Reading High gave Berks Catholic its first loss of the season on Monday night.
The Red Knights relied on points off turnovers and efficient 3-point shooting to defeat the Saints 67-51 in a Berks Conference Division I matchup at Geigle Complex.
Reading was without leading-scorer Daniel Alcantara, senior Joseph Chapman and junior Aris Rodriguez for the third consecutive game. All three players have been suspended indefinitely, according to coach Rick Perez.
“They just got to work on some things within the program,” Perez said. “Once they meet those expectations, they’ll be back.”
Berks Catholic (2-1 Berks I, 6-1) led 14-13 after one quarter thanks in large part to second-chance points. The Saints rebounded well on the offensive end and capitalized on several long offensive possessions.
Junior Josiah Jordan had seven points for Berks Catholic in the first quarter. He finished the game with 19.
The Red Knights (3-0 Berks I, 7-1) tightened their defense in the second quarter and took to the lead, which they held the rest of the way. Reading disrupted the Saints’ offense, generating steals and forcing missed shots.
“They were able to figure it out,” Perez said about his team’s slow start. “Defensively and offensively, some guys really started clicking.”
On the other end of the floor, the Red Knights relied on points in the paint and 3-pointers. Reading outscored Berks Catholic 54-37 over the final three quarters.
“We started to get some flow offensively,” Perez said. “I think we got to get our motor going a bit quicker.”
The Red Knights dominated the last 24 minutes of play behind a stellar performance from guard Myles Grey. The junior scored 19 points and hit four 3-pointers, all of which came in the final three quarters.
“It’s not surprising at all,” Perez said. “He’s the first in the gym and the last to leave every day. He deserves every moment that he gets.”
Guard Ruben Rodriguez Jr. led all scorers with 23 points. He had nine points in the fourth quarter.
“Ruben (Rodriguez Jr) just loves to play basketball,” Perez said. “Making gritty plays (or) scoring big plays, it doesn’t matter to Ruben, he just enjoys to play.”
In the absence of Alcantara, Chapman and Aris Rodriguez, sophomore Malik Osumanu made an impact on defense for Reading. He also scored two points.
“Malik Osumanu, he just finds his way to help us,” Perez said. “He does so many little things (that are) critical for us.”
Source: Berkshire mont
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