By: Alec Eskin
The Garnet Valley boys basketball team is off to a fast start. They have just beaten Penncrest and Marple Newtown on Tuesday and Thursday. Its been on heckuva run to begin the season as this team came in with high expectations. Every team in the Central League is facing an uphill climb after not being able to practice from December 18 to January 4. less after both basketball teams resumed practices, they had a game to play. But, until January 22nd, all Garnet Valley winter sports team will be playing non conference games. These will be game against teams in the Central League. This is due to the Central League calendar not starting until the 22nd. However, the Jaguar offense has been on fire. Carl Schaller has picked up where he left off last year with the smooth mid-range jumper as well as the three pointer. He recently committed to Gettysburg College. Gannon McKee, Justin Langdon, Max Koehler, and Ryan Wooten have all been making an impact in the lineup on both sides of the floor as well.
Garnet Valley beat Penncrest in a close game 46-41. The game was close up until the very end as it was a pitcher’s duel. Meaning that the game was more defensive than offensive. Even though the Jaguars did not have the size under the basket, they constantly found ways to get boards on both sides of the floor. Carl Schaller took over in the second half for Garnet Valley and ended the game with over 20 points.
Garnet Valley then won their next game against Marple Newtown. This was senior night for the team as the Seniors were the first in the game. This was a close game as well in which Garnet Valley pulled out with a win by a final score of 52-43. Justin Langan and Gannon McKee both started to get in rhythm from beyond the are in the second half, both of whom were very good shooters last year.
The Next two games for the boys team are away at Haverford on Tuesday and away at Strath Haven on Thursday. The girls team will be playing both teams on the same days as the boys, but just at home. The girls team is currently 1-1 on the year. They beat Penncrest to start off the season but then lost to Marple Newtown. Overall its been a very good start to the season.