East Boys Basketball Survives Second-Half Scare

A monster first-quarter lead turned into a late-game battle, as Cherry Hill East held off a pesky Highland squad, 57-55, on a last-minute basket Monday afternoon.

The Cougars came out and immediately put Highland in a deep hole, taking a 24-8 lead after the first quarter and a 37-27 lead at the half.

The Tartans—led by NaQuan Council's 22 points—wouldn't go away, however, and had pulled within two points by the end of the third quarter.

East would get the last possession, though, and with three seconds remaining in the game, Jake Silpe dished to teammate Tim Perry, who had a team-high 22 points, for the winning layup.

Perry added six rebounds and eight blocks to go with his scoring; Silpe dished eight assists and scored 13 points.

East's Austin Wetzler chipped in 14 in the victory.

The Cougars next host Camden Friday—a game with some significance, as it marks the return of former Cougars head coach John Valore, now the head of Camden's program, who had the court named after him after more than two decades at East.