High School Boys Basketball:
Red Devils' Free Throws Sink Shawnee

Saturday, January 22, 2000

By Vincent Lewis
SJSports Staff Writer

High school basketball has some rivalries that have gone back as far as one can remember. Hearing some of the fans mentioning the old times only made this meeting show the anticipation of a good basketball game. Well, this meeting was determined by halves, as Rancocas Valley used the free throw line to pull away from Shawnee. The Red Devils scored thirty points in the final quarter to capture the home victory 72-60.

The Renegades had to establish their presence early in this game on their opponent's floor. Shawnee took the early opening quarter lead and expanded it to seven points, 33-26, when the first half ended. The visiting crowd had very little to cheer for as they watched Shawnee control the tempo to slow down the high flying Red Devils.

Teams go through extensive drills and countless hours practicing their skills. After Rancocas Valley closed the gap to three after three quarters, the practice paid off. With the Rancocas Valley offense now in high gear, Shawnee found themselves behind with the clock ticking away. They were forced to foul to save some time on the clock. The Red Devils sealed the victory by going a perfect 16 for 16 from the free throw line in the second half. Steve Butler sunk nine of those free throws and finished with a team high 17-points (13 in the second half).

Butler's 17 points were the game high, Lionel Bulen had 15, Dan Trump with 13, and Idris Muhammad added 10 points for Rancocas Valley. Martin had a team high 15 points, Gibson had 13, and Medvetz added 10 points for the Renegades.