Boys Basketball: Cedar Crest v Central York (2-29-24)

District 3 Playoffs

Central York 58, Cedar Crest 54

After grinding out a victory over Carlisle on Tuesday night, Cedar Crest found themselves with a State berth, playing for 5th place in District 3 – 6A. Their opponent in the game would be top-seeded Central York, the victims of an upset handed to them in the quarterfinals by Red Lion. However, the Panthers rebounded with a 19-point win over Central Dauphin in their next game to set up the matchup with Crest.

In the 1st quarter at Central York High School, both offenses showed they came ready to play. By the end of the opening frame, Central York held a 20-15 lead, but Danny Speaks, with 4 points, quickly showed that he was going to be valuable off the bench for the Falcons. In the 2nd quarter, the scoring slowed but Speaks scored another 4 points as Crest kept within striking distance. At halftime, the scoreboard read 33-25 in favor of the Panthers.

Cedar Crest made halftime adjustments and came out in the 3rd quarter, charging back to cut Central York’s lead to just a single point by the end of the quarter. While outscoring their host 17-10 in the quarter, Fernando Marquez and Owen Chernich each hit three-pointers. Speaks continued his hot streak, contributing 6 points.

In the 4th quarter, Chernich again hit a three-pointer. Leo Tirado joined him in that endeavor, as the Falcons also went 4-4 from the free throw line in an attempt to complete the comeback. Unfortunately, Central York hit a series of key shots and free throws down the stretch to keep the Falcons at bay.

Off the bench, Speaks finished the game with 16 points. Chernich had 11 points, including three three-pointers.

Cedar Crest (21-8) claimed 6th place in District 3. This means that when the Falcons open States on Saturday, March 9th, they will be matched up on the road against the winner of the District 1 Championship between Lower Merion and Garnet Valley.