parker 3, Kani Tye 10, Eric Rowe 2, Colin Haynes 3, Jerron Gregory 14, Deon Hale 2.
D: Keith Braxton 18, Kwame Morton 4, Kaleb Morton 5, Ronnie Russell 15, Dan McDuffie 2, Kris Anderson 2, Brice Parks 3.
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