Boys Hoops: ACCHS Relies on 3-Pointer to Beat Parkland 64-52

Allentown Central Catholic High School has recently lost two starters. Senior forward Kevin Kern went down with an ankle injury in practice a few weeks ago. Then on Monday night, explosive junior guard Chad Kratzer may have torn a ligament when he stepped on a loose basketball. Just as the Eagles have applied the next man up philosophy with its team, Central seems to be doing the same thing, with similar results.

Keeshawn "the beast" Kellman, coming in for Kern, scored 20 points a few nights ago. Jordan McChristian, coming in for Kratzer, can light up the scoreboard as well. But Tuesday night belonged to sophomore Nick Filchner. He put on a 3-point clinic in the first half against the Parkland Trojans at a crowded Rockne Hall. He was 7 for 7 from downtown.

Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish!

He rolled up an amazing 21 points as Central (15-2) managed to stop a surging Parkland (8-8) for the second time this season by a final score of 64-52.

Nick was scoreless in the second half, prompting me to tease him later that he laid off so other kids could score.

Maybe he did!

I also scolded Kratzer for sitting the game out because he still has one good leg.

In addition to Filchner's 3-point clinic, Jay Vaughan (14 points, 2 3FG) and Dat Lambert (16 points, 2 3FG) added four more from downtown. This gave Central 11 3-point shots for the night.

They are tough to beat when that happens.

McChristian scored eight points on four lay-ups in the second half.

Keeshawn Kellman finished with five, but his real strength was under the boards, grabbing at least 16 rebounds!

That's 16, damn it!

I'd love to tell you how Jake Bartholomew and Logan Rindock from Parkland did, but I neglected to photograph the scorekeeper's book and do not see the boxscores in the dailies. I apologize to any readers from Parkland. They played hard and I am sure they will qualify for playoffs. Parkland is always tough.

Central's next game is a Holy War on Friday night at Bethlehem Catholic. Both teams have clinched playoff spots. Both teams have only two losses apiece all season. But those records go out the window. They will be playing for pride.

Blogger's Note: Other scores from around the area are on my left sidebar. I write up these games if I see no reporter.The video is the opening seconds of the game, in which Dat Lambert scores a 3 on an assist from Keeshawn "the beast"Kellman.