Read more at www.philly.com/philly/sports/high_school/20160312
by Rick O’Brien, Staff Writer.
Math, Civics, and Sciences survived a poor foul-shooting performance and a fourth-quarter scoring drought against Phil-Mont Christian to keep alive its drive for its first state basketball title since 2011.
With a step-back three-pointer at the end of regulation and a clutch effort in overtime, the Mighty Elephants escaped Phil-Mont Christian, 73-68, in a PIAA Class A state quarterfinal Friday night at Philadelphia University.
“We showed a lot of determination and fortitude in overtime,” said MC&S coach Danny Jackson, whose squad went 6 for 16 from the line after the break.
The Mighty Elephants trailed, 61-56, with a minute left in regulation. But they rallied and forced an extra period on Kwahzere Ransom’s trey from up top with 2 seconds to go.
“We drew up a play for Malik Archer,” Jackson said. “Kwahzere said to me, ‘If that doesn’t work, what do you want me to do?’ I said, ‘Take the shot.’ “
In overtime, Archer’s bucket and Saheed Peoples’ three gave MC&S a 66-61 edge. Freshman Zahir Jackson made 1 of 2 free throws to make it 71-68 with 9.7 seconds remaining. And Edward Croswell’s two freebies with less than a second left clinched the thrilling win.
The Mighty Elephants (14-14) will take on Public League rival Constitution (19-11) in a semifinal Tuesday night at a neutral site and time to be determined. The Generals advanced Friday with a 62-47 triumph over Shenandoah Valley.
MC&S’s Croswell, a 6-foot-6 sophomore, produced 14 points, 13 rebounds (four on offense), and three blocks. Ransom posted nine of his 14 points in the fourth quarter and added five assists.
While he struggled with his outside shot, Archer contributed 13 points, eight boards, and two assists. Peoples (nine points), Jackson (11 points, with 10 in the second frame), and Tymair Johnson (11 points, six boards, six steals) also played key roles.
Phil-Mont (30-2) was spurred by Noah Baldez (18 points, 10 assists), Sean Griffin (19 points, 11 boards), and Osaze Thornton (21 points, seven boards).
MC & S 13 16 12 20 12 – 73
Phil-Mont Chr. 12 11 21 17 7 – 68
MCS: Tymair Johnson 10, Malik Archer 13, Kwahzere Ransom 14, Saheed Peoples 9, Edward Croswell 14, Ja’Quill Stone 2, Zahir Jackson 11.
PMC: Noah Baldez 18, Matt Steiger 4, Sean Griffin 19, David Giuliani 6, Osaze Thornton 21