High School Basketball:
Cougars Upset Quakers

Saturday, February 21, 1998

By Art Redd
SJSports Staff Writer

Cherry Hill East went to Moorestown and took control right at the beginning of the game for a 56-46 victory. Coach Valore's one-three-one defense ran to perfection to jump out to a 10 point first quarter lead. The Cougars created turnovers and pulled ahead with mostly 3 pointers to give them a lead they never relinquished. Cherry Hill East improved their record to 13-9 while Moorestown dropped to 13-8. Both teams were already selected to participate in the state playoffs.

The Cougars in the first half went on a 12-3 run to go up 20-8 with under six minutes remaining. Byrce McGann ended a 9-0 run by the Cougars with a well-designed play that freed him on an open jumper. With 5:17 remaining in the half, Coach Valore wanted to work the four corners to run down as much of the clock with an 8-point lead. But the Quakers would get the turnovers with their defense and pull within three points at the end of the half.

The Cougars would get their biggest lead of the game on a 3 pointer by Jason Markus, 43-30, with 6:41 remaining in the game. The Cougars would hold off any late charge by Moorestown for the victory. Cherry Hill East's Marcus Bullock led all scorers with 21 points. Jason Markus finished with 19 points and Scott Plasky had 13 points. Matt Pedrick had 20 points for Moorestown.