Sports

East Boys Win Highlights Basketball Opening Night

The Cougars steamrolled Timber Creek.

Last year, Cherry Hill East had one of the stingiest defenses around.

If this year's opener is any indication, the Cougars have added an offense that could make them the total package this season.

Jake Silpe led the way with 22 points as East dominated from the outset in a 63-35 victory over Timber Creek.

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The Cougars limited the Chargers to just 12 first-half points and dialed up the pressure on both ends, punctuated by a 24-point second quarter effort that was defined by one of Silpe's breakaway layups and an Austin Wetzler steal and layup on the ensuing inbounds pass.

East didn't slow much until the fourth quarter, with the game well in hand, as Wetzler went for 11 points and three steals and Phil Cunha put up 17 points.

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Tim Perry had eight rebounds and three blocks to go with five points, and Silpe added four assists and six steals on the night.

Timber Creek got a team-high 12 points from Keith Washington in the loss.

For photos of the game, check out Cherry Hill East Boys Basketball Crushes Timber Creek [Photos]

Camden Catholic 44, Cherry Hill West 42

The Irish trailed at halftime and were down by five to start the fourth quarter, but a furious comeback and a timely steal helped Camden Catholic lay claim to the top team on the west side of Cherry Hill Friday night.

The Irish tied it up with 90 seconds left in the game, then chewed up clock with under a minute to go to try for one game-winner.

They'd end up with two chances.

West's Can Oztamur pulled down the rebound off Camden Catholic's miss with less than 15 seconds to go, but fell to the court and was stripped on the way down, leading to Rob Brosh's game-winning layup.

The Lions, who got an absurd 34 points from Oztamur on the night, had one last chance on a three-point try by Jack Goan, but the shot bounced just wide.

It was the first win for new Irish head coach Matt Crawford, who took over this season after his father, Jim, retired after more than 700 career wins.

West was without Rodney Williams, who's still on the mend from a broken leg during football season; Williams could return in about four weeks.

For photos of the game, check out Cherry Hill West, Camden Catholic Clash in Basketball Opener [Photos]

Girls

Timber Creek 65, East 46

Yamie Villegas and Aliyah Godwin each put up 14 points for the Cougars, who were within five points at halftime, but Timber Creek pulled away in the second half.

Brittany Martin had 21 for the Chargers to lead her team.

Camden Catholic 47, West 13

The Lions got five points from Anne Mullarkey, but had no answer for Camden Catholic's relentless offense.

Julia Braungart had 13 for the Irish, who also got seven points each from Sierra Taylor and Michelle Obasi.


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