Jeremy Park
2 points in the first quarter left the 2020 Center in a dim mood. The GV boys basketball team was unfazed and quickly made the gym forget the poor opening. Last Friday night, Garnet Valley put on the performance of a lifetime to elevate themselves above Central League rival Harriton in the first round of the PIAA District 1 6A playoffs.
The Jags found themselves in the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year, and Friday’s game was nothing short of a thrilling opener.
The Harriton Rams came out strong with the guard play of Marquis Kubish and Jadyn Gaskins. The pair contributed to points from everywhere, leading the away squad to a 13-2 lead after the first. They continued to lead the way for Harriton, but nobody on their side was prepared for the monstrous second quarter from Garnet Valley.
The Jags opened the second quarter with a quick three from point guard Quinn O’Hara. His stroke continued to heat up, connecting for four total three-pointers, all of which seemed to come from the logo. Junior guard Cole Boruk poured in two of his own to lead the home squad to a 28-20 lead at the half, having outscored Harriton 26-7 in the second quarter.
Although the latter half wasn’t as electric as the second quarter, GV was able to keep Harriton from taking the lead back. Intentional fouls by the Rams saw no fruit, as Cole Boruk sank all six of his attempts at the stripe to aid the Jags in the closing seconds. Garnet Valley walked off the court victorious with a score of 57-48 to move on to the second round against 3-seed Springford, a familiar opponent.
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