Imhotep Charter Rolls to Boys Class AA State Title Win Over GCC

Imhotep Charter Rolls to Boys Class AA State Title Win Over GCC
3/26/2011 - Mark Schaas

Imohtep Charter won their second PIAA Class AA basketball champions and there was no double overtime this time as the Panthers smoked the Greensburg Central Catholic Centurions 67-34 on Saturday at the Bryce Jordan Center. 10 different players scored for the Panthers as they exploded in the second half to claim the gold. Imohtep won the 2009 championship in one of the greatest games in championship history with a 75-69 win over North Catholic. Khyree Wooten led the way for the Panthers with 12 points, who finish 31-3 and winners of 22 straight.

It was a good start for GCC as Jake Swan and Ben Klimchock drilled long range jumpers to put the Centurions up 6-2 at the four minute mark, that seemed to wake up Imotep Charter, as they exploded for an 11-0 run and a 13-6 lead. Jesse Reed ended the dry spell with a three pointer but GCC trailed by five at the break, despite shooting 6 of 11 from the field.

But as was the case last night with Montour, the WPIAL representative went dry at the well, going 5:59 without a field goal as Imhotep outscored GCC 14-2 over that period. The Panthers controlled the glass in the first half with a 24-8 advantage. 6-8 senior Erik Copes had almost as many rebounds with 7 as the entire GCC team. The third quarter was the same as the second for GCC, cold from the field and Imhotep pulled away with a 9-0 run over the final 2:21, highlighted by dunks from Earl Brown and Wooten. Head coach Andre Noble said they thought they could pressure GCC and wear them down, since they go only six deep. He said the Public League schedule plus playing teams from New York, California, Georgia, Louisiana and California, prepared his team well for a state title run.

GCC after the great start, finished 5 of 32 over the final three quarters from the field, shooting 11-43 for the game, including 4 of 19 from behind the arc. Jesse Reed ended his career with 13 points and six rebounds, P.J. McLaughlin added 10 points for the Centurions, who finish at 27-4 and silver medals in both the WPIAL and PIAA championships. Head coach Greg Bisignani said there’s a reason why the Panthers are mentioned among the 20 best teams in the nation. He added that GCC tried to spread the floor and spot up for the outside shot, but that they were so long and athletic, that made it impossible. Bisignani said it was a wonderful season and a great experience playing in the state title game.

Brown scored 10 points, along with Brandon Austin. Cope finished with five points and 13 rebounds, David Appolon grabbed 10 rebounds as Imhotep finished with a 49-22 advantage on the boards, cleaning almost as many offensive rebounds 20 as the entire GCC game total. The Panthers shot 26 of 62 from the field and 3-8 from behind the arc.

Score by Quarters:
Greensburg Central Catholic : 15 - 6 - 10 - 3 = 34
Imhotep Charter : 20 - 16 - 19 - 12 = 67

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