Game 1 vs Neumann Goretti(L: 66-57): A closer game than the score indicates, the Explorers began the week by traveling to perennial PCL powerhouse Neumann Goretti's homecourt. While the Explorers were never able to hold a lead, senior guards Shawn Witherspoon and Dan Corr helped keep the game close by having 16 and 14 points respectively. The Explorers struggled to retain Saints' guards Lamarr Kimble and Quade Green who dominated the floor for the majority of the game. If they Explorers were to see the Saints again, I'm sure it will be a much different game.
Game 2 vs Cardinal O'Hara(W: 59-44): The Explorers entered their first game of exam week with a home match up against Cardinal O'Hara. The Explorers jumped out to a 35-23 lead at the half, playing a majority of the game without senior big man David Krmpotich due to a small injury. Senior Shawn Witherspoon took control of the first half with nine points and three steals. The Explorers went on to easily handle the visiting O'Hara, despite the effort of Lion's junior guard Zakee Griffin's 23 points. Senior guards Najee Walls and Shawn Witherspoon each added 15 points in the winning effort.
Game 3 vs Lansdale Catholic(W: 60-45): Fatigue seemed to be setting in on the Explorers on the final day of exams as they traveled to a packed Lansdale Catholic High School. At the half, the visiting Explorers were tied with the Crusaders 28-28. The Explorers' seemed to be missing open shots and just playing out of character. Coming out of the half, something seemed to click for La Salle, as they went on to outscore Lansdale 32-17 in the second half, led once again by the duo of Shawn Witherspoon and Najee Walls who dropped 17 and 16 points respectively. The game was highlighted by a break away dunk by Najee Walls who smashed it down on top of an LC defender.
Game 4 vs Roman Catholic(W: 56-55): What a way to top off a week of basketball. The Explorers traveled to Holy Family University to take on nationally ranked and number one team in PA, Roman Catholic. The game turned out to be a PCL classic. Each team came out firing, and despite nine turnovers in the first half, the Explorers only found themselves down four entering the third quarter, 30-26. What other guard duo would be leading the Explorers other than seniors Shawn Witherspoon and Najee Walls? Walls went for nine, while Witherspoon went for 10 in the first half. The Explorers were down as much as eight points in the third, before tying the game up at 45 with 6:41 remaining in the final frame. The game was ping ponged back and forth between the two teams, before the Explorers found themselves down 55-54 with 45 seconds remaining and the ball. Shawn Witherspoon drove to the basket and dished to senior big man David Krmpotich who got fouled on his shot. He went on to hit both of his foul shots, putting the Explorers up for good 56-55. Krmpotich added eight blocks to go along with his six points on the night putting on what he called, "A defensive showcase". Shawn Witherspoon led the Explorers with 24 points, while Najee Walls added in 16.
If this string of games means anything, it is that the guards of the La Salle team are one of the most reliable back courts in the PCL. On the week Witherspoon averaged 18 points/game and Walls averaged 14.25 points/game. Consistancy from this back court will cause the Explorers to be an extremely dangerous team and a huge threat in the PCL. Teams should not count out this extremely talented La Salle team.
-Carter Fillman
Follow Carter on Twitter @JohnCarter_____
Follow Whiz Wit on Twitter @WhizWitSports