Reading High gained revenge for its only Berks Conference loss, using its depth and defense to subdue Muhlenberg 70-54 in a semifinal Wednesday night at Santander Arena.
Daniel Alcantara scored 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the top-seeded Red Knights (21-3), who advanced to Friday night’s championship game. They will play second-seeded Berks Catholic, a 41-40 winner over Exeter in the first half of the semifinal doubleheader.
Eight days after losing 63-61 to Muhlenberg (18-6), Reading held Edwin Suarez to nine points, more than 10 points below his season average. Amier Burdine, Alcantara, Joey Chapman and Xavier Davis took turns guarding Suarez, and coach Rick Perez’s strategy worked.
Suarez, however, did pull down a remarkable 21 rebounds despite being in foul trouble most of the night and fouling out with less than four minutes to go.
Ruben Rodriguez scored 14 points for Reading and Davis had 12.
Dan Dan Mosquera scored 18 points to lead Muhlenberg, which led for most of the first half.
Rodriguez, however, scored in transition put the Red Knights up 33-31 at the break.
Reading forced the Muhls into 21 turnovers with its pressure defense.
The two teams could meet again in the District 3 Class 6A semifinals. Reading is the No. 1 seed, and the Muhls are the No. 12 seed.
Muhlenberg, which saw its seven-game winning streak end, was seeking its first berth in the Berks title game since losing to Exeter in 1974.
Reading will be making its eighth appearance in the final in Perez’s 11 seasons as head coach and will be looking for its first title since 2019.
Source: Berkshire mont
Be First to Comment