Unfortunately, the Harriton boys’ basketball team suffered a third loss to district rival Lower Merion on Sunday night. Meeting in a neutral site in the Central League playoffs, the Rams and Aces gathered to pick the old rivalry off of the shelves, dust it off, and open up a new page.

The game began promptly at 7:00, amidst the falling of snowflakes that seem all too quick to jump from the clouds this winter. Not rain, sleet, or even snow could keep the kids from crowding the stands and the court alike. This was it: Herd versus Dog Pound, round three!

The first quarter did not play out in favor of the Rams. At the end of the slow start, Harriton had dug itself an 18-6 hole. It was very clear that some changes needed to be made and thankfully, they were. The boys were able to regroup and get their heads in the game to start the second quarter. Defense, especially, was a key factor for the remainder of the first half, in which the Rams scored 9 points but held LM to only 3. With less than two minutes left in the quarter, senior Spencer Dickler’s block gave fellow senior Tas Dixon an easy bucket off of a fast break. This made the score 21-15 LM going into the half.

The second half started off strong, as Spencer came out and hit a three to prove that the Rams were not going to give up. The defensive effort continued, including a charge taken by Drake Friend with two minutes remaining in the quarter. Despite the excitement and the intensity level, the Rams struggled to find themselves throughout the third quarter, and two highly questionable calls by the officials put the Aces on a 9-0 run and up 38-25 heading into the final period, a deficit that proved insurmountable for Harriton even though the Rams put up their best offensive effort in the fourth quarter. In the end, however, Lower Merion won by a score of 58-42.

Senior Tas Dixon once again lead the offensive production for the Rams with 14 points on the night. He has been a consistently strong player and a crucial part in this season’s success. Senior Spencer Dickler put nine points on the board, and juniors Sam Schlichting and Jordan Wright each contributed six. For Lower Merion, Justin McFadden was on his game in a big way. His contribution of 22 points was a major factor in the Aces’ victory.

Although we did suffer another loss, it is important to remember the hard work that went into making it to this game. After all, this wasn’t any old league game; it was the Central League Semifinals! For the first time in several years, the Rams clinched a spot in this elusive playoff. Therefore, despite the loss, the simple opportunity to play among great competitors, and to be recognized as one of the League’s best, ought not to be diminished.

The Rams look to bounce back from defeat at the upcoming district playoffs. Be sure to support the boys as they continue their journey, beginning with this Friday’s game at Coatesville high school at 7:00!