Named the “Game of the Week” by The Philadelphia Inquirer, our resilient Rams downed Coatesville in the first round of the District 1 AAAA playoffs by a dominating score of 73-60. Coming off of a demoralizing loss to Lower Merion in the Central League semifinals, Harriton needed a strong performance. Not only were they playing away at the Coatesville Red Raiders, they were also seeded 20th as compared to their 13th-ranked opponents.

The game started off slowly for both teams. Coatesville ended the first quarter with 13 points, the Rams stuck in single-digits with only 8. After that, however, it was all Rams. In the second quarter, Harriton scored a whopping 26 points! The game was tied going into halftime, but not for long, as the Rams charged back onto the court ready for victory. They outscored the home team 20-14 in the third quarter, and 19-12 in the fourth, making the final score 73-60.

Although the whole team works hard every time it hits the court, this was a game marked by colossal individual performances. Tas Dixon scored 18 points, with an additional 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals. Jordan Wright contributed his own 16 points and 4 rebounds, while Sam Schlichting and Spencer Dickler each posted 5 points of their own. The MVP, however, has to be Alex Shippen. The senior earned himself a double-double in a game that ought to be stamped with his name on the front. He scored no fewer than 29 points! On the boards he collected a team high 11 rebounds, and even managed 3 steals on defence. He went 4 for 4 from beyond the arc and did not commit a single turnover!

If you see Shippen, or any of the boys, be sure to congratulate them on their stellar performance and wish them good luck on their second-round matchup away at Spring Ford this Tuesday night.