Friday night boys basketball: Statement wins by Whitehall, Freedom and CCHS

http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/

FROM KEITH GROLLER

I looked at Friday night as a night that we might see the contenders separate themselves from the pretenders in Lehigh Valley Conference boys basketball and I believe that Whitehall's win over Parkland and Freedom's win over Liberty puts the Zephyrs and Patriots in the contenders category.

Meanwhile, Central Catholic continues to separate itself from the rest of the league. A dominant performance over Emmaus gave CCHS a clean sweep of the West Division through the first round and right now there's no doubt that the Vikings are the league's best team, even if they were in major trouble for three quarters against Allen on Wednesday night.

Here's a look at Friday's games and the updated LVC standings:

Freedom 59, Liberty 53 -- The Patriots got off to a fast start and withstood a late Hurricanes rally. Nigel Long, establishing himself as one of the area's best players, scored 19 points and had five assists and three steals. David Williams chipped in 14.

Bethlehem Catholic 61, Easton 57 -- A much-needed win for the Golden Hawks, who held Easton to two points in overtime. Becahi got to the line 38 times, but missed 13.

Nazareth 56, Northampton 36 -- I thought the K-Kids were much improved. Maybe not.

CCHS 65, Emmaus 46 -- Looks like the same defensive intensity that the Vikings used to shut down Allen on Wednesday carried over to this one. Emmaus scored just three points in the first quarter and had 24 through three. Abdur-Rahkman and Baez combined for 35. Green Hornets didn't help themselves by missing 15 free throws.

Whitehall 63, Parkland 59 -- Very impressed with the Zephyrs, who were more assertive than the Trojans. Radocha has emerged as an inside-outside threat. Parkland still looking for the right combination of guys.

LVC STANDINGS

EHIGH VALLEY CONFERENCE

WEST DIVISION

Central Catholic   3-0    4-0

Allen                   1-1    2-1

Dieruff                 0-1    1-1

Emmaus             0-2    2-3

NORTH DIVISION

Whitehall             3-0    4-1

Parkland             1-1    3-1

Nazareth             1-2    2-3

Northampton        0-2    0-3

EAST DIVISION

Freedom             3-0    3-1

Liberty                1-1    3-1

Becahi                1-2    1-3

Easton                0-2   1-3