High School Boys Basketball:
Moorestown Wins Close One Against Pleasantville

Thursday, March 4, 1999

By Art Redd
SJSports Staff Writer

All things considered, the quarterfinal match up between the Moorestown Quakers and the Pleasantville Greyhounds had all the drama of a championship game. Just as expected, this was not an easy game for either team as they battled for 4 quarters. The Greyhounds, led by Dujuan McNair, jumped out to early leads in each quarter. Moorestown had several advantages, like playing at home and playing in front of their hometown faithful. Matt Pedrick converted on his free throws late in the game and held off Pleasantville for a 79-78 victory to advance to the semifinals against Gloucester.

The Greyhounds showed why they were a tough team to beat right from the start with point guard Dujuan McNair running the show. Pleasantville started their game off with a fast tempo and crashing the board to gain the early lead. McNair had all the confidence in his ability to handle the rock to take the clear shot at the basket. This game plan didn't intimidate the Quakers as Matt Pedrick sank a free throw to complete a three-point play to tie the game early at 11, all with 2:21 remaining in the first quarter. The Greyhounds 8-3 run completed the quarter's scoring and they led 19-14.

It seemed as if the second quarter was the high flying act, as both teams were able to walk that tight rope with confidence. Each team had success scoring from any spot on the court. Casey Langel and Matt Pedrick were able to hold their own against Antwain Dozier and Andre Kirkland in the paint. Neither team was able to pull away as they combined for 43 points. The Quakers would go to the locker room trailing 41-35, but the hometown could sense a comeback.

Just when things were looking up for Moorestown, the Greyhounds showed why they were considered a formable opponent. McNair and his ability to score with his Allen Iverson-like moves drained a 3 pointer to cut a 13-point deficit to one with thirty-six seconds remaining in the game. But Pedrick's key free throws sealed the victory for Moorestown to finally put away Pleasantville. Matt Pedrick had a team high 24 points, Casey Langel 14, Walter Bailey 11, Bryant King and Homer Hemmings each added 10 points for Moorestown. Dujuan McNair had a game high 26 points and Andre Kirkland added 21 points for Pleasantville.

Photos by Art Redd