High School Basketball: Timber Creek Puts It Together During Second Half Tuesday, February 6, 2007 By Jerome Michaels SJSports Special Correspondent There has to be something said about a team who has loss their star player due to an injury right before the upcoming state’s basketball tournament. The Lions from Cherry Hill West would have to find other ways of putting points on the scoreboard after senior guard Ian Davis broke his right hand last week. After losing their first meeting to Timber Creek about a month ago, Cherry Hill West would jump out to a six point halftime lead in front of their hometown fans. Both teams struggled to convert on their scoring chances during the first half, but it would be the Chargers who would start the third quarter and take their first lead of the game. That momentum would be enough for Timber Creek to come away with a 43-40 victory. Timber Creek needed to win every game down the stretch and did so on the final day to qualify for the post season. A win on Saturday gave the Chargers a .500 record. But they would have to play a lot better than they did against the Lions to go deep into the playoffs. Timber Creek only scored three points during the first quarter as it seem that every shot attempt just would not fall. Trailing by seven to start the second quarter, both teams began to be more aggressive both on defense and offense. The Lions would jump out to a 17-7 lead 5:15 remaining in the half. Trailing by six points to start out the second half, Timber Creek’s man to man defense allowed their offense to create some fast break opportunities which resulted in points. The Chargers scored the first six points of the third quarter and tied this game at 19 all after a minute passed by. The third quarter belonged to the Chargers as Mike Martin and Prince Darden converted on key baskets. Timber Creek would be able to hold off the Lions down the streak and come away with their second win in a row against their Olympic Conference Patriot Division opponent. Marquis Smith led the Chargers with 13 points. Matthew Speckman and Marko Smojver each scored 10 points for Cherry Hill West. Photos by Art Redd