BALLARD 69, BISHOP MCDEVITT 63

We opened our quarterfinal Saturday with an exciting matchup between No. 6 Ballard and Bishop McDevitt of Wyncote, PA. It was the Bruins of Kentucky cruising to their 61st all-time KOB victory with a dominant performance from the opening minute of play.

Bishop McDevitt took their only lead of the game on the opening possession with a quick 3-pointer by Robert Smith. The Ballard defense would hold the Royal Lancers scoreless for the next four minutes as they taking the lead on an early basket by Maker Bar. The Bruins took control with a 9-4 run over the next three minutes building a 13-7 lead. The two teams would exchange 4-0 runs before the quarter break with Ballard leading 17-11. Justin Buford’s three-pointer less than a minute into the second quarter extended Ballard’s lead to 22-11. Behind five points from Quin Gilyard, part of a 9-3 Bishop McDevitt run, the Royal Lancers got as close as 6 points in the final minute of the half.

Bishop McDevitt’s Robert Smith opened the second half with a hot hand connecting on a pair of 3-pointers to pull the Royal Lancers as close as 32-35. A 14-5 Ballard run put the Bruins back firmly in control at 49-37 late in the third quarter. The fourth quarter saw Bishop McDevitt slowly chip away at the Ballard lead getting as close as 7 points on numerous occasions, but the Bruins connected on 5-of-7 free throws late in the game to keep them in control. A pair of late missed free throws by Ballard let Bishop McDevitt cut the final margin of victory to 69-63.

Jack Edelen led Ballard with a team-high 17 points earning Central Bank Player of the Game honors. The Bruins got 13 points and 10 points respectively from Gabe Sisk and Lewis Richards. Robert Smith led Bishop McDevitt with a game-high 22 points. Jamil Manigo added 15 points and 6 rebounds for the Royal Lancers.

[Click to View Box Score]

Next Up: 

Ballard vs. Winner Madisonville-Collins (Sun. 9:00pm) 

Bishop McDevitt vs. Loser Madisonville-Collins (Sun. 4:30pm)