This one will be hard to forget

FROM KEITH GROLLER

It's 1:30 in the morning and -- to paraphrase the late Jack Buck -- "I still can't believe what I just saw."

I couldn't believe an official called an intentional foul in that situation with a state playoff game on the line tonight at Council Rock South. It led to the game-winning basket by La Salle in a hard-to-believe 49-47 win over Allen.

Several people I know, and trust, told me it was the worst call they've ever seen. St. Francis of Brooklyn college coaches (Jalen Cannon's future coaches) who were there also said it was the worst call they've ever seen. So did several neutral parties. Even a La Salle fan or two, couldn't believe it.

I do know our local officials they don't call intentional fouls unless it is absolutely obvious and blatant.

"That's intentional!" our local coaches scream all the time and our local refs don't call it unless a guy is tackled going to the basket or the foul is so flagrant that you have to make the call.

So, for that call to be made in that situation, wow, it's still hard to believe. I wonder what the Frank D'Angelos, the Rod Strobls, the Jack Keiters thought of that call.

Again, we are reminded of how good our local officials are when we see that call made tonight in that situation. I agree with those who said that the last thing you want after a state playoff game is people talking about the officiating and they definitely were tonight in Bucks County.

Allen fans will forever feel robbed.

But while I can't believe that call, I also can't believe Allen squandered a 10-point lead with just under four minutes and a nine-point lead over the final 1:32.

Canaries coach Doug Snyder was right. If you don't take care of the basketball, don't make your free throws, you don't win -- not at this time of the year. Allen sustained a complete meltdown late and you wonder if they would have converted at the offensive even if the official, from District 3 I was told, didn't intervene.

Allen put itself in a position where a bad call could cost them the game and it did. As Snyder said after the game "it's on us."

It was a sudden and painful end to a great season for Allen, and Liberty's loss at Reading means the Lehigh Valley boys basketball season is over. Once again, it ends about three games too soon.

it's tough to say goodbye to so many great players. Certainly, Liberty's Darrun Hilliard and Allen's Jalen Cannon (shown below left) and Daquan Holiday (below right) Cannon3 will be among the many who are going to be missed.

Those guys provided a lot of excitement this winter. We had a lot of great performances and games.

Speaking for the area's boys basketball fans, I'd like thank the coaches and players for providing some terrific entertainment over the past three months. Once again, you got us through the winter.

Maybe the Central Catholic girls can keep the Valley interested in the state tournament for the next week and a half before all thoughts turn to spring sports.

Meanwhile, I am already looking forward to the Stellar tournament in July, which is, in essence the start of the 2011-12 season.

And, I bet I am not alone.


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