High School Basketball (Playoffs):
Washington Township Wins With Klauder's Return

Tuesday, March 3, 1998

By Art Redd
SJSports Staff Writer

The Minutemen did something that most teams haven't done in a while. Washington Township ended the six game winning streak by Cherry Hill East to advance to the Group 4 quarterfinal game against Atlantic City. Township was able to find a way, for the third time this season, to handle the defense of the Cougars and defeat them 45-42. This game marked the return of Jeff Klauder who had been sidelined with an injury to his right leg for almost two months. His key free throws at the end of the game help seal the victory.

Township would go up by 13 points in the first half for their biggest lead of the game. But Cherry Hill East came storming back working the middle with Jeff Pela. He was the key to their offense during their run. Pela would either make the move toward the basket or find the open player. The Cougars got most of their points on second chance shots to close the lead to four at the half.

With 3:45 remaining in the game, East would tie the game at 37. As the clock ticked down to 1:17 remaining in the game and down two points, the Minutemen began to work on the clock. This would force East to foul a player to stop the clock. Jeff Klauder would be that person who would go to the line. The East fans raised up the noise level to try and break his concentration. Klauder would sink both his free throws to put Township up by four with 30 seconds remaining in the game. That's when Scott Plasky drained a three pointer from the top of the key with 10 seconds remaining and pull East within one. East would call a timeout to set up their play. But Coach Steve Selby had a game plan of his own. Klauder was the one who received the inbound pass and got fouled immediately. Both free throws were made and Washington Township was on their way to the next round of the South Jersey Group 4 playoff tournament.

Jeff Klauder led the Minutemen with 14 points and Dave Crockett chipped in 11 points. For the Cougars, Jeff Pela had a game high 14 points and Scott Plasky had 9 points.