James Kania

Fordging Ahead
Basketball 2005-06

James Kania, a junior player, and Tim Wilson, a senior manager, are aspiring sports writers and have volunteered to cover the Haverford School Fords' journey through Inter-Ac play. James may be reached at jdkonnet@comcast.net or through AIM at skittles1143. Tim may be reached at StopTW@aol.com or through AIM at StopTW.
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Tim Wilson

JAN. 13
INTER-AC LEAGUE
Haverford School 52, Chestnut Hill Academy 41
   “I love The Haverford School.” –Drew Goldstein exclaims after a win over the Devils of CHA and the acquisition of a Haverford Coin from Dr. Cox. After someone gave Drew credit for the win, he humbly replied, “My play had nothing to do with this win. I was given the opportunity, and I capitalized. Coach could have put anyone in my shoes, and they would have succeeded. I think the real credit goes to the warm-up. That was the best pregame we have ever had. The tone was set and all we had to do was perform.” Humble words from someone who single-handedly turned this game into the Drew Goldstein show.
   Can you say SHOCK THE WORLD? With all 957 Upper School students on hand for this one, Drew Goldstein made Head Coach Steve Cloran look like a genius after Drew was given the start for this Friday night thriller. Drew started the game shaky, but proved lethal down the stretch, hitting 4, yes count ‘em, 4 three pointers. Tallying 16 for the game and 11 in the fourth, Drew proved that he deserved that starting position. HOWEVER, it was a family affair, as Drew did not do it alone. John Haldy again set the pace with 18 points for the game, and he also knocked in 11 in the fourth. The fourth quarter was owned by the Fords, who scored 26 points! The game was sealed when the Fords hit 11/12 foul shots in the quarter. That number equaled the amount they scored in the first 3 quarters, combined! The Fords played phenomenal defense and truly flustered the Devils standout guard Julian McFadden. Ben Grant and John Cesarine tag-teamed McFadden in the second half, and even stripped one from his deadly handle. McFadden is a true star, and will be a handful when the Fords and Devils meet again. Another plus was the team’s ability to ignore Spike’s hair and not let it affect their zen-like focus. The outcome of the game was doubted by some onlookers at halftime, for the Fords were down 20-16 and were truly not executing their offense effectively. In the team’s mind, there was no doubt. Junior James Kania was quoted at halftime, “Guys, it's impossible that we don’t win this game. We haven’t lost at home all year.” James was then informed that the Fords lost to Central at home over Winter Break when he was away in Florida playing golf. “Oh, scratch that. We haven’t lost at home when I’ve been here, and that trend isn’t about to stop.” The Fords never looked back after those words.
   Other highlights: Drew Goldstein with 7 blocks. Great intensity from the bench. Fieldhouse Fanatics getting insane after every Fords bucket. Coach Cotter, Matt Scavitto, Matt Fell, and Mike Torres’ dad decked out in a “Fieldhouse Fanatic” T-Shirt all in attendance for this Inter-Ac Classic.
   Lowlights: CHA fans, Kania with the jersey on backwards, Grant fouling McFadden from beyond the arc at the conclusion of the third quarter then exclaiming “I DID NOT INSTIGATE CONTACT WITH THAT MAN.”
   Mstake of the Game: CHA fans yelling “Airball” every time Goldstein got the ball just fired him up that much more and made him determined to start knocking them down. It was raining at The Haverford School.
   Best Display of Officiating: The refs take control of a situation that could have become out of hand by giving a technical foul to CHA late in the fourth quarter. This was not the only time the men in black and white shined. An all around great game by the “zebras.” They deserve some commendation.
   The Fords are off until next Friday when they face the Zeglinski-McGarvey Duo from Penn Charter, who almost pulled off the upset against Episcopal at the Inter-Ac Triple Header.
   Carry-Over??: The Fords are so much stronger after this one and will carry over the team chemistry and stellar play through the rest of league play. I assure you.
Side Notes: The Haverford School JV Team won their first Inter-Ac League game in two years 52-39. 8th grader Danny Stewart had 18 in the bout as he continues to impress.
   Prediction: Goldstein continues his lights out shooting and outstanding play to carry the Fords to victory in a thrilling upset. The Fords take this one 64-61.
On a more somber note, the Haverford community said goodbye to a longtime teacher, Mr. Donald Brownlow. He exemplified the Haverford School spirit every moment of his life, and truly cherished his job. He made lasting impressions on many generations and will not be forgotten. Future Haverford School Students will really miss out on a special teacher and a special person. Mr. Brownlow was 83.

JAN. 7
INTER-AC TRIPLEHEADER
Gtn. Academy 79, Haverford School 50
The Fords went into the Inter-Ac Tripleheader Saturday night motivated and ready to compete. Germantown Academy would not be an easy foe considering their two standouts Kyle Griffin and Andrew Ott (Villanova). The Fords came out strong in the first quarter playing very strong offensively scoring 18 points. Unfortunately, the Patriots did 3 better. The second quarter did not bode well for the Fords, and Ott proved to be a commanding force (30 points). GA would run away with this one throughout the rest of the game. This was a very emotional and visceral loss, but will hopefully make the Fords work harder. The Fords will have to make sure they play hard for the entire game next time they meet the Patriots. Highlights from the game included: John Haldy’s consistent offensive firepower, John Cesarine’s tenacity and unwillingness to give up, and Ben Grant and Andrew Hubley’s willingness to take on Ott and give everything they have. The Fords face Episcopal Academy on Tuesday in Merion. The Fords will come with everything they’ve got and spill their hearts on the floor for this one as they face one of the greatest teams in the country. One thing is certain. The Fords will not be outworked or outhustled in this one. Coming off a loss like this, the Fords are going to pick themselves up. One of the great things about this team is its chemistry. The team is very close and everyone is very supportive of each other. A loss like this will not break this team apart and the Fords will only become closer together as a team because of this.

Shipley 47, Haverford School 41
A Tale of Two Halves
   The Fords tipped off their season in the Shipley School tournament with a contest with the Gators of Shipley. The Fords came out red hot and held the Gators to just one point in the 1st quarter. The Fords' stifling defense was shutting down Shipley star Ricky Horshaw. With the score 30-7 at halftime, the Fords were in control. The second half was a different story. With the entire Shipley student body on hand, the crowd was beginning to control the Fords' every move. Shipley turned the game around and pulled this one out in the final minutes. It was a tough loss for the Fords, but a valuable lesson was learned. Playing two quarters of basketball is not going to cut it.
Upper Merion 53, Haverford School 50
A Tale of Two Halves part II
   Apparently, still in a haze from the previous night’s loss against Shipley, the Fords came out sluggish in the consolation game of the Shipley Tip-Off tournament. Despite a halftime deficit, the Fords got back in the game by the fourth quarter with great offensive play from Junior forward Ben Grant. Grant proved to all that the bank was open on Saturday night as he delicately kissed short jumpers off the glass. Towards the end of the game, the Fords became flustered and began to rush their offensive sets. Upper Merion capitalized and put this one away in the final seconds with a slam. The Fords were learning how to win, by first losing.
Haverford School 62, Math, Civics, and Science 39
"This one really touches me in the sweet spot because I proved to my coaching staff, my peers, and curious onlookers, that no one will ever take advantage of me like that again." - these feisty words from sophomore Andrew Hubley after a 3rd quarter scuffle near the Haverford School Bench.
   The location...... Abington Friends.... The opponent.....MCSS.... A chance to play in the finals of the Aaron Wolff Memorial Tournament against city powerhouse Abington Friends.... Could there possibly be any more drama?! I think not. The game would prove to be victorious for the Fords as they trampled the Elefants from MCSS. The Fords, decked out in their "Vegas Gold" uniforms, were on a mission with ambition. Haverford was led by Senior John Cesarine on the floor and used vocal support from Senior Bob Deasey to fuel themselves to an early lead. The offensive firepower was lead by Jim "Chippy" McConlogue's 13 points and was followed closely by his partner in crime John Haldy who poured in 9. Drew "D Gold" Goldstein knocked down 4 foul shots and played solid in his first minutes of the season, proving to the coaching staff that he will be a solid contributor throughout the season. Tom "the Tank" Ryan knocked down a buzzer beating three late in the third and finished with 5. Sophomore Ryan "tough nut" Kearney and Senior Brian "the Enforcer" Dean scored their first career Varsity points. Congrats.
Cardinal O’Hara 38, Haverford School 28
“This game shows us that we can play with anyone this year.” – encouraging comments from Junior
The Fords faced Catholic League powerhouse Wednesday night in a defensive battle that went down to the wire. The Fords again started the game sluggishly, but got themselves back in the game in the 2nd half after inspirational words from Assistant Coach Jerry Doemling, despite an ankle injury to Junior leader John Haldy. Junior forward Jimmy McConlogue shot the lights out, and senior Tom Ryan added key minutes. The Fords had cut the lead to three in the fourth quarter, but when Ben Grant was sidelined with four fouls, it was hopeless. Another valiant effort from the Fords, but another disappointing loss. Head Coach Steve Cloran was positive after the game. “Guys, Archbishop Wood on Friday. Another Catholic Power. But I believe in you guys. We’re going to win the game. Take 30.” And with those words, the stage was set for Fords home opener.
Haverford School 52, Archbishop Wood 49
   “It’s showtime.” – Assistant Coach Lewis Johnson’s words before the Friday night home opener.
   NOTE FROM TED: No idea why there's no info on this win (smile). Let's call it a glitch.
Westtown Loss
   Ditto
Haverford School 52, Interboro    42
"When others play dirty, we play clean. That’s the spirit!!” –the inspirational words from senior Tom Ryan after a scrappy win over Buccaneers of Interboro.
   Everything is starting to come together for the Fords as they near league play. John Haldy showed true signs of greatness as he led the Fords with 28 points. With up to four defenders guarding him any given time, “the snake” could not be stopped. With sultry fade away jumpers and hard drives to the hole, Haldy showed the globe what Haverford School basketball is all about. “Hard Work and Determination.” Despite an early “smack talk” technical foul, freshman Fergie Myrick tallied 10 rebounds and did not play like your average ordinary freshman. The Fords did not stoop to the level on the Bucs, as they took their smack talk as motivation to take their second straight win.
Abington Friends 65, Haverford School 41
“Failing leads the way to greatness!!” –the emphatic words from Junior Jim McConlogue after a hard fought loss to powerful Abington Friends.
   The ball was tipped and the Fords kept it close in the first 8 minutes, something Coach Steve Cloran has been striving for all season. Despite frequent smack talk from the Kangaroos # 44, Junior forward John Haldy set the pace for the Fords with tenacious D and tantalizing jumpers. Senior John Cesarine gave his thoughts, “Guys, we’re in the game, C’mon.” However, AFS proved why they are one of the best teams in the area as they gained a 35 point lead by the 3rd quarter. In the end, AFS was too much for the Fords. With two D-1 recruits, the Kangaroos owned the post throwing down slam-a-jama after slam-a-jama. As Jim said, this game was certainly not the end of the Fords season, but the beginning. The stage was set. Marple-Newtown would feel the wrath of the Fords.
Haverford School 60, Marple-Newtown 51
   “If at first you don’t succeed, lift yourself up and try again!!” – the enthusiastic words from freshman forward Ferguson Myrick as the Fords pick themselves up after a tough loss to AFS with a hard fought win over the Tigers of Marple.
The Fords got off to a sub par start and were down four late in the second quarter. Then, Assistant Coach Mark Fifer gave key reserve and Junior forward, Jimmy McConlogue, the call for duty. Jim, stonefaced, went into the game with butterflies for he did not know what the future would tell. His butterflies soon turned to tenacious pythons ready for war. With five quick points, the Fords went into intermission with a one point lead and the momentum. The Fords came back from halftime with something to prove. Led by Captain Haldy’s 24 points, the Fords took over and the game was in their hands. Sophomore PG Matt “8th wonder of the world” Wunderlich sure did not play like a sophomore at the end of this post Christmas thriller. With terrific ball handling and well executed foul shots, Wunderlich sealed this one in the record books. Fords now 5-6.
Central 51, Haverford School 40
   ????
Haverford School 48, Sun Valley 40
“This is a good win. I know one when I see one.” – Late 4th quarter comments from Senior Brian Dean after a Tuesday night victory over the Vanguards of Sun Valley HS
   The Fords came out strong looking to avenge the loss against Central the week prior. With freshman Fergie Myrick out, someone was going to have to step up. This was not done by an individual but rather the entire team. With a 31-25 lead at half, the Fords were in control. The momentum was in the Fords possession. Heading into the locker room, an excited John Cesarine exclaimed “Open the door!!” The door was opened and “Ces” ran in and gave one of the most exciting halftime speeches in Haverford School history. At halftime, Coach Johnson expressed his thoughts, “The third quarter will make or break us. You know when you’re a kid and your daddy tells you to go fight the bully. Well kids, that’s the bully out there.” With that in mind, the Fords retained their lead going into the fourth quarter. Up 43-40, this was where champions were made. The Fords stifling defense held to the Vanguards at 40 until the game ended.
   The Fords open their Inter-Ac season on Saturday in the tripleheader against Germantown Academy. The Fords will have their hands full with standouts Kyle Griffin and Villanova-bound Andrew Ott. Junior John Haldy enters the game averaging a commanding 17 points per game and looks to continue his prowess in league play.
   Prediction: Haverford takes this one in a thriller. 53-51   A baseline jumper as the clock expires from beyond the arc by Ben Grant lifts the Fords over the Patriots in an Inter-Ac Classic.